Ultimate Guide to CLEAR Airport Security: How It Works & Locations

Navigating airports can be stressful enough without the added pressure of lengthy security screening lines. For travelers looking for a speedy and simple way to breeze through security and lighten their loads when traveling, there is a better way.

Clear is a company that utilizes biometrics to allow individuals to identify themselves in just a few seconds with the scan of a finger or an eye. More than 12 million people use its products, which are currently available across 71 locations in the U.S., including 53 airports and 18 arenas and stadiums. Moreover, while you’ll have to pay a fee to access its services at the airport, the service is free to use anywhere else it’s available.

Below, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about how Clear works, from the complimentary access you’ll get at stadiums and arenas to the upgraded Clear Plus membership that cuts down the time you spend in security lines at the airport. Additionally, we’ll explore where else it can be used and how Clear Plus differs from other airport security services such as TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry.

What is Clear?

Clear taps into biometric scanning technology to let travelers skip tedious airport security and identification procedures—and the lines leading up to them. Instead of fumbling for your ID, you’ll be able to use your fingerprints and iris image scans to confirm your identity and head straight to the security metal detectors and bag scanners, no waiting required. Clear can also be used in select U.S. arenas and stadiums (see the list below) or to shorten your wait for a rental car. Additionally, the service can also be used to verify your identity on LinkedIn.

Note that while Clear and its various Powered By Clear iterations (such as Reserve) are free to sign up for and use, you will need to pay for the upgraded membership to Clear Plus to bypass the usual ID check at airport security.

How Does Clear Plus Work at the Airport?

At the terminal, Clear Plus members will find dedicated lanes where a Clear Ambassador will help you scan either your fingerprint or eye and your boarding pass. From there, you’ll be taken to the front of the security screening line and ushered through by a TSA agent; no need to show a boarding pass or ID.

Which Airports Use Clear Plus?

Clear Plus (the paid service) is currently available at the following U.S. airports:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
• Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
• Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
• Boise Airport (BOI)
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
• Hartford Bradley International Airport (BDL)
• Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
• Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
• Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Long Beach Airport (LGB)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Westchester County Airport (HPN)
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
• Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport (OKC)
• Ontario International Airport (California, ONT)
• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
• San Diego International Airport (SAN)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan, Puerto Rico, SJU)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
• Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Dulles International Airport (Washington, D.C., IAD)

Which Stadiums and Arenas Use Clear?

Clear (the free service) is currently available at the following stadiums and arenas:

• State Farm Arena (Atlanta)
• Coors Field (Denver)
• Ball Arena (Denver)
• T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)
• Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
• SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)
• BMO Stadium (Los Angeles)
• Kaseya Center (Miami)
• Barclays Center (New York)
• Yankee Stadium (New York)
• Madison Square Garden (New York)
• Chase Center (San Francisco)
• Oracle Park (San Francisco)
• PayPal Park (San Jose)
• SAP Center (San Jose)
• Lumen Field (Seattle)
• Nationals Park (Washington, D.C.)
• Capital One Arena (Washington, D.C.)

Where Else Could Clear Be in the Future?

The company is currently exploring opportunities to add more spaces where the identification service can replace the need for cash, credit cards, and physical forms of ID, particularly with regard to checking into hotels, making rental car reservations, and shopping.

How Much Does Clear Cost?

While you can sign up for free to access Reserve by Clear and Clear’s services at stadiums and arenas, a Clear Plus membership for use at the airport costs $189 a year. Additionally, you can add access for up to three family members or friends to your membership for $70 more per year, while those under the age of 18 can enter the Clear lane with a member free of charge.

Who Is Eligible for the Clear Program?

You’ll need to be 18 years or older to apply for Clear and must have one of the following forms of valid and unamended photo identification: A U.S. driver’s license, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a U.S.-issued permanent resident card, a state-issued ID, a U.S. military ID, or a Global Entry card.

How to enroll in Clear

Signing up for a complimentary Clear membership takes just five minutes, and you can start using its lanes immediately once the enrollment process is complete.

If you’re enrolling in Clear Plus at the airport, a Clear Ambassador will validate your ID (acceptable types are listed above) before taking your biometrics (a fingerprint, an eye scan, and a photo of your face) to create a profile. You’ll also need to answer a few questions to verify your identity and provide a method of payment. While you can begin the process online, you will need to be present at a physical Clear location to finalize it.

Which Credit Cards Come with Clear Plus Membership as a Cardholder Benefit?

Currently, four credit cards offer an annual statement credit of $189, which is meant to cover your Clear Plus sign-up fee: the American Express Green Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, and the American Express Centurion Black Card (available by invite only). Note that the Platinum and Business Platinum cards also offer a $100 statement credit to cover the cost of your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. By having one of those cards, you could use Clear and TSA PreCheck to efficiently navigate the entire security screening process on your next flight (or, alternatively, Clear for your flight out of the U.S., and Global Entry for your return trip).

What is the Difference Between Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck?

While both services provide quicker navigation through the airport, Clear Plus and PreCheck can actually be used hand in hand. Clear Plus members can still utilize a dedicated lane to skip long security lines to verify their ID, and can then be taken to the PreCheck screening lane to avoid having to remove their shoes, belt, and liquids from their carry-on baggage as long as they are signed up for PreCheck as well (a five-year membership costs $78 and can be renewed online for $70 or in-person for $78). Check to see if any of your current credit cards offer a credit for TSA PreCheck membership as an included perk.

What is the Difference Between Clear Plus and Global Entry?

For those planning on taking numerous international trips, Global Entry is a valuable service that allows you to skip long lines at customs upon your return to the U.S. This service can be especially beneficial if you’ve got a tight connection between your initial U.S. airport of entry and your final destination. While the sign-up process involves multiple steps, including creating a Trusted Traveler Programs account, paying the $100 fee, and attending an interview, your membership will be valid for five years. Think of it this way: Clear Plus is what you use when you’re leaving a U.S. airport, while Global Entry is what you use when you’re re-entering one.

When is a Clear Membership Worth It?

If you’re someone who dislikes having to dig for your ID every time you pass through a security check, whether you are at an arena, stadium, rental car counter, or airport, this service may sound appealing. Security lines can sometimes be very long, and when you’re in a hurry, every minute counts. Signing up for a complimentary Clear account is a sensible choice, especially if you frequently attend sporting events or concerts. The upgraded airport membership, Clear Plus, may also be valuable if you fly often; however, it’s wise to ensure you don’t already have access to this paid service through your current credit card before committing to the fee.