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What is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a tech company that operates a biometric travel document verification system at some major airports and stadiums. 

Offering a stress-free airport experience nationwide, CLEAR streamlines the process of getting through security, making air travel and stadium events more efficient and enjoyable. 

How to Sign Up for CLEAR and How CLEAR Works

  1. CLEAR Membership: When you become a CLEAR member, you can access a streamlined and quick security process. Think of it like having a VIP pass at the airport, allowing you to bypass long security lines and reach your gate faster.
  2. Signup for CLEAR via a CLEAR Pod: Setting up your account at a CLEAR pod is your next step. You can complete this one-time signup at any airport or stadium that offers CLEAR services or online. “Setting up a CLEAR pod,” means creating a unique profile for yourself at a CLEAR booth. Instead of a username or password, you add unique personal traits–your eyes or fingerprints–to this profile. This ensures a safe and secure verification process each time you fly.
  3. Using the CLEAR Lane: Once you reach airport or stadium security, you’ll find a separate lane for CLEAR members. In this lane, a small device (the CLEAR pod) scans your boarding pass or one will be pre-loaded based on airport data. 
  4. Fingerprint or Eye Verification: After scanning your boarding pass, the CLEAR pod verifies your identity using your fingerprint or face recognition. It also verifies that you are indeed the person associated with the boarding pass.
  5. Assistance from a CLEAR Ambassador: Following successful verification, a CLEAR Ambassador, a staff member trained to assist CLEAR members, guides you to the front of the physical security line. 

With CLEAR, every trip to the airport and select stadiums can be a stress-free experience, helping you manage your time more efficiently and making your travels more enjoyable. It’s like having a personal guide to help you navigate the security process, ensuring a more predictable and less time-consuming airport experience. 


CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck®: Worth It?

While CLEAR and TSA PreCheck® enhance the airport security experience, they offer unique benefits. CLEAR provides a swift identity verification process. You can breeze through security by using a CLEAR pod and verify your identity using your eyes or fingerprint.

Conversely, TSA PreCheck® is a program run by the U.S. government. It aims to pre-identify travelers who pose a minimal risk based on an evaluation by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 

Approved travelers experience expedited security screening at U.S. airports nationwide without removing shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. 

Many travelers find that CLEAR and TSA PreCheck® complement each other, providing the fastest and most reliable route through the airport.

When you combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck®, you can jump to the front of the TSA PreCheck® line. Depending on the time of day you travel, this may save a ton of time.

Cards Offering CLEAR Statement Credit

Several cards from American Express offer up to a $189 CLEAR Plus statement credit per year, including:

61dd5e1110473a94e55f70e1
61fe173ceb0d64259d4fc97e

Expanded Uses of CLEAR

The versatility of CLEAR extends beyond airports, making it a handy tool in various aspects of daily life. CLEAR’s applications are vast, from facilitating quick entry at sports arenas to offering a Health Pass & Digital Vaccine Card. 

The service is also helpful for sports events and comes with a CLEAR Plus option where you can add up to three people to your CLEAR account for just $60 each– saving you $380!

Additionally, Reserve powered by CLEAR provides a seamless dining experience at selected locations. 


Overall Thoughts

CLEAR s revolutionizing the airport experience and beyond with its state-of-the-art biometric technology. Offering safe, efficient, and stress-free navigation through security checks, CLEAR is the future of travel. Whether you frequent airports or attend stadium games, CLEAR ensures your identity verification process is a breeze. 

A CLEAR membership has saved us a ton of time and let us enjoy more time in the airport lounge vs. standing in the airport security line. 

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Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, vendors or companies, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.