RewardExpert.com is an independent website that is supported by advertising. RewardExpert.com may be compensated by credit card issuers whose offers appear on the site. Because we are paid by our advertising partners it may impact placement of products on the site, including the order in which they appear. Not all available credit card issuers or card offers are included on the site.

    Speed Through Airport Security with Clear

    icon-user RewardExpert icon-comments Comments July 1, 2020
    clear

    If you’re looking to breeze through airport security, then you may want to consider signing up for Clear.

    Similar to Global Entry, in the sense that you’ll be able to verify your identity at a kiosk and avoid waiting in line to have your ID checked by the TSA, this program is expanding to several new airports nationwide.  Clear allows members to leave their ID at home as your identity is used by verifying either a fingerprint or iris scan.

    Here’s How Clear Works

    As TSA lines are growing, travelers are becoming more frustrated with airport security lines. However when you think about the long security lines, generally it’s waiting to have your ID verified by the TSA agent. With Clear, this step is skipped meaning you’re able to speed through security in under 5 minutes, allowing you more time to either stay home or relax in the airport lounge.

    Steps to Use:

    • Stop by one of the dedicated Clear lanes
    • Verify your identity with a finger or iris scan and scan your boarding pass
    • You’ll be ushered then to either TSA PreCheck or standard security

    The great thing is if you are already a member of TSA PreCheck, Clear complements PreCheck meaning you can utilize both Clear to bypass the TSA agent to verify your identity while still taking advantage of TSA PreCheck and keeping your shoes on.

    clear
    Confirm your identity with the tap of a finger or the blink of an eye

    Which Airports Offer Clear?

    Clear is offered at several airports across the US, however it’s important to remember that even if airport has it to double-check the airline you’re flying with to see what terminal it’s at. For instance, at New York’s JFK, Clear is currently offered at Terminal 2, meaning unless you’re flying Delta you wouldn’t be able to use Clear here.

    • Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
    • Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
    • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
    • Denver International Airport (DEN)
    • Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
    • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
    • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
    • McCarran Las Vegas International Airport (LAS)
    • Miami International Airport (MIA)
    • Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
    • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
    • San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
    • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
    • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
    • New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
    • Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
    • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
    • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
    • Westchester County Airport (HPN)

    In addition, there are plans to expand Clear to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    Beyond Airports

    In addition to airports, Clear has been expanding to arenas and stadiums including Citi Field, Yankee Stadium in New York, Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, American Airlines Arena in Miami, and AT&T Park in San Francisco to name a few. The company also has hopes to expand outside of security and use their system as a payment option to purchase food and drinks at concessions down the road.

    How To Sign Up

    Unlike TSA PreCheck, which is covered by several premium credit cards like the The Platinum Card® from American Express and Citi Prestige® Card, there aren’t any credit cards that offer Clear for free yet. However, we suspect as Clear continues to grow, that this would be a great new benefit that the credit card companies may decide to add.

    clear
    Travel on your time knowing that waiting in security lines is a thing of the past

    An annual membership currently run for $179, and you have the option of adding on a family member for $50 extra extra each year as well. Even though there are no credit cards that offer membership complimentary, if you’re a Delta loyalist you’re in luck. Diamond Medallion members receive a complimentary membership, whereas Platinum, Gold, Silver Medallions as well as SkyMiles Credit Card members receive a discounted membership of $79. General SkyMiles members can join Clear for $99, and since there is no cost to sign-up for a Delta SkyMiles membership, this would be the way to go if you’re looking to join for discounted annual fee.

    In order to sign-up, you must be at least 18 years of age, and bring one of the following documents with you to enroll at the airport: US Driver’s License, US Passport, US Passport Card, US-issued Permanent Resident Card, State Issued ID, or US Military ID. Even though kids can’t sign up, children under 18 can use the Clear lane if they are traveling with a family member who has Clear, which is a nice benefit. While you can start the enrollment process online, you must go to the airport to finish the enrollment and to have your biometrics scanned. However, once you sign-up you’ll be able to use Clear instantly.

    Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

    UGC Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.