Is Clear Worth the Cost? Tips from a Pro Traveler

Navigating airport security can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling, especially when faced with long lines and unpredictable wait times. Frequent travelers and frequent flyers alike often consider expedited security options, such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry membership, or Clear membership, to streamline their airport experience. But is Clear worth it? Our editorial team has analyzed everything you need to know.

What Exactly Is Clear?

Clear is a private company that works in conjunction with the Transportation and Safety Administration, providing expedited airport security screening services at select airports throughout the United States.

Instead of waiting in long security lines, Clear users go through biometric screening, including iris scans, fingerprint scans, or facial recognition technology, to verify their identity. After identity verification at a Clear pod or Clear kiosk, a Clear representative escorts travelers directly to the front of the TSA line.

Clear Membership Cost and Benefits

Clear cost is typically higher than other government programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications. The annual membership fee is $189, but discounts and promotions are often available, especially if you have the right credit card. For instance, Delta SkyMiles members, United Airlines frequent flyers, or American Express cardholders can enjoy a discounted rate, sometimes even receiving free or reduced Clear membership as a cardholder perk.

Many premium credit cards, such as the Business Platinum Card from American Express or American Express Green Card, offer a statement credit toward Clear membership, significantly offsetting the annual fee. Additionally, Clear offers a free trial, allowing first-time users to experience its benefits without immediate financial commitment.

Clear vs. TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry

Unlike TSA PreCheck membership or Global Entry membership, Clear does not replace traditional security screening or random ID checks. Clear works by verifying identity quickly, getting you to the front of the TSA PreCheck line or regular security checkpoint. Combining Clear with TSA PreCheck membership offers the fastest way through airport security lines. Clear Plus members benefit from using a dedicated Clear lane and avoid long waits.

Clear's Enrollment and Application Process

Signing up for Clear is simple and can often be done at your home airport. The enrollment process includes providing biometric data (eye scans, fingerprint scans) and personal details. A background check is not required, unlike the trusted traveler program, Global Entry.

After completing the application process online or in-person, Clear provides access through the Clear app, where members manage their account, access their QR code boarding pass, and review the privacy policy.

Who Should Get Clear?

Clear is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers, business travelers, or anyone regularly flying through major U.S. airports like Orlando International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Denver International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport. Those who frequently encounter congested security checkpoints or who highly value their travel experience may find Clear worth the annual membership cost.

However, I'd like to add a personal anecdotal caveat to this: Clear is not that useful in majorly overloaded airports, like my home city of Atlanta and its Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. For example, last year I traveled to New York out of Atlanta and accidentally got corralled into the TSA PreCheck + Clear line on a high-volume day. Theoretically, this should be the fastest of the three options (PreCheck, PreCheck + Digital ID and PreCheck + Clear) as you're paying more every year to have access to this skip-the-line service. So I identified a person in each of the other two lines that were equidistant to me from security, and I ran a timer to see who would get through first. Here are the results:

PreCheck Only: 12 minutes

PreCheck + Digital ID: 2 minutes, thirty seconds

PreCheck + Clear: 28 minutes

As you can see from my extremely limited study, I got a raw deal here, and there are several reasons for this:

1. Limited security kiosks - of the 7 security kiosks that could be open at any given time in the Atlanta South Terminal PreCheck area, only 1-2 of them are dedicated to Clear members. This can cause an intense passenger backup on a high-volume day.

2. Limited bag check lines - along the same lines as the point above, Clear in Atlanta only has one dedicated bag scanner, so even if you don't get backed up in line to get to the security kiosk, you'll get backed up at the bag scanner due to lack of resources.

3. It's an extra chokepoint - what Clear has that the other two options don't is an extra interaction with a human being. To get through Clear, you have to work with a Clear employee who assigns you to a Clear kiosk for biometric scanning, then asks you to wait for them so they can take batches of passengers to the front of the line. Here, you're introducing multiple chokepoints and slowdowns that further complicate the process of walking through security and scanning your bag.

Additionally, Clear isn't just for airports; Clear Sports grants expedited entry at select stadiums, arenas, and concert venues across the country, enhancing overall convenience and providing excellent additional value.

Privacy Considerations

Clear is a service provider that utilizes biometric data, which may raise privacy concerns. Members should carefully review Clear's privacy policy and determine their comfort level regarding the use of fingerprint, facial, or iris scan technology.

Financial Decisions and Considerations

Assessing whether Clear is worth it ultimately depends on your individual travel habits, your home airport situation, and the value you place on avoiding security line stress. If your card issuer or frequent flyer program covers or substantially discounts Clear, it becomes a more compelling financial decision.

Final Thoughts: Is Clear Worth It?

In conclusion, Clear provides undeniable convenience and significant time savings, especially at high-traffic airports. However, if you're already satisfied with the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry experience, the added cost might not be justified, especially if you qualify for other perks through your airline. I've had Clear for several years and it's helped me in a few different airports (San Diego, Orlando, DCA), but it has literally never been faster than the Delta Digital ID line where I can be through security in around 3 minutes.

Next time you're stuck at the airport watching Clear members breeze past TSA agents, you might consider the value of joining. With options for discounts, trials, and membership packages for adult family members, Clear is undoubtedly an attractive option for frequent flyers looking to enhance their airport experience.