CLEAR Plus Expedited Airport Security: Details & Discounts

Benefits of CLEAR Plus

The true benefit of CLEAR Plus is the extra layer of security it provides when checking into the airport. Biometrics is a significant step up in security beyond an agent glancing at your ID then back up to you to make sure you're the person you say you are.

While security is very important, the primary selling point for CLEAR at the moment is the fact that many don't have it. Glancing at an ID and looking into a biometric scanner takes about the same time, but the big difference is that very few people have CLEAR whereas very many people have TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

This means the lines for CLEAR will be significantly shorter and thus it will be the fastest option at the airports that have it. So until it gets more popular and becomes more mainstream, having CLEAR membership is basically like paying for VIP to skip lines at airports, stadiums, and other venues.

How Does CLEAR Plus Work?

Using CLEAR Plus is simple:

• At CLEAR-equipped locations, follow signs to the CLEAR kiosks.
• A CLEAR agent will guide you through the process. You’ll use facial recognition or fingerprint scanning to verify your identity.
• Once verified, you’ll receive a ticket to hand to the TSA agent, bypassing the manual ID check, and proceed to the screening line.

Most locations have separate CLEAR stations for TSA PreCheck and standard screening lines. For instance, Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) offers CLEAR for both lines due to their distance from each other.

CLEAR Plus & TSA PreCheck: A Winning Combination

CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck serve different purposes but complement each other. CLEAR expedites the ID verification process, while TSA PreCheck speeds up the screening process by eliminating the need to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, and electronics.

If you frequently travel through airports without CLEAR, maintaining TSA PreCheck is worthwhile for its screening benefits.

Common Complaints About CLEAR Plus

Some argue that CLEAR adds an unnecessary expense to expedited security when TSA PreCheck already exists. However, this comparison misses the mark. CLEAR enhances the ID verification process, whereas TSA PreCheck focuses on the screening process.

The low enrollment numbers for CLEAR mean shorter lines, making it faster than TSA PreCheck in many cases. Think of it as the biometric equivalent of upgrading from manual processes (like paper checks) to digital solutions (like mobile wallets).

As CLEAR grows in popularity, the lines may eventually match TSA PreCheck, but for now, it’s the quickest option at supported locations.

How Much Does CLEAR Cost?

CLEAR membership costs $199 per year, with the option to add up to three adults for $119 each annually. Children under 18 can use CLEAR for free when traveling with a member.

There's several ways you can obtain discounts or free months with CLEAR:

Delta SkyMiles Member Discount

Delta has been partnered with CLEAR since they re-introduced themselves to the airport security market. The discount you receive with Delta will depend on your Delta Medallion Status or whether you're a Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardholder. The table below has the breakdown.

United MileagePlus Member Discount

United is partnered with CLEAR the same way that Delta is. Discounts are based on United Premier Status or whether or not you have a United Credit Card. The table below breaks it down.

HawaiianMiles Member Discount

HawaiianMiles members will receive discounts based on HawiianMiles status and miles flown. The table below breaks it down.

Alaska MileagePlan Member Discount

All Alaska MileagePlan members receive special discount pricing of $189 per year which is a $10 discount offer the standard cost.

In addition to that, MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75k and MVP Gold 100k members will receive 1,500 miles for enrolling in CLEAR Plus for the first time at the $189 rate, and 1,250 miles for renewing/reinstating their CLEAR Plus accounts at the $189 rate.

This isn't as big of a discount offered to elites in the Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlan programs, but still better than paying the standard rate.

Participating Airports and Venues

CLEAR Lanes are available at 50+ locations nationwide, including major airports and venues:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Visit CLEAR’s official locations page to see the full list of supported airports, stadiums, and venues. Familiarizing yourself with these locations ensures you get the most value out of your membership.

Credit Cards that offer CLEAR membership

There are several credit cards that offer complimentary CLEAR membership with discounts that covers the entire membership cost. Those cards are:

• American Express® Green Card: Use the card to pay for your membership and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Receive up to $199 per calendar year in statement credits, when you pay for a CLEAR Plus Membership with your card.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.

Is CLEAR Worth It?

If you frequently travel through airports or visit venues that support CLEAR, the time savings and convenience can make it a worthwhile investment. Its growing presence and integration with TSA PreCheck create a seamless experience for frequent travelers seeking the fastest security lines available.