Clear airport security checkpoint

CLEAR Airport Guide

Explore Today's Deals

iFly.com
Tony Hanseder
iFly.comiFly.com

CLEAR Airport Security Guide

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 have managed to break every golden rule possible.

So, how do you jump to the front of the line? The answer is CLEAR airport security. Available in most major U.S. Airports, CLEAR is a subscription-based service that uses biometrics (fingerprints and iris scans) to validate your identity. This article provides more details about the CLEAR program, how it works, how you can join, and why it might just be the travel hack you've been looking for.

Clear Ambassador assisting a traveler at airport security checkpoint

CLEAR Enrollment and Fees

To get a CLEAR subscription, you must be:

  • A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; and
  • Over 18 years of age.

The list price of a CLEAR subscription is $189/year. However, you can get 2 months of free membership via a partnership with iFly.com. After the free trial, the discounted initial enrollment is just $154!

Applying to the program is straightforward. The first step is to enroll online. Then, all you need to do is show up at one of the CLEAR airport locations to complete your enrollment—there’s no need for an appointment. Just bring a photo ID that matches your membership application.

But here’s a tip: if you’re a frequent traveler, CLEAR also offers family plans. You can add up to three adult family members to your account for $60 each per year. Plus, children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR member. It’s a great way to make family travel smoother.

How CLEAR Works at the Airport

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.

CLEAR and TSA PreCheck: A Great Combo!

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.

Clear line icon on a transparent background

CLEAR Airports

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):

CLEAR At Major Venues

CLEAR is known for its airport security expediting service, but did you know it’s also available at a variety of non-airport venues across the United States? The company has expanded its reach to provide users with seamless access to stadiums, arenas, and other entertainment venues.

In New York City, CLEAR can be used at both Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden. San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors can take advantage of CLEAR services at Oracle Park and PayPal Park. Sports fans in Austin, Texas, can use CLEAR to enter Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, while those in Arlington, Texas, can access Globe Life Field with the technology.

Other locations where CLEAR is available include Coors Field in Denver, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, FTX Arena in Miami, Target Field in Minneapolis, AT&T Center in San Antonio, and Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

CLEAR is committed to providing users with a convenient and secure identification solution not only in airports but also in various entertainment venues across the country. As the company continues to grow, it is likely that more locations will adopt CLEAR’s technology to enhance the visitor experience.

FAQ: CLEAR Airport Security Guide

CLEAR is a subscription-based service that uses biometrics (fingerprints and iris scans) to validate your identity and expedite the airport security process.
The list price of a CLEAR subscription is $189/year, but you can get a discounted rate of $154/year after a 2-month free trial via a partnership with iFly.com.
To enroll in CLEAR, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and over 18 years of age.
Enroll online and then complete your enrollment at a CLEAR airport location by bringing a photo ID that matches your membership application. No appointment is needed.
Yes, you can add up to three adult family members to your account for $60 each per year. Children under 18 can use the CLEAR lane for free when accompanied by a CLEAR member.
CLEAR subscribers go to the CLEAR kiosks at the security checkpoint, where a CLEAR Ambassador assists with the biometric scan and escorts them to the TSA line.
Combining CLEAR with TSA PreCheck speeds up both the identification process and the physical security screening, making the entire process faster and more convenient.
CLEAR is available at many major U.S. airports, including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), Los Angeles International (LAX), and John F. Kennedy International (JFK), among others.
Yes, CLEAR is also available at various stadiums, arenas, and other entertainment venues across the United States, such as Yankee Stadium in NYC and Oracle Park in San Francisco.
CLEAR bypasses the need for traditional ID verification at TSA checkpoints, saving time and reducing the hassle of finding and presenting physical IDs.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport