Do you dread the security line in the airport? I vividly remember an uncomfortable experience years ago at Newark International Airport, where the security line stretched from the upper mezzanine maze, down the escalator, and almost out the entrance door. Never again, I said to myself. I immediately applied for TSA PreCheck after that flight. Another year later, I applied for Global Entry, which I will review soon. In the past few years, a new service, called CLEAR, has become available at many U.S. Airports. Is it any better than TSA PreCheck alone? Here’s my experience with the program.
How has TSA Precheck and CLEAR Plus Worked for Me?
If you have traveled by air recently, you may have noticed another queuing area next to TSA PreCheck called CLEAR. The airport specific membership, called CLEAR Plus, costs $189 for a one year subscription and allows you expediate your experience through security by confirming your identity through biometrics. I’ve had the CLEAR Plus membership associated with my frequent flyer loyalty program for a few years now and I can say that TSA PreCheck + CLEAR Plus it has vastly improved my TSA security experience.
When you enter the CLEAR Plus lane, they will check your boarding pass for the PreCheck symbol and take you to the biometrics pod. Once you complete biometrics reading, they may ask you to scan your boarding pass on
the pod. From here - is the best part. The CLEAR agent will take you directly to the TSA agent. You will show your boarding pass to TSA and with the OK are of to the X-ray in a matter of minutes. While I have seen more and more travelers using the CLEAR Plus lane at TSA PreCheck recently, I have never had to wait for more than a few minutes to complete the process. I have to mention that being greeted with a smile by the CLEAR agent is a great way to start a trip.
My favorite airports to use CLEAR Plus are San Francisco (SFO) and Newark (EWR). Also, on a recent trip I was surprised to see the CLEAR lane the New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. There was no line, and several associates were available to ask questions and guide you to the entrance. We entered the ballpark faster than ever before.
Is it worth it?
If you are planning to get back to frequent flying, either for work or leisure and primarily domestic travel, I would recommend a CLEAR Plus subscription. The hefty annul fee may not be a fit for the once-a-year air traveler, but if you spend a significant amount of time traveling by air this is a great way to ensure you make the most of your experience at the airport.
Learn More
As always, its important to decide which program is the best fit for your travel lifestyle. Click the following links to learn more about CLEAR and TSA PreCheck.
Do you have TSA PreCheck + CLEAR? What has your experience been? Comment below!
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