Is CLEAR Worth It for Frequent Flyers?

With airports being so much fun, it's no surprise there are multiple programs designed to streamline the experience. One of the newest programs is called CLEAR, a biometrics-based ID program that works in conjunction with programs like TSA PreCheck to help minimize the friction of getting through airport checkpoints. Unlike similar programs, CLEAR comes with a big three-digit annual price tag -- one that isn't covered by many credit cards. This leads to the question: Is CLEAR worth it? Our guide will take a look at how CLEAR works, how it compares to other programs, and who should make the investment.

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What is CLEAR and how does it work?

Going through airport security is a two-step process:

Step 1: Wait in line to have your identity verified and checked against your boarding pass

Step 2: Wait in line to have your belongings -- and your person -- scanned and/or wanded

CLEAR is a program that significantly simplifies Step 1. Instead of waiting in a long line with hundreds of your fellow passengers, you can hit a CLEAR kiosk. There, you'll undergo a fingerprint or iris scan to verify you are who your boarding pass says you are.

Once verified, you'll be personally escorted to a security line and those cursed delightful scanners. Since the verification line can easily take an hour or more on a bad day in a busy airport, CLEAR can save you a lot of time standing, shuffling forward three steps, and standing some more.

Where can you use CLEAR?

CLEAR is currently available in 50-plus venues in the U.S. This includes most of the major airport hubs, such as (but not limited to):

• ATL (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
• AUS (Austin–Bergstrom International Airport)
• IAD (Dulles International Airport)
• BOS (Boston Logan International Airport)
• DEN (Denver International Airport)
• DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport)
• DTW (Detroit Metro Airport)
• JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport)
• LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)
• LGA (LaGuardia Airport)
• MCO (Orlando International Airport)
• MIA (Miami International Airport)
• ORD (O'Hare International Airport)
• SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport)
• SFO (San Francisco International Airport)

Unfortunately, CLEAR is not currently available outside the United States.

Beyond flying, CLEAR can also be used to shortcut your way into some major event venues. For example, you can use CLEAR at Madison Square Garden in New York City or Coors Field in Denver. And the company is actively working to expand its reach.

How does CLEAR differ from TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

In essence, CLEAR is designed to simplify Step 1 of the security process. TSA PreCheck is designed mostly to speed up Step 2. And Global Entry kicks in when you arrive from a flight, not when you depart.

LEARN MORE: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR: Which Program Is the Best?

In other words, CLEAR is actually a complementary program for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. You can use it in conjunction with the others, as it applies to a different part of the process. Here's a deeper breakdown of how they compare.

CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck

As noted above, TSA PreCheck is a program for speeding up Step 2 of the security process, which includes the screening and scanning. If you're a PreCheck member flying on a participating airline, you can qualify to go through an expedited TSA PreCheck security lane.

One perk of TSA PreCheck lanes is they often have shorter lines. But the real perk is that PreCheck members can skip many of the most annoying parts of security screening, like removing shoes, liquids, or laptops.

If you have both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, you can double dip on the time savings. Once you pass CLEAR authentication, your escort can take you directly to the TSA PreCheck line rather than a general public security line.

CLEAR vs. Global Entry

On its own, Global Entry is a program that helps you speed through the immigration and customs process when you come back to the U.S. from abroad. Upon arrival, you can use a Global Entry kiosk to scan your passport and answer the typical declaration questions. You'll also use a special Global Entry immigration counter and customs lane.

If this wasn't enough of a perk, there's another: Global Entry membership automatically comes with a TSA PreCheck membership. This gives you the hat trick for speedy air travel.

By pairing CLEAR with Global Entry, you get benefits going and coming. On your way out of the country, you can skip the regular identity verification line (CLEAR) and pass through an expedited screening lane (TSA PreCheck). On your way back, you can shortcut the customs and immigration process (Global Entry) and be on your way home in no time.

How much does CLEAR membership cost?

An annual CLEAR membership costs $189. Memberships are billed annually. This means you'll need to pay for the full year upfront. However, from a budgeting perspective, it breaks down to about $15 a month. On the plus side, children under the age of 18 can use CLEAR for free if they're traveling with a paid CLEAR member.

Can you get CLEAR for free with a credit card?

While there are dozens of travel rewards and airline credit cards that offer credits for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, credits for CLEAR aren't as common. That said, you have a few options, though you'll typically need to use the eligible card to pay for your membership.

If you want the full membership cost covered with a statement credit when enrolled, you'll need an American Express Platinum consumer or business card:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply)
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply)
• American Express® Green Card (terms apply)

Another way to get a discount on your CLEAR membership is to own a Delta or United cobranded airline credit card. Your card membership will net you a $70 discount when enrolled, bringing the cost of membership down to just $109 a year.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (terms apply)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (terms apply)
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (terms apply)
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (terms apply)
• United Club℠ Infinite Card
• United Quest℠ Card
• United℠ Explorer Card
• United Gateway℠ Card

Simply holding a Delta or United frequent flyer account is also enough to net a discount, though not as large. Regular program members get a $60 discount, leaving you with an annual cost of $119.

Some travel rewards programs that let you use your miles to "erase" purchases may also be useful for covering the cost of a CLEAR membership. As long as the purchase codes as a travel expense, you should be able to redeem miles to cover the transaction.

LEARN MORE: How Credit Card Miles Work

Take a look at our side-by-side comparison of a few of the cards currently offering CLEAR benefits:

Who should get CLEAR?

As a way to speed up the process of clearing airport security, CLEAR has obvious benefits. But those benefits need to hold up against the program's hefty $189 annual cost. Compared to similar programs, that cost isn't insignificant. TSA PreCheck is just $17 a year, and Global Entry only slightly more at $20 a year.

So, it comes down to justifying that cost. Is CLEAR worth it? If you're a frequent traveler, the time- and hassle-saving perks of CLEAR are likely priceless. How often you need to fly to make it worthwhile is up to you. Is saving an hour once a month worth $15? What about an hour once a week?

On the other hand, if you're someone who travels once or twice a year, it hardly seems worth paying $189 a year to save an hour here and there. The only real exception to this rule is folks who have the credit cards listed above. If you're already a big fan of the The Platinum Card® from American Express for its fantastic Membership Rewards program, then sure, there's no reason not to get CLEAR since it's already essentially paid for by your annual fee.

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