Clear Offers Expedited Airport Security Via Biometrics

Clear, a private identity verification service, offers expedited airport security through its paid membership program, Clear Plus. This service utilizes biometrics, primarily facial scans, to automate identity verification at participating U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, allowing members to bypass standard lines. Clear is currently available at 62 U.S. airports and boasts millions of members nationwide. The service also extends expedited entry to select stadiums and other venues.

To use Clear, passengers first undergo identity verification in a dedicated Clear lane using biometric authentication, such as a facial or iris scan at a kiosk. This process replaces the need for a TSA agent to review a traveler's identification. While Clear significantly speeds up the identity check, TSA may still randomly select Clear users for an ID check, meaning travelers must still carry their identification, such as a Real ID or passport. Following biometric verification, a Clear representative escorts members to the security screening area, bypassing the initial ID check queue.

The annual cost for Clear Plus is $219. However, various credit cards offer full or partial coverage for this membership fee. For instance, The Points Guy (TPG) is offering a special promotion that includes $40 off the first year of membership and a complimentary booking of Clear Concierge, valued at $99. These discounts and benefits aim to offset the annual cost and make the service more accessible to travelers seeking to reduce airport wait times.