Is CLEAR Worth It? An Honest Review to Help You Decide

The security line at FLL stretched endlessly before me, mocking my carefully planned 2-hour buffer. We watched helplessly as precious minutes ticked away — until a blur of movement caught my eye. A steady stream of travelers breezed through a separate lane marked “CLEAR,” bypassing the glacial pace of standard screening.

After 45 frustrating minutes watching these seeming VIPs zip through security, I decided to investigate whether CLEAR’s biometric fast-pass was worth its $199 annual investment.

Three months and six airports later, I’ve discovered CLEAR’s value extends far beyond just skipping lines. Between unexpected perks like Avis Preferred Plus status and stadium access, to the fascinating biometric technology powering those sleek pods, CLEAR offers an intriguing package that transforms the entire travel experience.

However, those benefits come with notable trade-offs, such as limited airport availability and membership restrictions that might not align with every traveler’s needs.

My real-world testing revealed surprising insights into actual time savings, clever ways to slash the membership fee, and how CLEAR compares to (or works alongside) TSA PreCheck.

I’ve documented every scan, line skipped, and dollar spent to help you determine whether CLEAR deserves a spot in your travel toolkit. Let’s explore the true value of trading your fingerprints for faster security and why that trade-off might mean something different for every traveler.

What Is CLEAR And How It Works

I’ll never forget my first encounter with CLEAR at Terminal 4 — standing there at 5:30 AM, bleary-eyed and clutching my usual grande americano.

The CLEAR ambassador’s cheerful “Good morning!” caught me off guard as she guided me toward what looked like something straight out of Star Trek. No more juggling my driver’s license while trying to keep my laptop bag from sliding off my roller suitcase; just a quick finger scan and I was through.

The Biometric Identity System

The first time I placed my fingers on CLEAR’s sleek biometric scanner, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in a spy movie. The system uses your unique physical characteristics — fingerprints and iris patterns that are as unique as you are — to verify your identity.

Gone are the days of fishing through your wallet for ID or frantically searching for a crumpled boarding pass at the bottom of your bag. Your body becomes your boarding pass (and trust me, that’s one thing you definitely won’t forget in your hotel room).

The Step-By-Step Process

Let me walk you through the typical CLEAR experience — it’s simple once you’ve completed the initial enrollment:

  1. Spot those distinctive CLEAR lanes (they’re usually marked with bright blue signs)
  2. Walk up to a CLEAR pod where an ambassador greets you
  3. Place your fingers on the scanner or look into the iris reader
  4. Follow your CLEAR ambassador as they escort you past the regular security line

Here’s the thing though — you’ll still need to do the security shuffle (shoes off, laptops out) unless you’ve got TSA PreCheck. But bypassing that initial ID check line? That could possibly save you from missing a few flights while avoiding headaches along the way.

clear airport program

CLEAR Plus Membership Costs And Options

Last month, I found myself staring at my phone in the terminal, desperately trying to justify the CLEAR Plus membership price tag.

After 47 minutes of research (and nearly missing my boarding time), I discovered a goldmine of discounts that transformed this seemingly expensive service into a surprisingly reasonable investment — especially for someone who spends hundreds of hours in airport security lines.

CLEAR Plus vs. Basic Membership

After months of membership, tests, and plenty of flights, I’ve learned there’s a significant difference between CLEAR’s two membership categories.

  • CLEAR Plus — the one at $199 per year — gives you full access to those time-saving airport lanes that some come to depend on. Some even swear it has helped them breeze through a 45-minute security line in under 5 minutes.
  • The Basic Membership is free, but — and this is a big but — it won’t get you through airport security any faster. I started with Basic initially, thinking I’d scored a deal, only to realize it’s limited to identity verification at select venues and storing some personal info in the CLEAR app.

For frequent travelers, CLEAR Plus is the one you need. It’s pricey, but those minutes saved at airport security can add up to hours over the year—time you would much rather spend at your gate, enjoying your second cup of coffee.

Family Plan Details

Here’s where things get interesting — and where I wish I’d done my homework sooner. After paying full price for my wife’s own membership (rookie mistake), I discovered I could’ve added my wife for just $119 per year.

If you have a partner, you can do the same. Furthermore, if you have any children under 18, they get to zip through the CLEAR lane with you for free, making your holiday travels less chaotic. The savings really add up when you’re managing multiple travelers.

Ways To Save Money

Airline Member Discounts

A Delta SkyMiles membership — even at the basic level — unlocks some serious savings:

  • Basic members: $189 annually ($10 savings)
  • Higher-tier members: $159 ($40 savings)
  • Delta Diamond Medallion and United Premier 1K: Completely free

Credit Card Benefits

The credit card perks caught me by surprise — in a good way:

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $189 annual CLEAR credit
  • American Express® Green Card: $189 annual CLEAR credit
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Similar statement credits

Special Promotions

I’ve also spotted several money-saving opportunities:

  • New member welcome rates (I missed this one, unfortunately)
  • Family member trial periods
  • TSA PreCheck combo deals
  • Student discounts that would’ve saved me $50 if I’d signed up two months earlier, and if I was still a student
  • They usually run multiple promotions on their website, so always keep an eye out for the latest ones

Free Membership Opportunities

Essentially, after research and countless conversations with fellow travelers in the CLEAR lane, I’ve discovered several paths to completely free membership:

    • Delta Diamond Medallion status (my seatmate’s secret to free access)
  • United Premier 1K membership
  • Select American Express cards (through statement credits)
  • Special partnerships with sports teams (how my friend got his free membership at Yankee Stadium)

A pro tip from my expensive learning curve is to stack these discounts whenever possible. Use that American Express card to pay for your airline-discounted rate — a combination that essentially makes your membership free. So, I hope those 47 minutes of research at the airport ultimately proved worthwhile, even if I did have to sprint to my gate.

TSA Precheck vs. CLEAR: Making The Right Choice

CLEAR vs. TSA

How often do you find yourself doing that familiar airport dance — shuffling between security lanes, coffee in hand, watching fellow travelers plot their chosen paths?

Some breeze through CLEAR’s biometric scanners, others kick off their shoes in TSA PreCheck lanes, and a few savvy regulars seemed to float through both. That’s when it hit me — these two services, while often lumped together, are as different as checking into a hotel and getting your room cleaned.

Key Differences In Service

CLEAR streamlines the ID verification process using biometrics, helping you bypass the document check line. TSA PreCheck speeds up the security screening process, allowing you to keep your shoes on, laptops packed, and toiletries in your bag.

Think of CLEAR as your VIP escort past the document check (though you’ll still need to go through security screening), while TSA PreCheck is your express lane through the metal detectors and bag scan — no more awkward shoe-removal dance in public.

Cost Comparison

Let me recap what you’ll pay for these services:

  • CLEAR: $199 annually ($16.59 per month) — about the cost of four airport lattes
  • TSA PreCheck: $78 for five years ($1.30 per month) — less than a single airport snack

As mentioned, I winced at CLEAR’s price tag initially, but after missing a flight in Denver due to a massive security line, that annual fee suddenly felt worth every penny.

TSA PreCheck’s five-year membership, meanwhile, costs less than my checked bag fees for a single round-trip flight. So, the decision ultimately comes down to this: Is the convenience worth the cost for your travel needs?

Coverage And Availability

TSA PreCheck has saved me time at tiny regional airports and major hubs alike — it’s available at over 200 locations. CLEAR? It’s only used at 58 airports, but here’s the kicker — it can get you into a sold-out Yankees game, thanks to their sports venue access.

My favorite travel hack came after missing a connection in Miami last year: Global Entry programs ($100/five years) include TSA PreCheck and shaved 45 minutes off my customs wait time. For just $22 more than standard PreCheck, it’s become my go-to recommendation for anyone who ventures abroad more than once a year and is a great option to consider if you’re still not ready to go CLEAR.

Combining Both Services

One morning at JFK Terminal 4, I timed myself: 3 minutes from the entrance to the gate using both services. Here’s my typical route:

  • Scan fingerprints at CLEAR (35 seconds)
  • Skip to PreCheck lane (no shoe removal, no laptop juggling)
  • Total time savings: usually 30-45 minutes during peak hours

Yes, maintaining both memberships costs me about $218 annually (averaged over five years), but considering I fly twice monthly, that’s roughly $9 per trip for significant stress reduction. Though, not everyone needs both or any of the two. It’s all about you.

Which One Fits Your Needs

After juggling various combinations, here’s what I’ve learned:

For TSA PreCheck:

  • Perfect if you’re like my cousin— flies 4-5 times yearly from smaller airports
  • Ideal when traveling with kids (they can join you through age 12)
  • Best value if you’re watching your travel budget but hate removing shoes

For CLEAR:

  • Life-changing if you’re running late for a 6 AM flight from Atlanta, Chicago, or other major hubs
  • Worth it for sports fans (My friend used it at 12 different stadiums this year)
  • Essential during holiday rushes — I made a tight connection last Christmas while the regular line snaked through Terminal B

For Both Services:

  • Ideal for road warriors like my friend Sarah, who hits 50+ flights annually
  • Smart if your home airport is a major hub with frequent delays
  • Practical when you can snag CLEAR discounts through Delta Diamond status or an Amex Platinum (Can save up to $100 on your membership)

Remember my missed flight in Denver? That $199 CLEAR membership would’ve saved me $643 in last-minute rebooking fees. Sometimes the best value isn’t about the upfront cost — it’s about the headaches (and expenses) you avoid along the way.

The CLEAR Lane

The Complete Benefits Package

Last Tuesday, I sprinted through LAX in record time — exactly 4.3 minutes from curb to gate — thanks to my CLEAR membership. But here’s the thing: while most people know CLEAR as their “skip-the-line” airport savior, I’ve discovered it’s packed with perks that my $199 annual investment keeps surprising me with.

Airport Security Advantages

The first time I used CLEAR, I fumbled at the kiosk like a tech-challenged tourist (much to the amusement of my wife). Now, after 47 flights, the routine is second nature — place fingers here, quick eye scan there, and whoosh. It’s intuitive enough that even the least tech-savvy traveler can master it in no time.

And the bonus? No more juggling my passport while my coffee threatens to spill everywhere. The CLEAR ambassador — shoutout to Marcus at Denver International who always remembers my name — escorts me straight to the screening area.

Stadium and Venue Access

Remember that feeling of waiting in a massive line at a stadium or concert venue? While thousands waited in a line that snaked through the parking lot, you can walk through the CLEAR lane in under 3 minutes. The same biometric magic that works at airports transforms the entry experience at major sports venues and concert halls nationwide.

I’ve used it at Yankee Stadium (saved 45 minutes on opening day), Citi Field (where the dedicated CLEAR lane feels like a secret passageway), and various NFL stadiums where regular entry lines can stretch longer than a Tom Brady touchdown pass.

Avis Preferred Plus Status

The Avis status upgrade caught me by surprise — and saved my business trip to Chicago last month. Without a single rental under my belt, I suddenly had:

  • Guaranteed vehicle availability (a lifesaver during the rental car shortage)
  • Sweet car upgrades (hello, BMW X5 for the price of a standard SUV)
  • Skip-the-counter service (bye-bye, 45-minute rental counter lines)
  • Extra points on rentals (already earned enough for a free weekend rental)

Additional Travel Perks

The lesser-known perks have become my secret weapons. Last week, I used Health Pass to breeze through venue verification. The Mobile Passport feature saved me 30 minutes clearing customs at Miami International — worth its weight in gold after a red-eye from São Paulo.

I’ve even used my CLEAR-verified identity to buy wine at Total Wine without digging for my driver’s license (though I still get carded at my age— not complaining). And during a tight connection at DFW, I snagged a last-minute reservation at Cafe Pacific using CLEAR’s priority restaurant booking system.

So, while many initially signed up to skip airport security lines, they might find themselves using CLEAR benefits for a lot more—from stadium entry to car rentals to restaurant bookings. It’s one of those rare memberships that delivers more value than promised,but only if you actively take advantage of the benefits.

Potential Drawbacks To Consider

Last month, I found myself standing in the CLEAR lane at LAX, watching helplessly as the biometric scanner repeatedly failed to read my fingerprints. After three attempts — and feeling the impatient stares of fellow travelers — I sheepishly made my way to the regular security line. That experience prompted me to take a harder look at CLEAR’s limitations.

Limited Airport Availability

My wake-up call came during a visit to Billings, Montana. While CLEAR worked flawlessly at FLL (my home airport), the smaller Billings Logan International didn’t offer the service. That $199 membership suddenly felt a lot less valuable. Currently, CLEAR operates in just 58 U.S. airports, primarily focusing on major hubs like JFK, LAX, and O’Hare.

Before you pull out your credit card, I’d strongly recommend checking CLEAR’s airport list against your typical travel patterns. I learned this lesson the expensive way — about 40% of my regular routes don’t even offer the service.

System Reliability Issues

Remember that fingerprint fiasco I mentioned? It’s not an isolated incident. During the holiday rush last December, a CLEAR pod completely shut down. The poor CLEAR ambassador had to redirect a dozen frustrated members (myself included) to the standard security queue.

Even when the system works perfectly, I’ve noticed CLEAR lanes developing their own mini-queues during peak times:

  • Monday mornings (business travel rush)
  • Holiday periods
  • Major events or conventions
  • Early morning international departures

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Let’s talk money — because at $199 annually, CLEAR isn’t cheap. I’ve thoroughly tracked my travel expenses over the past year, and here’s how CLEAR stacks up against other security programs:

  • CLEAR: $199/year ($16.58 per month)
  • TSA PreCheck: $15.60/year (averaged over five years)
  • Global Entry: $20/year (averaged over five years)

The math gets even more interesting when you consider what CLEAR doesn’t cover. While CLEAR helps you breeze through the ID check, you’ll still need TSA PreCheck for expedited screening at security, and Global Entry for faster customs processing during international travel.

CLEAR focuses on the ID check, but TSA PreCheck and Global Entry fill in the gaps for a smoother overall experience.

Privacy Considerations

Here’s what made me pause before signing up: CLEAR stores an impressive amount of personal data, including:

  • My fingerprints
  • Iris scans
  • Photos
  • Government ID information
  • Credit card details

While their security measures seem robust (I actually grilled a CLEAR representative about their encryption protocols), I still feel a twinge of unease knowing my biometric data lives in a private company’s database. Their privacy policy — which I admittedly read cover-to-cover before enrolling — mentions sharing certain information with partners and service providers.

Just last week, my cybersecurity-obsessed brother-in-law pointed out that while CLEAR hasn’t experienced any major security breaches, the increasing value of biometric data makes their databases an attractive target. It’s something I consciously choose to accept, but I completely understand why others might not.

The impact of these drawbacks really depends on your travel patterns. As someone who flies weekly between major hubs, I’ve mostly made peace with CLEAR’s limitations. But when I mentioned the service to my aunt in Bozeman — who mainly uses regional airports — we quickly agreed it wouldn’t be worth it for her. Your mileage, quite literally, may vary.

Enrollment Journey

Who Should Get CLEAR?

When deciding whether CLEAR is right for you, it’s important to consider how often you travel, the type of travel experiences you typically have, and how much you value convenience.

While CLEAR can provide a quicker, smoother airport experience, it’s not for everyone. In the following sections, we’ll break down the factors to help you determine if this service aligns with your travel needs.

Frequent Travelers

After logging 47 flights last year (and counting every precious minute saved), I’ve found CLEAR to be a game-changer for frequent flyers. The value becomes crystal clear when you:

  • Regularly fly through major hubs like Atlanta or Denver where CLEAR lanes shine
  • Glide through those dreaded Monday morning business rushes
  • Need that extra 15 minutes of sleep knowing security won’t be a wild card
  • Can stack membership discounts with your hard-earned airline status

Let’s talk real numbers — if you’re flying twice monthly through CLEAR airports, each use costs about $8.29. For regular travelers, that investment pays off quickly, especially when you factor in the time saved by bypassing long security lines and avoiding the unpredictability of airport delays.

For those who frequently travel through major hubs or need to maximize efficiency, CLEAR can easily prove its worth with just a few uses.

Sports Enthusiasts

Trust me, nothing stings quite like missing the first pitch because you’re stuck in a stadium security line. I learned this the hard way before discovering CLEAR’s venue access. The service can save your game day at:

  • MLB ballparks
  • NFL stadiums during those packed Sunday showdowns
  • NBA arenas for last-minute weeknight games
  • Major concert venues when everyone’s rushing to catch the opener

That same membership that speeds up your airport morning can get you through stadium gates in seconds — a particularly sweet deal during playoff season when lines snake around the block. Just remember that, if you’re only looking for venue access, the free plan is all you need.

Business Travelers

As someone who spends hundreds of nights in hotels when needed, I’ve watched business travelers practically sprint to CLEAR kiosks. Here’s why it resonates with the corporate crowd:

  • Those 8 AM client meetings don’t flex around TSA delays
  • Major business hubs (looking at you, Chicago O’Hare) have CLEAR lanes
  • Many companies now cover the membership fee
  • Elite status often unlocks significant discounts

Covered membership fee? That’s right! Many companies recognize the value of CLEAR as a productivity tool, offering it as an expense to streamline travel and minimize time lost in security lines. This makes it a practical investment for frequent business travelers looking to enhance efficiency. Just got to have a chat with your boss.

Occasional Travelers

Even my relative, who flies maybe three times a year, asked if CLEAR was worth it for her family. Here’s the honest breakdown I shared from my experience:

  • Count your yearly trips through CLEAR-equipped airports
  • Think about when you typically fly (holiday rushes hit differently)
  • Check your credit cards for hidden CLEAR discounts
  • Consider TSA PreCheck as an alternative

For reference, I paid $78 for five years of PreCheck before upgrading to CLEAR. The occasional traveler might stick with PreCheck unless they:

  • Mainly fly through airports where CLEAR operates
  • Travel during those nightmarish peak periods
  • Hit up multiple sports events annually
  • Found a sweet discount through Delta, United, or their credit card

After helping dozens of friends explore this decision, I’ve learned there’s no universal solution. A consultant bouncing between major cities weekly might see CLEAR differently than someone making their annual pilgrimage to grandma’s. Your travel patterns, home airport, and time value create a unique equation that only you can solve.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to enroll in CLEAR?

I remember stressing about how long the CLEAR enrollment would take before my 7 AM flight to Seattle — turns out I needn’t have worried. The whole process took me exactly 7 minutes (give or take).

You’ll need your government ID, and they’ll scan your eyes and fingerprints — which honestly felt very James Bond-ish.

The funniest part was when I kept blinking during the eye scan and the patient CLEAR ambassador had to remind me three times to keep my eyes open. Now I breeze through enrollment demos when showing my skeptical friends how it works.

  • Can I share my CLEAR membership with family members?

While your CLEAR membership is intended for your use only, you can add up to three adult family members for $119 each per year through the Family Plan — a great option for those traveling with loved ones.

Children under 18 can also use CLEAR for free when accompanied by a member, though they’ll need to undergo their own biometric scan to activate the service.

  • Does CLEAR work with international flights?

Picture this: I’m standing in Terminal 4 at JFK, smugly approaching the CLEAR lane for my flight to London — only to learn that while CLEAR works for the initial security check on international departures, it doesn’t help with customs or immigration.

Talk about a humbling moment! While CLEAR has saved me countless hours on domestic flights, international travelers should note that you’ll still need your passport and standard customs processing. I learned this lesson the hard way, so you don’t have to.

  • What happens if the CLEAR kiosk isn’t working?

During my mad dash to catch a 6 AM flight, I encountered my first malfunctioning CLEAR kiosk — Murphy’s Law in action. The CLEAR ambassador quickly redirected me to another working kiosk two lanes over.

On the rare occasion when all kiosks are down, you’ll be guided to the standard TSA line. Thus, be sure to build in an extra 15-minute buffer, just in case.

  • How does CLEAR handle privacy and data security?

I was initially hesitant about sharing my biometric data. After grilling three different CLEAR representatives and carefully examining their security protocols, I learned they use military-grade encryption and separate biometric data from personal information. However, while encryption is a robust security measure, it is not foolproof against all potential threats.

Though, they’ve never had a major data breach, and — this sealed the deal for me — you can request complete data deletion if you cancel.

  • CLEAR works with which airlines?

CLEAR partners with several major airlines to offer benefits for frequent flyers. These airlines include Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines.

Members of these airlines’ loyalty programs, such as Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus, and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, can receive discounts on CLEAR memberships. The specific discount may vary depending on your membership tier.

The best part? You can use CLEAR with any airline at participating airports, as it operates independently of specific carriers for identity verification at TSA security checkpoints.

Conclusion

I found myself doing that all-too-familiar dance through airport security — shifting from foot to foot in a line that seemed to stretch halfway to baggage claim. The next week, I breezed through using CLEAR in exactly 3.5 minutes (yes, I timed it). These contrasting experiences perfectly capture why answering “Is CLEAR worth it?” isn’t straightforward.

After 47 flights in the past year — roughly half with CLEAR and half without — I’ve collected some hard-earned insights about its value. My $199 annual membership pays for itself during holiday rushes alone, where I’ve saved upwards of 45 minutes per trip. But here’s the thing: my brother, who flies twice a year from Burlington International, couldn’t justify the cost.

The math looks different for everyone. For instance:

  • Frequent flyers from major hubs (I’m looking at you, LAX and JFK) often save hours each month
  • Delta Diamond members can snag CLEAR for just $119 annually — a deal I kicked myself for not knowing about sooner
  • Some premium credit cards now cover the entire membership cost (wish I’d known this before paying full price my first year)

The limited footprint — just 58 airports as I write this — means you’ll want to check your usual routes. I learned this the hard way after excitedly signing up, only to discover my regular Milwaukee connection didn’t have CLEAR lanes yet.

Beyond airports, I’ve used my membership to skip lines at six sporting events this year — a nice bonus that helped ease the sting of the annual fee. Just last week, it saved me 20 minutes getting into a Braves game during a sellout crowd. Though, if venues are all you need, don’t pay.

Your decision ultimately comes down to three factors: your travel patterns, your home airport(s), and whether you can access those sweet membership discounts I mentioned earlier.

For some — especially those combining CLEAR with TSA PreCheck — it’s become as essential as a favorite neck pillow. For others, it might be an unnecessary expense better spent on airport coffee. The choice of whether CLEAR is truly worth the price tag, is all up to you.

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