CLEAR is a biometric identity verification service that lets you bypass the document check line at airport security. Here’s how it works, what it costs, and whether you should get it.
The Basics
What Exactly is CLEAR?
CLEAR is a private company that uses biometric data — your fingerprints or iris scan — to verify your identity at airports, stadiums, and other venues. At airports, it replaces the ID check step at the beginning of the TSA security line.
How CLEAR works at the airport
When you arrive at security, instead of waiting in line to show your ID to a TSA agent, you walk up to a CLEAR pod, scan your fingerprint or look into the iris scanner, and a CLEAR ambassador escorts you directly to the front of the ID check line. Your identity is verified in seconds. You still go through the standard TSA screening (X-ray, body scanner) after that — CLEAR only handles the identity verification step.
CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck — what’s the difference?
They solve different problems. TSA PreCheck speeds up the physical screening process — you keep your shoes and belt on, your laptop stays in the bag, and you use a dedicated shorter lane. CLEAR speeds up the identity verification step that happens before physical screening. They work together: CLEAR gets you to the front of the ID check, PreCheck makes the screening itself faster. Many frequent fliers use both.
Cost & Enrollment
How to Get CLEAR
Check if CLEAR is at your airport
CLEAR operates at 50+ airports across the U.S. including major hubs like JFK, LAX, ORD, ATL, DFW, MIA, SEA, and SFO. Check the full list at clearme.com before enrolling to make sure your home airport is covered.
Sign up online or at the airport
You can start enrollment at clearme.com or enroll in person at a CLEAR pod at the airport. You’ll create an account with your email and payment information. Full biometric enrollment (fingerprint and iris scan) happens in person at the airport — it takes about 5 minutes.
Bring a valid government-issued ID
For your first enrollment visit, bring your driver’s license or passport. CLEAR will scan and link it to your biometric profile. After that, you never need to show your ID at a CLEAR lane again — your face or fingerprints are your ID.
Complete your biometric scan
A CLEAR ambassador will walk you through the fingerprint and iris scan process at the enrollment pod. The whole process takes about 5 minutes. Once complete, your membership is active immediately.
Pricing
What Does CLEAR Cost?
CLEAR’s standard price is $189/year, but there are several ways to pay less — or nothing at all.
Standard membership — $189/year
The full retail price for a CLEAR membership. Includes access to all CLEAR airport lanes and CLEAR-enabled venues (stadiums, arenas, etc.). Up to 3 family members can be added for $60/year each.
Delta SkyMiles members — discounted rate
Delta SkyMiles members get CLEAR for $149/year. Delta Silver Medallion members pay $109/year. Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members get CLEAR free as a status benefit — one of the most underrated perks of Delta elite status.
United MileagePlus members — discounted rate
United MileagePlus members get CLEAR for $149/year. United elite members (Silver and above) receive further discounts depending on status level.
Credit card statement credits
Some premium credit cards offer CLEAR credits as a benefit. Check your card’s benefits guide — the Amex Platinum has offered CLEAR credits in the past. Benefits change frequently so always verify with your card issuer.
Is It Worth It?
Should You Get CLEAR?
CLEAR is most valuable at busy airports during peak hours. If you have Delta or United status, the discounted or free membership is a no-brainer. At full price, it depends on how often you fly and how congested your home airport tends to be.
CLEAR is worth it if…
You fly frequently from busy airports (JFK, LAX, ORD, ATL, DFW). You have Delta or United status and can get it at a discount or free. You already have TSA PreCheck and want the complete fast-lane experience. You travel during peak hours when ID check lines get long even in PreCheck lanes.
CLEAR may not be worth it if…
You fly infrequently (fewer than 6 times per year). Your home airport is smaller and rarely congested. You don’t have PreCheck — in that case, get PreCheck first since it provides more benefit per dollar. The ID check line at your airport is rarely long even without CLEAR.
The best combination: CLEAR + TSA PreCheck
Together, CLEAR and TSA PreCheck cover both steps of the security process — identity verification and physical screening. Frequent fliers who use both typically get from check-in to gate in under 10 minutes at most U.S. airports, even during busy periods. See our TSA PreCheck guide for how to apply.
Disclaimer
CLEAR pricing, availability, partner discounts, and airport locations change frequently. All information on this page is for general reference only. Always verify current pricing and enrollment requirements at clearme.com before signing up. FrequentFliers.com is not affiliated with CLEAR and does not receive compensation for CLEAR referrals unless explicitly noted.