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The Comprehensive Guide to CLEAR Plus

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    Quick insights

    • CLEAR Plus is a membership program that may help speed up airport security screenings.
    • CLEAR kiosks use biometric data rather than identification documents to verify travelers’ identities.
    • CLEAR Plus members can choose to bundle TSA PreCheck® with their membership.

    If you travel frequently, you may be considering programs that could help streamline the security check-in process. While there are several programs designed to expedite airport security screening, CLEAR Plus has a few features that make it distinct from its counterparts, like biometric screening.

    How CLEAR Plus Works

    One big difference between the CLEAR Plus traveler program and similar programs is that it's privately owned and operated. Programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, by contrast, are government programs run by the Department of Homeland Security. 

    Another main difference is that CLEAR Plus uses biometrics to confirm your identity rather than traditional identification documents. When you arrive at a CLEAR Plus kiosk, you first scan your boarding pass. Then the kiosk machine will scan your fingerprints and irises. This allows CLEAR Plus members to skip the initial security line where TSA agents review a passenger's travel identification, such as a passport or driver's license. 

    Once your identity has been authenticated by the biometric scan, a CLEAR ambassador will escort you to the screening lines to proceed as usual.

    The difference between CLEAR and CLEAR Plus

    CLEAR is the name of an airport security screening company, while CLEAR Plus is its paid airport security membership. CLEAR Plus is designed to potentially help its members move more quickly through airport security checkpoints.

    Travelers may also register for TSA PreCheck through CLEAR. If you purchase a CLEAR Plus membership, though, you can also choose to bundle it with TSA PreCheck for a potential discount. However, TSA PreCheck members cannot use CLEAR lanes at the airport unless they have a CLEAR Plus membership.

    Benefits of a CLEAR Plus membership

    One of the main benefits to the CLEAR Plus program is skipping the initial TSA line. This may help expedite your overall security experience by reducing waiting times. 

    Another benefit is the ability to stack CLEAR Plus with other programs, such as TSA PreCheck. If you're registered with both programs, you're able to skip the identity verification line and use the TSA PreCheck screening line, which may shorten your waiting time. Bear in mind both programs include an application fee. 

    CLEAR Plus has the further benefit of being accepted at some major sports stadiums, giving it value outside of the airport. While you will still be subject to physical screenings or bag searches, you'll have access to CLEAR lines (where available), which are often shorter and faster. 

    You may also find CLEAR Plus useful if you travel with children, as anyone under the age of 18 can use the CLEAR lanes for free when traveling with an adult who is a member.

    Cost of CLEAR Plus

    As of October 2024, a CLEAR Plus membership is $199 per year. This allows access to over 100 CLEAR lanes at airports nationwide. Family members under 18 can accompany adult members in the CLEAR lane for no additional cost.

    Members can also add up to three additional adults (either family or friends) to their account as part of a family plan. Each additional person costs $119 per year in addition to the $199 membership price. Members on the plan may travel together or separately.

    Can you get reimbursed for CLEAR Plus with a credit card?

    CLEAR Plus is not eligible for credit card reimbursement, even though aA variety of Chase travel credit cards provide a statement credit of up to $120 for select Trusted Traveler program application fees once every four years. Eligible programs include TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and NEXUS, but not CLEAR Plus.

    Chase cardmembers may enroll for TSA PreCheck via CLEAR, but the membership will not include CLEAR Plus biometric screenings. Be sure to read your card's terms and benefits carefully.

    In summary

    For travelers looking for another way to make security at airports a bit smoother, a CLEAR membership could be an option. It uses biometrics to bypass the TSA identity verification line and may include the additional benefit of use at participating venues outside of the airport.

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