CLEAR+: What It Is and How to Sign Up
Is CLEAR+ Worth It?
CLEAR+ is the fastest-growing airport security perk in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why: instead of digging out your ID and waiting for an agent to check it, you scan your eyes or fingerprints at a kiosk and get walked to the front of the line. It’s not a government program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry — it’s a private membership service, which means the cost and value calculation works a little differently. Here’s what it actually does, what it costs, and whether it’s worth adding to your travel routine.
What Is CLEAR+?
CLEAR+ is a biometric identity verification service available at more than 55 U.S. airports, plus a growing number of stadiums and venues. It solves a different problem than TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. Instead of speeding up the physical screening or customs process, it speeds up the ID-check step at the very front of the security line.
Here’s how it works at the airport:
- You check in at a CLEAR kiosk or via the CLEAR app
- You verify your identity with a fingerprint or eye scan
- A CLEAR ambassador walks you directly to the front of the regular or TSA PreCheck security line, skipping the standard ID-check queue
From there, you still go through the normal screening process. CLEAR doesn’t replace security screening itself — it just gets you to it faster.
Who Should Get CLEAR+?
CLEAR+ makes the most sense if you regularly fly out of large, busy airports where the ID-check line — not the screening itself — is the real bottleneck. It’s especially useful during peak travel times like holidays, when standard lines can back up well before you even reach the X-ray machines.
If you already have TSA PreCheck, pairing it with CLEAR+ gets you the fastest possible security experience. Skip to the front with CLEAR, then breeze through the shorter, less invasive PreCheck screening. If your home airport is small or rarely crowded, the extra cost may not be worth it.
How to Sign Up for CLEAR+
- Sign up online or at a CLEAR kiosk in a participating airport. The online option takes just a few minutes.
- Verify your identity by uploading or scanning a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Enroll your biometrics — typically an eye scan and/or fingerprints, done in person at a CLEAR pod the first time you use it.
Most memberships are active the same day, and many people complete their first CLEAR lane experience on the very trip they signed up for.
What to Bring to Sign Up
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- A payment method for your membership fee, unless you’re using a card or airline program that covers it
- A few extra minutes at the airport the first time, to complete biometric enrollment in person
After your first in-person enrollment, future airport visits just require a quick scan — no ID or documents needed at all.
Cost and Renewal
CLEAR+ costs around $199 per year for an individual membership, though the exact price can vary with promotions. Family plans are available that add household members at a reduced rate. Many credit cards and airline loyalty programs offer full or partial reimbursement as a cardholder or elite-status perk.
Unlike TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which are five-year commitments, CLEAR+ renews annually and automatically unless you cancel. It’s worth checking your renewal date if your travel habits change.
CLEAR+ vs. TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry
These three programs aren’t really competitors. They solve different parts of the airport experience, and many frequent travelers use more than one together:
- CLEAR+ speeds up ID verification at the front of the line using biometrics, and renews annually.
- TSA PreCheck speeds up the physical screening process on domestic flights, and lasts five years per membership.
- Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs and passport control after international trips, also on a five-year membership.
If you had to pick just one, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry generally offers more value per dollar, since they’re multi-year memberships covering the actual screening process. CLEAR+ is the add-on that shaves extra minutes off an already-fast trip through security. See our guides to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for a closer look at each.
Which Cards and Programs Cover the Fee
Where CLEAR+ Is Available
Tips for Your First Time Using CLEAR+
- Complete biometric enrollment in person as early as possible — you can’t use the fast lane until it’s done, even if your account is active.
- Look for the CLEAR lane signage, which is usually separate from and adjacent to the regular and PreCheck security lines.
- CLEAR doesn’t replace your boarding pass or ID for TSA screening purposes — you’ll still need those for the actual security checkpoint.
- If you’re traveling with family on a shared plan, make sure everyone completes their own biometric enrollment before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a CLEAR+ membership last?
Membership renews annually, unlike the five-year terms for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Does CLEAR+ replace airport security screening?
No — it only speeds up the ID-verification step. You still go through standard or PreCheck screening afterward.
Can I use CLEAR+ without TSA PreCheck?
Yes, CLEAR+ works independently, though pairing it with PreCheck gets you through security fastest overall.
Is CLEAR+ available at every airport?
No — it’s available at more than 55 U.S. airports, concentrated in major hubs, so check availability for your home airport first.
What happens if I cancel?
Your membership and biometric access end at your renewal date; you can re-enroll later if you change your mind.