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I know I'm not alone on this, but I HATE waiting in lines. One of the most frustrating aspects of air travel is waiting in airport security lines. When you leave for the airport, unless there’s an accident or some other delay, you know how long it will take you to get there. Unfortunately, this is not the case for getting through airport security. It can take just a few minutes in an empty airport or over an hour during busy times. Or you can be stuck behind a family of first‑time flyers who manage to break every golden rule possible.
So, how do you get through security faster? The answer is CLEAR®—specifically a CLEAR+ membership. Available in most major U.S. airports, CLEAR+ uses your face to verify your identity at airport security, helping you get to your gate faster across CLEAR’s nationwide network. This article provides more details about CLEAR+, how it works, how you can join, and why it might just be the travel hack you’ve been looking for.
To get a CLEAR+ membership, you must be:
The annual price of an individual CLEAR+ membership is $199. However, you can get 2 months of free membership via iFly.com. Simply enroll online in minutes, then finish at any CLEAR location—no appointment needed.
If you’re a frequent traveler, CLEAR+ also offers family plans. You can add up to three adult family members to your account for $119 each per year. Plus, children under 18 can use the CLEAR Lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR+ member, making family travel smoother.
Search any airport to see status, amenities, and travel information.
Airport status is only available for US airports
CLEAR+ subscribers can proceed to the security checkpoint and go straight to the CLEAR+ kiosks, where they will be met by a CLEAR Ambassador. The Ambassador will ask for a boarding pass and assist during the biometric scan. Afterward, the Ambassador will escort the traveler directly to the TSA line (either the standard line or the TSA PreCheck line), where the TSA Agent will only require a boarding pass. The rest of the process is the same, including a luggage scan and metal detector and/or body scan.
The beauty of CLEAR+ is that it bypasses the need for traditional ID verification at TSA checkpoints. I remember the first time I used CLEAR+ at LAX—I was in awe of how much time it saved me. Gone were the days of fumbling through my wallet for my driver’s license while juggling my luggage and shoes. With CLEAR, a quick scan of my eyes, and I was off to the TSA line in no time.
TSA PreCheck AND CLEAR+ make a great combination if you subscribe to both. You can think of it this way: CLEAR speeds up the process of identification, and TSA PreCheck (aka TSA Pre) speeds up the physical process of going through security.
According to the TSA, air travel volumes in airports are close to “normal” levels, and more and more people are discovering TSA PreCheck. That means even with this credential, you could still be waiting longer than expected. However, having both CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck will speed up the entire process in several ways. Aside from a dedicated line, you also get the benefit of not having to take your shoes off (which we think is kinda gross)!
From my experience, combining CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck is the ultimate hack for hassle-free travel. On one of my trips through JFK, I breezed through security in less than 5 minutes—an experience that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
Learn more about TSA PreCheck and how to enroll.
More U.S. airports are adopting the service over time as the CLEAR+ program becomes more popular. Here’s an up-to-date list of current CLEAR+ Airport locations (sorted by Airport FAA Code):
Real-Time Flight Status
The same biometric technology that moves travelers through airport security now lets fans breeze into some of the busiest stadiums and arenas in the country. Just open the free CLEAR app, show the on‑screen QR code at the dedicated lane, and you’re inside—no paid membership required.
Current locations include:
Entry through these lanes is free for anyone who has set up a basic CLEAR+ account, and each member can bring one adult guest; children under 18 simply walk through with you. The company continues to add new venues, so check the “Sports & Events” section of the CLEAR app before your next game or concert.
Whether you’re catching a flight or catching a foul ball, the service offers the same fast, touchless identity check—so you spend less time in line and more time enjoying the action.
