A commercial biometric identity verification service that allows members to use eye or fingerprint scans to skip the initial ID check at airport security.
What Is CLEAR Plus?
CLEAR Plus is a paid biometric identity verification service that lets travelers use eye or fingerprint scans to bypass the initial ID-check line at airport security. Members enroll their biometric data and identification in advance, then verify identity at a CLEAR kiosk before proceeding to a dedicated lane, often merging ahead of the TSA document-check queue.
CLEAR was founded in 2010 and operates as a private, subscription-based service separate from TSA PreCheck. It targets the ID-verification bottleneck rather than the physical screening process itself, which is why many members pair it with TSA PreCheck to skip both the ID line and the standard bag/body screening line.
How It Works
CLEAR Plus costs $199 per year for an individual membership, with add-on family memberships typically discounted to around $50 per additional adult. Enrollment requires a valid government-issued ID and a one-time biometric capture (iris or fingerprint) at a CLEAR pod, usually taking a few minutes. At the airport, members scan their eyes or fingerprints at a CLEAR kiosk, and a CLEAR ambassador escorts them past the ID-check line to the TSA screening checkpoint. CLEAR does not replace TSA screening; travelers without PreCheck still remove shoes, laptops, and liquids as required.
Where to Find It
CLEAR Plus operates in over 50 U.S. airports, including major hubs such as Los Angeles International (LAX), Denver International (DEN), Orlando International (MCO), Newark Liberty (EWR), and Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW). It is also available at select stadiums, arenas, and entertainment venues for event entry. CLEAR is not tied to a specific airline; membership works across all carriers operating at participating airports. Some airline credit cards and loyalty programs, including those from Delta and United, offer statement credits or discounts toward CLEAR Plus membership as a cardholder perk.
Traveler Tip
Combine CLEAR Plus with TSA PreCheck for the fastest possible security experience: CLEAR skips the ID-check line, while PreCheck skips the shoes-off, laptop-out screening line. Many airline credit cards reimburse the CLEAR membership fee, effectively making it free. CEOFLIGHTS specialists can help find discounted fares — call (888) 851-6897.
