Imagine walking into the airport on a busy morning. The regular security line stretches far down the terminal, travelers juggling IDs, boarding passes, and laptops. Then, beside that long queue, you notice a shorter line moving with quiet efficiency. 

A traveler steps up to a sleek kiosk, looks into a camera, and within seconds is escorted straight to the screening area.

That is the CLEAR experience.

CLEAR uses secure biometric technology to verify your identity, allowing you to skip the manual ID check and head directly to the security screening area. It can work alongside TSA PreCheck, or by itself, helping travelers save valuable time and reduce stress at many of the busiest airports and stadiums across the United States.

For frequent flyers, long security lines can turn a simple morning flight into a stressful ordeal. CLEAR aims to change that by making the identity check almost instantaneous.

This program has grown quickly since its launch, expanding to more than 70 airports and stadiums nationwide. But the real question travelers ask is simple: Is CLEAR worth it?

In this guide, we will look closely at what CLEAR is, how it works, how much it costs, and how to save money through credit card benefits and airline partnerships. You will also learn where CLEAR is available, how it pairs with TSA PreCheck, and what types of travelers see the most value from membership.

By the end, you will know whether CLEAR fits your travel style and how to make the most of it if you decide to enroll.

What Is CLEAR

CLEAR is a private identity verification program that helps travelers move through airport security more efficiently. Instead of showing a physical ID to a TSA officer, members verify their identity with biometric data, such as their face or eyes, using a CLEAR pod located near the security checkpoint.

Once verified, a CLEAR ambassador escorts the member directly to the front of the physical screening line. From there, the traveler completes the same security process as everyone else – either through the standard screening or, if they are enrolled, through the TSA PreCheck lane.

CLEAR does not replace TSA PreCheck or other government-run Trusted Traveler Programs. Rather, it complements them by speeding up the first step of the airport security process: confirming your identity.

The company behind the service, CLEAR Secure Inc., launched in 2010 with a mission to create safer, faster identity experiences at airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues. The system uses biometric technology that links your face or iris to your verified ID information.

CLEAR Benefits

The biggest advantage of CLEAR is speed. By using facial or iris recognition to verify your identity, CLEAR allows travelers to skip the manual ID check and move straight to the physical screening line. This small but powerful change can save valuable time at some of the busiest airports in the country, especially during peak travel hours.

Shorter lines, touchless verification, and faster access to TSA screening lanes all combine to make airport security less stressful and far more predictable.

Faster Identity Verification

CLEAR replaces the traditional ID check with a quick biometric scan. Instead of presenting your driver’s license or passport to a TSA officer, you simply step up to a CLEAR pod, verify your identity, and proceed to screening. 

This process usually takes less than 30 seconds.

Shorter Wait Times at Busy Airports

CLEAR lanes are located next to standard and TSA PreCheck lines, and members are escorted directly to the front of those lines once their identity has been verified. This means that no matter how long the ID-check line becomes, CLEAR members bypass it entirely.

At busy airports such as Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), and New York (JFK), where morning and evening lines can stretch across terminals, this can cut total wait times from 20 – 30 minutes down to less than 5 minutes.

Seamless Combination with TSA PreCheck

CLEAR works best when combined with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR handles the identity verification, while TSA PreCheck speeds up the physical screening by allowing you to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on. Together, the two programs create the fastest possible security experience available in the United States.

Family-Friendly Access

Families benefit significantly from CLEAR’s flexible policy. Children under 18 can accompany a parent or guardian who has CLEAR for free and do not need to enroll separately. Parents can also add up to three adult family members to their CLEAR account for a discounted price, making it easier for families or groups to travel together.

Nationwide Availability

CLEAR is available at more than 70 airports and stadiums across the United States, including most major travel hubs. The network continues to grow each year, expanding to additional airports and venues through partnerships with airlines such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

Because CLEAR is not limited to airports, members can also enjoy faster entry at select stadiums and entertainment venues, creating value beyond traditional air travel.

Instant Enrollment and Same-Day Use

One of the most convenient features of CLEAR is its quick enrollment process. You can begin registration online and complete it at a CLEAR pod in just a few minutes. There is no appointment required, and once your biometrics are collected, you can begin using your membership immediately – even the same day you enroll.

Reduced Travel Stress

For many travelers, the greatest benefit of CLEAR is peace of mind. Knowing that you can move through the security checkpoint quickly and predictably takes away one of the biggest sources of airport anxiety.

CLEAR is not just about saving time – it is about creating a more comfortable, efficient, and confident travel experience for anyone who values convenience before takeoff.

CLEAR Airports And Venues

CLEAR has grown rapidly across the United States, with dedicated lanes at more than 70 airports and dozens of professional sports and entertainment venues. This expanding network is one of the main reasons travelers and fans alike find CLEAR so valuable. 

Whether you are flying across the country or attending a major game, CLEAR helps you skip the long ID-check line and move faster to your gate or seat.

U.S. Airports That Support CLEAR

CLEAR lanes are available at many of the busiest airports, including nearly every major hub. Below are 15 large airports where travelers can take advantage of expedited identity verification through CLEAR:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)

CLEAR continues to expand to new airports every year, often through partnerships with major airlines like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Most CLEAR lanes are located adjacent to the regular and TSA PreCheck lines, allowing members to enter quickly and proceed directly to screening.

To view the full, up-to-date list of airports with CLEAR lanes, visit the CLEAR Airport Locator on the official CLEAR website. The map also displays lane operating hours and checkpoint locations, helping travelers plan ahead.

Venues And Stadiums That Use CLEAR

Beyond airports, CLEAR members can also enjoy faster entry at professional sports arenas and entertainment venues across the country. CLEAR uses the same biometric verification technology to confirm your identity and speed up entry for games, concerts, and other events.

Below are several major venues where CLEAR is currently available:

• Madison Square Garden – New York City
• Yankee Stadium – New York City
• SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles
• Chase Center – San Francisco
• Coors Field – Denver
• Nationals Park – Washington, D.C.
• State Farm Arena – Atlanta
• T-Mobile Arena – Las Vegas
• Capital One Arena – Washington, D.C.
• Lumen Field – Seattle

These venues represent just a portion of the growing CLEAR presence in live entertainment. The program continues to expand its partnerships with professional sports teams and concert operators, making it easier to get through security and enjoy events without long wait times.

CLEAR also offers a free Sports Membership, which allows you to use CLEAR lanes exclusively at stadiums and arenas. Travelers who want airport access can upgrade to a full CLEAR Plus membership, which includes both airport and venue privileges.

Reserve by CLEAR

In addition to airport and venue access, CLEAR operates a service called Reserve by CLEAR at select airports. This free option allows travelers to schedule a time to go through security by reserving a spot in advance. 

At the airport, you simply scan your QR code in the Reserve lane to move efficiently through the standard screening area.

Reserve by CLEAR is currently available at several major airports, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), and Orlando (MCO). Availability changes frequently, so it is best to check your departure airport on the CLEAR website or app before traveling.

How To Enroll In CLEAR

Enrolling in CLEAR is a quick and simple process. Most travelers complete everything in less than 10 minutes, and in many cases, you can begin using CLEAR lanes the same day you sign up.

CLEAR does not require an appointment or background check, which makes it one of the easiest travel programs to join. The process focuses on verifying your identity through biometrics, such as facial or iris scans, rather than reviewing your personal history.

Here is a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of how to enroll in CLEAR.

Step 1: Visit the Official CLEAR Website

Start by going to the official CLEAR website. Click the “Get CLEAR” or “Enroll Now” button near the top of the homepage.

From there, you can choose between a CLEAR Plus membership (for airport and stadium access) or a free CLEAR Sports membership (for stadiums only). 

If you plan to use CLEAR at airports, select CLEAR Plus.

Step 2: Begin Your Online Registration

You will complete a brief online form that collects basic personal information, including:

• Full legal name (matching your government-issued ID)
• Date of birth
• Contact information (email and phone number)
• Preferred airport or venue for completing enrollment

At this stage, you can also link your Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus account to receive discounted pricing automatically.

Step 3: Complete Your Biometric Verification At A CLEAR Location

Once your online registration is complete, visit a CLEAR pod at a participating airport or venue to finish enrollment. You do not need an appointment, and the process takes only a few minutes.

Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID and be prepared to verify your biometrics. CLEAR staff will capture your face and iris scans, link them to your identity, and confirm your membership.

Accepted forms of identification include:

• U.S. driver’s license
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID
• Permanent resident card
• State-issued ID

Once verified, your membership activates immediately – you can start using CLEAR lanes right away, even that same day.

Step 4: Add Family Members (Optional)

After enrollment, you can log in to your CLEAR account online and add up to three adult family members for $125 each per year. Children under 18 can accompany you through CLEAR lanes for free and do not need to enroll.

This option is especially useful for couples or families who travel together frequently. The flexible definition of “family” from CLEAR also means you can include partners or close friends if you prefer.

Step 5: Use CLEAR At The Airport Or Venue

Using CLEAR is simple and consistent every time you travel.

• Head to the CLEAR lane, located next to the standard and TSA PreCheck lines.
• Step up to a CLEAR pod, where you will scan your face or eyes to verify your identity.
• Once verified, a CLEAR ambassador escorts you to the front of the screening line – either the standard TSA screening or the TSA PreCheck lane if you are enrolled in that program.

The entire process usually takes less than two minutes, saving you valuable time during busy travel periods.

Step 6: Manage Your Membership Online

Your CLEAR account dashboard allows you to:

• Update your payment method or linked loyalty programs
• Add or remove family members
• View your renewal date
• Cancel or pause your membership if needed

You can also download the CLEAR app to view airport wait times, track your membership, or use the Reserve by CLEAR feature to schedule a security time slot at participating airports.

Quick Tips For A Smooth Enrollment

• Use the same name and date of birth that appear on your government-issued ID.
• Bring a valid photo ID to complete your in-person biometric verification.
• Link your Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus account during sign-up to receive discounted pricing.
• Use a credit card with CLEAR statement credits to reduce or eliminate the annual fee.
• Check your airport’s CLEAR lane hours in advance using the CLEAR app or website.

Once you finish these steps, you can start using CLEAR immediately, enjoying faster identity checks and shorter lines every time you travel.

CLEAR Membership Cost And Renewal

Understanding how much CLEAR costs and how to manage your membership will help you get the best value from the program. The good news is that many travelers never pay the full annual fee, thanks to airline partnerships and premium credit card benefits that can cover or reduce the cost entirely.

CLEAR Membership Cost

The standard price for a CLEAR Plus membership is $209 per year. This provides access to dedicated CLEAR lanes at participating airports and stadiums across the United States.

Members can also add up to three adult family members for $125 each per year, allowing everyone in the household to enjoy the same faster security experience. Children under 18 can accompany a CLEAR member through the lane for free and do not need their own membership.

While CLEAR is renewed annually, many travelers reduce or eliminate the cost through airline discounts or credit card perks.

How To Renew Your CLEAR Membership

Renewing your CLEAR Plus membership is easy and takes just a few minutes online. The program automatically renews each year using your saved payment method, but you can update your information or cancel at any time through your CLEAR account dashboard.

Here is how to check or renew your membership:

• Log in to your account at clearme.com or open the CLEAR mobile app.
• Go to the Account Settings section to view your renewal date.
• Confirm your billing information or update your preferred payment method.
• Review any linked airline loyalty accounts to ensure you are still receiving applicable discounts.
• If you prefer not to auto-renew, you can cancel your membership online or contact CLEAR customer support before the next billing date.

Renewal processing happens instantly, and you can continue using CLEAR without interruption once your payment is complete.

When You May Need To Update Your Information

Occasionally, members may need to update personal details to keep their CLEAR account accurate. This may include:

• A change in your legal name
• A new government-issued ID
• A change in address or contact information

You can update most details directly in your online account. If you change your name or ID, you may be asked to visit a CLEAR location to verify your updated information in person.

What Happens If You Miss Your Renewal Date

If your CLEAR membership expires, you can easily reactivate your account by logging in at clearme.com. CLEAR retains your biometric information securely, so you will not need to repeat the full enrollment process. You will simply pay the annual fee and your membership will resume immediately.

If you decide to rejoin after a longer break, CLEAR will credit any remaining time from a previous account, as long as it is linked to the same email address.

How To Get CLEAR For Free Or At A Discount

Many travelers reduce or completely offset the cost of CLEAR through credit cards or airline loyalty programs.

Credit Cards That Cover CLEAR

Several premium and travel credit cards offer annual statement credits for CLEAR Plus membership, effectively bringing your yearly cost to $0.

Popular cards include:

• Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Green Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Each of these cards offers up to $209 in annual statement credits toward CLEAR Plus membership. Simply pay for CLEAR using your eligible card, and the reimbursement will appear automatically on your account within a few days.

Credit Cards That Offer Partial Discounts On CLEAR

Some airline cobranded credit cards do not fully cover the cost of CLEAR Plus but provide automatic discounted pricing for cardholders. These discounts lower the annual CLEAR membership fee from $209 to $169 per year, saving travelers $40 annually.

Popular cards that include this discount:

Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

United MileagePlus® Credit Cards

• The New United Club℠ Card
• The New United Club℠ Business Card
• The New United℠ Business Card
• The New United℠ Explorer Card

Airline Loyalty Discounts

CLEAR partners with major airlines to provide discounted membership rates for their loyalty members:

Delta SkyMiles Members

• Diamond Medallion and Delta 360°: Free CLEAR Plus membership
• Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion: $169 per year
• Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members: $169 per year
• General SkyMiles Members: $199 per year

United MileagePlus Members

• Global Services Members: Free CLEAR Plus membership
• Premier 1K Members: $129 per year
• Premier Platinum, Gold, and Silver Members: $169 per year
• United MileagePlus Credit Card Members: $169 per year
• General MileagePlus Members: $199 per year

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Members

• Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium Members: $199 per year (save $10)
• Elite Members: Earn 1,500 points when enrolling in CLEAR for the first time and 1,250 points each year upon renewal
• General Members: $199 per year (save $10)

You can link your loyalty number during enrollment or anytime afterward through your CLEAR online account to receive the discount automatically.

CLEAR + TSA PreCheck Bundle

CLEAR now offers a bundle that combines five years of TSA PreCheck with one year of CLEAR Plus for a total of $209 for the first year. This is a great option for travelers who want both programs but prefer to pay one combined fee. 

To qualify, you must complete both enrollments within 14 days.

CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry

With several trusted traveler programs now available, many people wonder which one is best for them. CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, and Global Entry all aim to make travel smoother and faster, but each one serves a different purpose.

The right choice depends on how often you travel, whether your trips are domestic or international, and how much value you place on convenience at the airport. Some travelers even combine programs to create the fastest, most predictable airport experience possible.

CLEAR

CLEAR is a private membership program that uses biometric verification (fingerprints or facial recognition) to confirm your identity and let you skip the ID check at security. Once verified, you move directly to the front of the TSA or TSA PreCheck line for physical screening.

CLEAR is available at more than 70 airports and major stadiums across the United States. Membership costs $209 per year, although some airline loyalty programs and credit cards offer discounted rates.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck focuses on domestic air travel. It allows pre-approved travelers to use special lanes at airport security checkpoints. Members can keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and laptops and liquids remain in their bags.

This program is operated directly by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and is ideal for travelers who mainly fly within the United States.

TPA Pro Tip: CLEAR and TSA PreCheck work best together. CLEAR speeds up the identity check process, while TSA PreCheck simplifies the physical screening. Many frequent travelers use both programs to move through security in just a few minutes.

Global Entry

Global Entry is operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and is designed for international travelers. It provides expedited clearance through U.S. Customs when returning from abroad.

Global Entry costs $120 for five years, and the process includes an online application, background check, and in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center.

TPA Pro Tip: A key advantage of Global Entry is that it includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. That means one application gives you the benefits of both programs.

Tips For Using CLEAR Effectively

Once you have CLEAR, a few smart habits can help you get the most out of your membership. These simple but important steps ensure that every trip runs smoothly, from check-in to boarding.

These tips will help you avoid common mistakes, maximize your time savings, and make sure your CLEAR membership works efficiently at every airport or venue.

• Link your airline loyalty accounts. Connect your Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus account to your CLEAR profile. This ensures you receive automatic discounts and helps streamline access at participating airports.
• Check airport coverage before traveling. CLEAR is available at more than 70 airports, but not every terminal or checkpoint has a CLEAR lane. Verify availability through the CLEAR website or mobile app before your flight.
• Combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck. Use CLEAR for identity verification and TSA PreCheck for physical screening. Together, they provide the fastest and most consistent security experience.
• Use the CLEAR app for extra convenience. The mobile app lets you track airport wait times, manage your membership, and use Reserve by CLEAR to schedule a security time slot at select airports.
• Add family members to your plan. Adults can be added for $125 per year, while children under 18 can accompany you for free. This is one of the easiest ways to simplify family travel.
• Bring valid identification for enrollment or updates. Although you will not need to show ID every time you use CLEAR, you may need it if you update your name or renew your membership in person.
• Check your payment and renewal details. Make sure your credit card and billing information are up to date in your CLEAR account to avoid membership interruptions.
• Enroll or renew at the airport. You can join or renew your membership at most CLEAR locations without an appointment, and the process usually takes only a few minutes.
• Stay patient if lines appear long. During peak travel hours, CLEAR lines may temporarily back up. They still move faster than regular ID-check lanes, so you will reach security much sooner.
• Take advantage of CLEAR at stadiums and events. Use your membership to skip long lines at select sports venues and arenas – it is one of the most underrated CLEAR benefits.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Forgetting to link your airline loyalty account during enrollment, which can prevent discounts from applying.
• Assuming every terminal at an airport has a CLEAR lane.
• Waiting until after your renewal date to update your membership or billing details.
• Ignoring the CLEAR app, which provides valuable information about lane hours and airport coverage.
• Skipping TSA PreCheck entirely and missing out on faster physical screening.
• Using a different name or email address than what appears on your government-issued ID, which can delay verification.
• Overlooking family plan benefits and paying for separate memberships unnecessarily.

Final Thoughts

CLEAR is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the stress of airport security. By replacing the manual ID check with fast, secure biometric verification, CLEAR helps travelers move through crowded checkpoints in minutes rather than waiting in long lines.

For frequent flyers, the time saved quickly adds up. Skipping the identification step before screening can save 15 to 30 minutes on busy travel days, turning a potentially stressful experience into a smooth, predictable part of the journey.

Families, business travelers, and anyone who regularly flies through major airports like Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), or New York (JFK) will see the most value. The ability to add family members, bring children for free, and use CLEAR at select sports venues makes the membership even more versatile.

When paired with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR offers the fastest possible airport experience in the United States. You breeze past the ID check with CLEAR and then pass quickly through the TSA PreCheck lane, keeping your shoes and laptop in place while reaching your gate in record time.

Although the annual fee may seem high at first glance, many travelers pay little or nothing out of pocket once credit card credits and airline discounts are applied. With most premium travel cards covering up to $209 per year, CLEAR becomes a free or low-cost convenience that can save hours of waiting time each month.

CLEAR is more than a travel perk – it is an investment in peace of mind. It removes one of the biggest frustrations of air travel and helps you start every trip with confidence and calm.

Kevin Zanes