Clear has expanded its services to Palm Beach International Airport, arriving just in time for the Thanksgiving travel rush and associated security challenges.

Travelers at Palm Beach International Airport can now enjoy expedited security thanks to the launch of Clear at PBI. This marks the company's fourth Florida airport, launching on Nov. 17, as it continues to grow in the Sunshine State.

"Starting today, Clear will operate three expedited security lanes across PBI's two security checkpoints," Clear announced in a press release to TPG, making it the 39th airport in the U.S. to feature Clear lanes for passengers.

"From our first airport launch, we've been dedicated to Florida, and we are excited to partner with Palm Beach County to enhance this service for local residents, travelers, and visitors," said Clear CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. "We're increasing our presence in South Florida and creating over 30 new jobs as part of our ongoing investment in the state."

Since its debut at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in 2010, Clear has concentrated on expanding its footprint in Florida, now offering Clear lanes at Miami International Airport (MIA), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), in addition to MCO and PBI.

"Florida has always been a key market for travel, and we are excited about our continued expansion there," stated Karl Rickett, a senior public affairs manager at Clear, in an interview with TPG.

Passengers using Clear can skip the usual two-step TSA security process, which includes identity verification and navigating an additional security line—a process that can be particularly frustrating during busy holiday periods when lines tend to be long.

Clear could alleviate the stress of holiday travel.

While holiday travel is typically among the busiest times in the air, this season may be especially chaotic. Next week is projected to see the highest year-over-year increase in Thanksgiving travel since 2005, according to AAA. Their 2021 Thanksgiving Travel Forecast anticipates over 53 million travelers during the Thanksgiving weekend, marking a 13% rise from 2020 and nearing 2019 levels by just 5%.

An influx of travelers may pose challenges for both TSA and airlines, which have reported ongoing staffing shortages this year. In mid-October, TSA revealed that only 60% of its workforce had been vaccinated ahead of the Nov. 22 deadline established by the Biden administration.

A nationwide shortage of pilots and flight attendants has led to numerous delays this year across various airlines, including American Airlines, which recently introduced incentives for employees willing to work during the holiday season. The recent reopening of the U.S. to vaccinated international travelers will further contribute to potential holiday travel disruptions.

Last month, Clear introduced a new timed service at MCO, allowing groups of up to 10 travelers to schedule a specific time for security based on their flight departures.

"Clear's expedited lanes and seamless travel experience offer an excellent solution for holiday travel stress," said Karl Rickett, a senior public affairs manager at Clear, in an interview with TPG. He noted the company anticipates a robust holiday travel season, with Clear users expected to return to pre-pandemic numbers. As of October 2021, 40% of Clear locations reported higher verification activity compared to 2019, particularly in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas (LAS). Furthermore, 60% of markets have experienced increased enrollments.

Clear members can utilize dedicated lanes to verify their identity using just their eyes or fingerprints, eliminating the need to present a driver's license. After verification, a Clear Ambassador guides members through the dedicated lane directly to TSA physical security (if they also have TSA PreCheck, they are escorted to the front of the TSA line).

An annual Clear membership costs $189, and many credit cards offer reimbursements for this fee. Cardholders of the Platinum Card® from American Express receive up to $189 in statement credits for a Clear Plus membership, while the American Express® Green Card also provides an up to $189 annual statement credit for Clear Plus. American Express Centurion Cardholders can claim annual credits for up to three family members to sign up for Clear. Enrollment is required for certain benefits. Children under 18 traveling with adults who have Clear can access the service for free, and Clear members can add up to three adult family members to their account at a reduced rate.

Cardholders of Delta and United can receive a free or discounted Clear membership based on their status.

For instance, Delta Diamond Medallion® Members enjoy a complimentary annual membership, while Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion Members, along with those holding eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards (including the Delta SkyMiles® Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Reserve Cards), can access a discounted membership for $109. General Delta SkyMiles members pay $119.

Clear is complimentary for United Premier 1K® members, $109 for Premier® Silver, Gold, or Platinum members, as well as United U.S. Credit Cardholders, and $119 for MileagePlus members.

Beyond airports, Clear is available in various public spaces, including stadiums and concert venues, and has expanded its services in response to COVID-19, including facilitating vaccine verification at restaurants.