Is CLEAR Security Worth It? I Tested It At America’s Busiest Airport To Find Out  

Airport security can be one of the most time-consuming parts of getting to your gate on time–and the reason why many airlines suggest arriving at the airport hours before your scheduled departure time (eh, no thanks). CLEAR–a top TSA Pre-Check competitor–helps travelers to skip to the front of airport security lines. It’s a great time-saver in busy airports, but CLEAR isn’t cheap at $189 per person per year and it’s not available at every airport. 

Follow along with our CLEAR security review to decide if it’s worth the cost for you. 

What Is CLEAR Security?

CLEAR security is quickly becoming a leading competitor of TSA Pre-Check as CLEAR security.  CLEAR security locations are popping up around the nation’s leading airports as it helps travelers bypass the standard (and notoriously long) security lines. 

More officially speaking, CLEAR security is a biometric identity verification system that allows users to quickly and securely verify their identities at airports and other secure locations. The system uses biometrics such as iris scans, fingerprints, and facial recognition to verify users’ identities. By using CLEAR, travelers can bypass traditional security lines by quickly verifying their identity at security checkpoints. This greatly reduces wait times and helps create a smoother travel experience. 

Beyond airports, CLEAR can also be used for secure access at stadiums, office buildings, and more. It is available in over 60 airports across the US, as well as some versions of airport lounges and other venues in the US and Canada. With CLEAR you can even store your boarding pass digitally on your account for easy check-in.

How CLEAR Works

CLEAR security provides travelers with a quick and secure way to identify themselves at airports and other secure locations. The system works by using biometrics such as iris scans, fingerprints, or facial recognition to authenticate their identity. After your identity is verified, you can skip the standard security lines and quickly pass through the security checkpoint. 

The process is simple and straightforward. First, you create a CLEAR account either online or in-app. Then you securely store your travel documents such as passport, driver’s license or state ID in the account. When it’s time to go through security, you simply present your CLEAR card along with a valid form of identification (usually a passport or driver’s license) to a CLEAR representative at the airport. The representative will then scan your biometric information and verify that it matches the data stored on your CLEAR account. 

Once verified, your CLEAR card will be scanned which gives you access to an exclusive fast lane that takes you directly to the front of the screening line for faster processing. This makes it easier for passengers to make their flights on time while also providing them with added convenience and extra peace of mind that their personal information is being kept secure during this process.

Is CLEAR Security Right For Me? 

Many travelers love CLEAR, however, whether you’re one of those travelers will depend on a few factors. First, the cost isn’t cheap. That alone can be prohibitive to budget-conscious travelers. And it’s not just that it’s not cheap, the value you get for the price is saving time in line–so it becomes a question of how much is your time worth. If saving time is worth the price for you, then it becomes a question of whether it has locations in the airports you travel the most. 

CLEAR is best for: 

• Travelers who frequent busy airports with CLEAR security (e.g., MCO or MIA) 
• Frequent domestic travelers who fly all over the country 
• Travelers who have TSA Pre-Check and are getting tired of the ever-increasing length of TSA Pre-Check lines 
• Travelers who simply hate waiting in line and love arriving to airports as last-minute as possible 

CLEAR is not good for: 

• The occasional traveler 
• Those who largely travel internationally 
• Travelers on a tight budget 

My Experience With CLEAR

In my experience, CLEAR was great. It was such an asset to have at busy airports like Orlando International where the security lines are notoriously ridiculous. Yes, not just long–but ridiculous as in wait times average around one hour and at peak times can be upwards of over two hours. For many (like myself), having CLEAR meant not having to get to the airport four hours early and it also mean that we didn’t miss our flight–despite arriving two hours early for a short-haul domestic flight. 

The reason I will cancel my CLEAR free trial is that, at this time, I don’t travel to enough airports with CLEAR to justify the price. It’s not available in my local airport, and while it is available in Miami, an airport I frequent and one that like Orlando, also has long security lines, I skip the standard security lines at Miami International because I have status with American Airlines and American Airlines offers a private security line for status members and first-class ticket holders. That said, CLEAR isn’t worth the price tag for me right now, but if it were available in the airports where I fly more often, I would absolutely keep it. 

CLEAR Features and What Sets It Apart 

CLEAR security offers travelers a secure and fast method of verifying their identity at airports and other secure locations. The system uses biometrics such as iris scans, fingerprints, and facial recognition to quickly verify users’ identities. This allows travelers to bypass traditional security lines and get through the security checkpoint quickly. 

CLEAR also provides a mobile app that allows travelers to securely store their travel documents such as passport, driver’s license or state ID in their account for easy access. The app also allows users to check-in digitally and store their boarding pass on the account, making it even easier to get through airport security. 

On top of that, CLEAR can be used for more than just airport screenings; it is available in more than 60 airports across the US but also provides secure access at stadiums, office buildings, and other venues in the US and Canada. 

Fast and Easy Enrollment  

It might sound like this should be a given. But in the world of enrolling for security services like this CLEAR is the winner. It’s the only one where you don’t have to make an appointment prior to using it. Instead, you just sign up online and the first time you use CLEAR, a CLEAR rep will validate your info and take your biometric data (e.g., fingerprint scan and retina scan) and you will be on your merry way to the front of the security line. 

Skip the Security Line  

CLEAR delivers on its promise to help you bypass the long security line within a couple of minutes.   You literally just go to the CLEAR line and use an available kiosk to check your data. A CLEAR rep (or agent) then checks off your info, and escorts you to the front of the security line. 

Keep in mind that while you skip the line leading up to the first security checkpoint (where your ID and flight ticket are first checked), it does not skip the security line altogether. You will still have to wait in line to go through the security checkpoint where you send your belongings through the scanner and you walk through the metal detector. 

Family Plans 

One nice thing about CLEAR is that it offers family plans–and you don’t actually have to be family to have a joint plan. So, if you have a travel buddy that you’re often flying with, you can add someone to your plan for $69 per year. This is a solid savings compared to if the second adult purchased their own individual plan separately for the standard $189 per year. So, for two adults on one plan, it would cost about 259, or about $130 per person. 

Adults aside, with CLEAR anyone under the age of 18 can use CLEAR if they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a CLEAR member–no enrollment required. 

Other Identification Features   

Beyond airport security, CLEAR also offers a number of other identification-verification services, such as age verification, virtual queueing and digital check-ins. 

While it’s interesting to see how CLEAR expands, these particular features aren’t likely to be much of a selling point. However, they could potentially be a small added bonus if you happen to be somewhere that uses CLEAR for any of these purposes. 

CLEAR Pricing and Plans

The price for a CLEAR membership is $189 per person per year. It costs an additional $69 per year to add someone to your account. And if you have children, it’s worth noting that children under 18 years of age can use the CLEAR security lanes with a parent or guardian who is a CLEAR member. 

CLEAR pricing at a glance: 

• Price: $189 per person per year 
• Each additional adult: $69 to add additional adults to your CLEAR plan 
• Minors: Those under 18 can use CLEAR for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a CLEAR member 
• Free trial: 30 days 

Learn more about how to get CLEAR membership for free.

CLEAR Security Locations 

CLEAR is rapidly expanding. At this time, CLEAR has over 50 locations across the United States. 

CLEAR Security Locations List 

For an up-to-date list of locations, check the CLEAR website. 

Customer Service and Support

My experience with CLEAR customer support is admittedly fairly limited. But I would say that’s a good thing as it means nothing went wrong and there was no use for additional CLEAR support. I will say that all of the representatives I dealt with during my various times using CLEAR were very friendly, nice and helpful. I did have a little snag when I first signed up where the kiosk wasn’t able to read my ID card (my driver’s license) and I did not have a second form of ID on me. The CLEAR rep was patient and helpful. And after many attempts, it finally worked.

CLEAR Alternatives & How They Compare 

CLEAR vs TSA Pre-Check 

CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check offer travelers the same benefit: a fast track through airport security. Both provide more streamlined clearance process, allowing travelers to bypass long lines and get through security faster. However, the two programs differ in several key ways. 

One of the biggest differences between CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check is cost. TSA Pre-Check requires an enrollment fee of around $85, which grants you access for five years. By comparison, CLEAR has a much higher price tag ranging from $15 per month up to $179 per year, depending on your plan and discounts offered. 

The second difference between the two services is the type of biometric technology used for verification. While both use biometrics such as iris scans, fingerprints or facial recognition to verify identities, CLEAR also utilizes 3D imaging technology that takes multiple shots of a person’s face to ensure a secure match with the data stored on their account. This extra level of security provides added convenience and peace of mind for travelers that their information is secure when using CLEAR. 

Finally, another difference between the two services is location availability. TSA Pre-Check is available in over 200 airports across the United States. While CLEAR only available in over 60 airports across the US and some versions of airport lounges and other venues in the U.S. and Canada. For those who frequently travel domestically within the U.S., TSA Pre-Check may be more convenient since it covers more domestic airports than CLEAR does at this time.

CLEAR vs Global Entry 

CLEAR and Global Entry are both programs that help travelers pass through security lines faster and more securely. Both programs use biometric technology such as fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition to identify and verify travelers’ identities. The main difference between these two services come down to location availability, cost, and the type of biometric technology used for verification. 

In terms of location availability, CLEAR is only available in over 60 airports across the US and some versions of airport lounges and other venues in US and Canada. On the other hand, Global Entry is available at over 70 international airports across the world (including those in the US). It also covers land borders when entering or exiting from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean region. This makes Global Entry far more widely available than CLEAR. 

The cost of membership also varies between these two services. For Global Entry, there is an enrollment fee of around $100 which grants you access for five years. Whereas, CLEAR costs $189 per year per person.

Our Expert Opinion 

In my opinion, CLEAR offers a great security experience at a reasonable price for high-frequent domestic travelers. It was very easy to use and set up. Unlike TSA Pre-Check you don’t need any special appointments with the government to get approved. This makes the registration process a lot easy and faster. And speaking of fast, the security process with CLEAR really is a breeze. All you do is go to the CLEAR security line. From there, simply use the kiosk to check your data. A CLEAR representative walks you to the front of the security line as if you’re a celebrity. 

The downside is that even if you’re a frequent traveler, that doesn’t mean that it’s available everywhere you fly. It’s not currently available abroad and it’s not located in every airport–never mind every terminal of every airport. So, if it’s not located in the terminals of the airports you often fly, it’s likely not worth the price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)