What is Clear Airport Security (clearme.com)?
It’s a biometric security firm that’s partially owned by Delta Airlines and is led by CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. They use facial recognition systems for quickly boarding passengers on many flights without the need to present their passport or boarding pass. And any U.S. citizen (or legal permanent resident) who is at least 18-years old is eligible to enroll at clearme.com. Their only restriction is the fact an applicant’s name on their photo ID must match that on their application.
How Does Clear Airport Security Work?
From biometric boarding passes and lounge access at airports to easy access to all kinds of sports venues and their concession stands, becoming a member means that your biometrics replace your standard identification, airline tickets, and boarding pass. You’ll never have to wait in long lines, take your wallet out of your pocket or handbag, or anything of those tedious things that just end up slowing you down at airports and sports venues. As a member, you can simply verify at one of the many CLEAR pods located in airports and sports venues and a CLEAR Ambassador escort you through their dedicated CLEAR lanes.
What are the benefits of membership?
For starters, you don’t have to wait in a line with nearly as many people as you normally would have to. And then, once you get to the head of the line, you don’t have to worry about taking your shoes off as the other travelers do, nor even about separating liquids or taking your laptop out.
That’s because Clear is the most recent program aimed at improving airport security and helping to speed travelers through those tedious (but necessary) security checkpoints. And membership means accelerated member screening in airport ID security lines prior to having to undergo any physical screening. And, once you’re enrolled, you can use it anywhere that CLEAR can be found. Some other benefits include:
1. Fast, easy enrollment requiring only a few minutes,
2. Accelerated screening at participating airports in all security ID lines,
3. Availability of use at a wide range of sports venues and airports and an ever-expanding list of them nationwide.
What else does it do?
1. Saves Time:
2. Exclusive Discounts:
Membership also has plenty of exclusive discounts from partner networks, thereby successfully making your travel even more stress-free and much easier.
3. Enroll Family Members:
4. Free Access for Children:
Kids under 18 (accompanied by a member), are given free access to the Clear lanes and don’t need to be added to your account. This is a definite benefit for families with more kids.
Is it different from TSA Precheck? If so, why?
What is the cost?
The standard annual membership price is $179. Although several government programs (TSA Precheck and Global Entry) offer multiple years of membership for just a single fee, the Clear fee is paid annually.
Is it worth it?
We can’t deny that it’s a bit expensive. But you must take into consideration how much your time is worth and how easily you can get through those airport lines, and then you’ll probably find that it’s definitely worth it. In fact, in our experience, it could cut your time in line by half or maybe even more.
How Long Does the Application Take?
It’s simple and fast, requiring only a few minutes of your time, unlike TSA PreCheck, which is a lot more involved. Travelers must be 18 years or older to apply and have one of these forms of unamended valid photo ID:
U.S. driver’s license,
U.S. passport,
U.S.-issued permanent resident card,
State-issued ID,
U.S. military ID.
Final Thoughts About Clearme.com
Anybody who has ever had to wait endlessly in an airport security line, take off your shoes, dig out your ID, and literally open everything from your laptop to your toiletries (hopefully in small enough bottles) for examination, know that there’s got to be a better way. And there is. It’s got to be clearme.com. There’s just nothing faster nor as diversified for entering sports events and speeding through airports. Let’s face it, nobody likes to wait in line, and this is a clear solution. No pun intended; it just is. It keeps you moving right along at the speed of life so that you can arrive at your destination more relaxed and in a better mood, all thanks to biometrics.