Guide to using CLEAR at Airports
CLEAR
Find out what CLEAR is, how it works, what benefits you can gain from it, how to use it at the airport and other FAQs.
What is CLEAR?
CLEAR is a security initiative which allows the airport security process to be fast tracked. CLEAR is unique as it uses biometrics of fingerprint and eye-scans to fasten up the process of identity validation.
Passengers with a CLEAR membership can use dedicated lanes and specially trained staff to bypass security in 5 minutes or under at U.S. airports with the initiative.
What are the benefits of CLEAR?
Speed
As the purpose of CLEAR is to speed up the security process for its members, there’s no doubt when saying the main benefit of CLEAR is speed in the airport. As mentioned, passengers who have a membership with CLEAR will not have to wait in line with the crowds and instead can proceed to the fast-track lane for CLEAR passengers only. Here, they will have to confirm their identity by scanning their irises and fingerprints and then proceed with the other passengers to physical screening checks, such as the metal detector.
Safety
CLEAR is certified by the safety act, meaning the biometrics used is safe and correctly verifies people’s identities. CLEAR also state that passenger security their number 1 priority, meaning there is nothing lacking in terms of your personal security. In addition, the biometrics of irises and fingerprints are more accurate in identifying you, as they are personal and individual to you, especially compared to traditional forms of ID.
Spend more time on things you like
With the extra time that you’ve saved being stuck in non-moving queues, think about what you could better spend your time on. Whether that's more time to browse the airport shops, enjoy a special airport lounge, or perhaps enjoying a delicious meal before your fight, anything is better than waiting for an identity check.
Stress
With the peace of mind that you will fast track the stressful queuing process also comes the reduction of stress. Reducing stress is important when flying, as it can lead to some additional health problems. Find out what else you can do to reduce stress, and retain good wellness during your flight here.
Discounts
CLEAR also provide its members discounts through its partnership network. Visit the CLEAR website to see what discounts you can get!
Where can I use
CLEAR?
The following is a list of airports who currently have CLEAR Kiosks:
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Atlanta |
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport Austin |
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport Baltimore |
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Cleveland |
| Dallas Love Field Airport Dallas |
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Dallas |
Denver International Airport Denver |
Detroit Metro Airport Detroit |
| Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Fort Lauderdale |
William P. Hobby Airport Houston |
George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston |
McCarran International Airport Las Vegas |
| Los Angeles International Airport Los Angeles |
Miami International Airport Miami |
Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport Minneapolis |
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport New Orleans |
| Westchester County Airport New York |
LaGuardia Airport New York |
John F. Kennedy International Airport New York |
Orlando International Airport Orlando |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Phoenix |
Salt Lake City International Airport Salt Lake City |
San Antonio International Airport San Antonio |
San Francisco International Airport San Francisco Bay Area |
| Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport San Jose |
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Seattle |
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Washington D.C. |
Dulles International Airport Washington D.C. |
Planning on going to a sporting event? CLEAR is also available at some stadiums in the USA, in selected entrances:
| SunTrust Park Atlanta |
Oriole Park at Camden Yards Baltimore |
Globe Life Park in Arlington Dallas |
Coors Field Denver |
| Comerica Park Detroit |
Banc of California Stadium Los Angeles |
AmericanAirlines Arena Miami |
Target Field Minneapolis |
| Citi Field New York |
Yankee Stadium New York |
Madison Square Garden New York |
Oracle Park San Francisco Bay Area |
| Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum San Francisco Bay Area |
Avaya Stadium San Jose |
CenturyLink Field Seattle |
T-Mobile Park Seattle |
CLEAR FAQs
How do I get CLEAR membership?
Before you can use CLEAR at the airport, you must first enroll to be a member. Enrollment only takes 5 minutes, and can be completed either online or at the airport.
First, you will need to visit the CLEAR website and register your details. Alternatively, you can visit a CLEAR location and register there.
After initial registration, you will need to complete the enrollment process at a CLEAR location. This will involve questions to verify your identity, providing a form of photo ID, providing payment and creating your first scans of your eyes and fingerprint.
Who can qualify for CLEAR?
CLEAR membership is open to US Citizens who are 18 years or older. You must also have a form of approved, valid and unexpired US photo identification such as the following:
- US Driver's License
- US Passport
- US Passport Card
- US-issued Permanent Resident Card
- State Issued ID
- US Military ID
Children who are under 18 years of age can still use the CLEAR lane at the airport without registering, free of charge. However this is only when they are accompanied by a family member who has CLEAR membership.
So what is the difference between CLEAR and other security schemes?
Both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck allow passengers to move more swiftly through the airport, and passengers can use both schemes at once. CLEAR focuses on speeding up the identification process, whereas TSA PreCheck speeds up the security personnel and baggage screening.
Global Entry, however, is a scheme that focuses on fast-tracking the immigration and customs process. Included in the price of Global Entry is TSA PreCheck, but passengers can purchase all three schemes.
How much does CLEAR cost?
Membership for CLEAR costs $179 USD a year, which works out $15 USD a month. This membership is valid for any CLEAR location, including the airports, stadiums and anywhere else they may choose to place their product.