What does Clear get you at the airport?

Clear allows you to skip the security line completely because instead of waiting in line, you approach a Clear kiosk where your ID and boarding pass are verified through biometric technology. Once that quick process is complete, a Clear agent escorts you right to the front of security.



CLEAR Plus is a private biometrics-based program that allows you to bypass the traditional "ID check" line at airport security. Instead of waiting for a TSA officer to manually check your passport or driver's license, you go to a CLEAR kiosk where your identity is verified through an eye or fingerprint scan. Once verified, a CLEAR "Ambassador" escorts you directly to the front of the physical screening line. Importantly, CLEAR only handles the identity verification step; it does not replace the physical screening. If you have TSA PreCheck in addition to CLEAR, you are escorted to the front of the PreCheck line, where you can keep your shoes on and electronics in your bag. If you only have CLEAR, you are taken to the front of the standard security line. In 2026, CLEAR is available in over 55 U.S. airports and also offers expedited entry at many sports stadiums and concert venues, making it a powerful tool for frequent travelers who want to minimize wait times.

People Also Ask

Which credit cards offer CLEAR for free? Currently, the credit cards that offer a complimentary annual CLEAR Plus membership are the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, American Express® Green Card, and Centurion® Card from American Express. Is CLEAR the same as TSA PreCheck?

MORE DETAILS

TSA PreCheck vs. Clear. Overall, Clear's biometric identity verification process will get you to the front of the security line faster than TSA PreCheck. However, TSA PreCheck will ensure a speedier, more straightforward screening process after an agent has verified your identity.

MORE DETAILS

Clear is not necessarily better than Global Entry, as both programs improve the experience of two very different parts of travel. Clear saves you time going through security screenings ahead of travel, while Global Entry saves you time at customs when reentering the U.S. after international travel.

MORE DETAILS

Approvals typically take 3-5 days, but may take up to 60 days. CLEAR Plus¹ is a paid annual membership that verifies your identity using your eyes or fingerprints at airport security. Enroll in minutes and start using your CLEAR Plus Membership right away at 50+ locations nationwide.

MORE DETAILS

How much does Clear cost? The standard price for an annual Clear membership is $189. Unlike government programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry that offer several years of membership with a single fee, Clear's fee is annual.

MORE DETAILS

The short answer is that Clear allows members to verify their identity using biometric scanning ahead of airport security, whereas Global Entry expedites re-entry into the U.S. after international travel. Clear allows you to hurry through security lines faster at 50-plus airports around the United States.

MORE DETAILS

Yes. CLEAR Pass for CBP Mobile Passport Control does not replace your passport. You must still present your physical passport to the Customs and Border Protection officer.

MORE DETAILS

Global Entry expedites your return to the U.S. after international travel while Clear helps you skip the ID check at TSA security lines before domestic or international flights. Clear verifies your identity via a fingerprint or an eye scan.

MORE DETAILS

Clear allows travelers to quickly verify their identity before airport security, and Global Entry allows travelers to quickly navigate the U.S. customs process after arriving in the United States.

MORE DETAILS

The good news is gaining membership to certain trusted traveler programs can make your airport experience less of a hassle. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR are programs that can help frequent travelers speed through airport security or U.S. customs.

MORE DETAILS

Travelers cannot upgrade from TSA PreCheck to Global Entry
A main reason is that the programs have distinct purposes. TSA PreCheck can help travelers pass through airport security checkpoints. Meanwhile, Global Entry is specifically for travelers arriving in the United States from another country.

MORE DETAILS

The real benefit of Clear is saving time. This means that if you value not having to remove shoes, electronics, liquids and outerwear, you will also want to apply for TSA PreCheck. If you only want to bypass the line, but don't mind.

MORE DETAILS

That said, Clear has never had a profit. It listed losses of $9 million in 2020, and $13.1 million in the three months ending March 31.

MORE DETAILS

What is the cost of a CLEAR membership? A CLEAR membership costs $189 annually, and you can add up to three family members for $60 each per year. Additionally, all family members under 18 years old can use the CLEAR lane without a membership when traveling with their parents.

MORE DETAILS