Clear Members Fly through Airport Security

Long lines plague airport security. Travelers must arrive extra early to ensure they do not stand in line so long that they eventually arrive at the front of the line only to stand there, barefoot watching their plane take off without them. These long lines, confusing security rules and endless hours at the airport before a flight have become a routine part of travel. Nothing is predictable, and there seems to be nothing anyone can do about it except wish that a magic speed pass existed make the process faster.

Traveler entering Clear Lane

Well, Clear, a new airport security membership, has the golden ticket. Members of the clear program speed through security lines in minutes. Clear security lanes are located in 18 airports in the United States. Clear is scheduled to open at one more airports soon and has plans to add more airports in the future. See the list of airports at the end of this article.

Clear members do not escape the security process; they just get through it more quickly. Clear members go through a prescreening process where biometric information such as fingerprints and iris scans is taken and identification is confirmed.  Once registrations is processed and accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), members are given their clear card, which is their ticket to the fast lane.

This fast lane does not mean members bypass security all together. Clear members go through the same security check as everyone else, but they don’t have wait in the same security line as everyone else.  Clear also makes the process more secure because members must have their Clear cards and match the biometric information on record to go through the Clear line, which means all Clear members are who they say they are and all of their information is confirmed. Once they’ve scanned their Clear card and confirmed a matching biometric, Clear members proceed to the TSA security checkpoint where they must pass through the same security checks as non-members. To help speed up the security lines, Clear attends help members through the proper security procedures and with any problems or questions they may have.

Inserting Clear card at Clear lane kiosk

Clear security is also ongoing. Members are reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security to ensure they are still in good security standing. If for any reason the government deactivates your account, you will be notified and refunded the unused portion of the membership fee, but the TSA vetting fee is non-refundable.

As Clear grows in the future, members do not need to worry that they will suddenly have to wait in a similarly long line in which non-members wait.  Should too many people join clear, Clear says it will simply provide more security lanes to keep from making members wait in line.

The Enrollment Process
Step 1: Apply online with basic information so Clear can approve your registration. At this point, you provide your credit card information but are not charged until the process is complete and you receive your Clear card. You will need a driver’s license number, previous home addresses for the past five years, Social Security number, Alien registration number is you’re a permanent foreign resident, and a current credit card.

Step 2: Complete the enrollment in person. Here a Clear attendant will take your photograph, confirm your identification and get your biometric information by scanning your fingerprints and iris. You must bring two pieces of government issued identification. A passport is highly recommended.

The cost for a one year Clear membership is $100 plus a $28 TSA vetting fee to cover a security threat check. The total charge is $128. If for any reason TSA suspends your membership, you will be refunded the unused portion of your fee. The TSA vetting fee of $28 is non-refundable.

The Security Lane Process
Step 1: Go to the Clear security check point marked by a clear cube instead of the regular security line. Having a Clear card will not help you through a regular security lane or give you a pass to the front of the line.

Step 2: Put your Clear card in the kiosk and verify you are the cards owner through a iris or fingerprint scan.

Step 3: Once your identity is confirmed, you will have access for the Clear lane. Here concierge will help guide you through security (shoes, carry on, cell phone, ect…) to make sure you follow the proper process so you can proceed quickly.

Step 4: Go through the checkpoint where TSA Security officials check your person and bags like a normal checkpoint. All of the same security restricts apply to Clear members.

It should only take you a few minutes to get to the security checkpoint. If you have questions or need assistance, the Clear attendants can help.

For more information about Clear or for any questions regarding Clear visit Fly Clear.

Be sure to check which terminals and hours Clear operates at your airport to be sure the Clear lane will be available for your flight.

*Clear Lane coming Soon
**Clear operates select terminals at this location
***Clear operates limited hours at this location
****Clear does not operate fast lane, but Clear members are accepted at no charge.