No doubt, prolonged airport security queues are annoying and tedious for travelers. This is, in fact, one of the most stressful parts of a journey, waiting on the security checks. However, currently, various programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Mobile Passport help passengers save time from such time-consuming processes.
Likewise, CLEAR is one such program now available for you to get- off the lengthy security check-in procedures for a cost. So, if you want to know more about this program, get an answer to “Is CLEAR worth he cost or not?” This breakdown addresses the essential aspects of CLEAR membership for your acknowledgment to embark on an enjoyable journey. Here it goes!
CLEAR Membership Program: An Overview
Before you rush, getting into a short version of the CLEAR membership is vital. This is a program that is used for the verification of passengers using biometrics like fingerprints and eye scans. The machine matches the scans, confirms their identity, and helps you to move out instantly by skipping the security lines. Hence, the passengers sign up immediately at the airport by only completing an online form and an initial scan to enroll.
Charges to Get a CLEAR Membership
Like other programs, you need to pay $199 annual charges to accelerate the airline security lines. However, the CLEAR application is available free of cost, and you can additionally access CLEAR Sports and CLEAR Health as extra identity verification services. The $199 annual charges are for yearly membership services, yet you can also reduce this price. While traveling with family, you can add about three adults to your CLEAR Plus account by paying around $60 for everyone. Additionally, kids below 18 years can use CLEAR lines with no charges while accompanying a CLEAR Plus member, and a student a get a discount of $60 with a CLEAR Plus membership.
Why CLEAR? Here are some of its Benefits
You must be foresure stuck on a thought why rely on CLEAR membership for security screening? Isnt it? But you know what this program offers countless advantages to travelers and makes their journey very convenient as well. As you know, CLEAR is solely built upon the biometric system and uses biostatistic details like fingerprints and eye scans. Hence, to prove your identity, traditional ID documents like passports or licenses are not obligatory.
You can skip the airport TSA PreCheck security line in two simple steps, and they are:
- Get your Identity and Boarding pass verified
- Pass through the scanners
This is to note that CLEAR membership allows you to skip this initial check, which is primarily hard to manage. There is no access to the PreCheck line, like that of TSA PreCheck. So, if you have skipped the CLEAR line, their representative will further assist you with the security scanning process directly. You can even club your TSA PreCheck and CLEAR memberships if you have both. You can then proceed with the TSA PreCheck scanning without removing your shoes, laptop, jacket, and other items.
Here’s How to Get a CLEAR Membership for Free
You can obtain a CLEAR membership at a more affordable rate or even for free. There are specific ways to obtain discounts with the membership and pay less or nothing. This includes:
- Using Reward Credit Cards: You can use your travel reward credit cards, like CLEAR memberships, that offer statement credits. This includes the American Express, Green Card, and Platinum Card for maximum discounts.
- Enrolling in Flyer Programs: You can enroll in the flying programs offered by the airline to the travelers who fly often. By using United MilegePlus and Delta SkyMiles, you can find good dosints to buy a CLEAR membership.
Process to Enroll with CLEAR Membership
The process to enroll in a CLEAR membership is relatively easy. You can complete the initial procedure in online mode. You must add only some generic info like your name, date of birth, complete address, and payment particulars. Further, for the second part, you must go to the CLEAR Kiosk at any nearby participating airport. Their personnel will verify your passport or photo identity and then help you with fingerprint and eye scans to finish enrollment.
Wrap-Up: Is CLEAR Worth It?
CLEAR is worth all the charges for the passengers who hate waiting in long security lines. The initial glance of the charges might appear to be a considerable price but would be somewhat great for cut-in- line travel advantage. Besides, there are certain factors as well that decide the value of CLEAR membership. Hope that by now you have your answer to “Is CLEAR worth the cost?” because concluding is all up to you.
Commonly Asked Questions
A CLEAR Membership is an effective way to boost the passenger ID check screening at airports to make it quick for them and can be valuable sometimes.
At Airports, travelers must confirm their identity using biometric data rather than manually. The CLEAR membership helps passengers skip prolonged security queues and quickly reach the TSA screening counter.
Typically, you pay $199 for a CLEAR membership for a year and on a global surface, the charges are a little higher. There is an annual fee for CLEAR membership, unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Yes, but only for the passengers who do not fly frequently as its charges are a bit high. Sometimes, the machines might fail to function effectively, and you must redo your Kiosk fingerprint and eye scans.
Both programs are best for enhancing the passengers’ overall experience. Yet CLEAR saves security screening time ahead of the journey, and Global Entry saves you time at US Airport Customs after inter-continental travel.
You can cancel your CLEAR membership anytime, even after its two-month trial.
Yes, you can! But only if your membership is canceled within 60 days of the date when the payment has been made. Hence, you will receive the membership refund for that timeline only.
You can get discounts on CLEAR memberships by using the flyer program rewards like United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles and using travel credit cards like American Express, Green Card, and Platinum Cards.