Is Clear Still Worth It?

As a devoted Clear user for the past three years, I plan to continue my subscription for as long as it remains available. It significantly reduces both time and stress when navigating Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints.

While I have never questioned the value of the expedited security program, the introduction of random ID checks certainly raises concerns about its fundamental purpose.

Some users, including TPG staff and readers, have begun to question its value due to advancements in biometric screening for specific travelers, the silent competition from TSA PreCheck, and a recent price hike.

Here’s an in-depth exploration of the evolution of Clear to help you decide if the program is right for you.

Advancements in third-party biometric screening

Three years after Clear introduced its first airport lane in 2010, the government launched its own expedited TSA security lane program, TSA PreCheck, following a pilot for select trusted travelers in 2011, according to an agency spokesperson.

While both programs aim to save time for travelers, TSA PreCheck sets itself apart as a government-run security initiative. As a Trusted Traveler Program, the government offers PreCheck users a dedicated lane where they are not required to remove shoes, belts, laptops, or liquids from their bags. These travelers typically enjoy a wait time of 10 minutes or less, according to TSA data.

Following the success of PreCheck, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have collaborated with TSA to create their own expedited security experience for passengers under the TSA PreCheck Touchless Identity Solutions initiative.

Touchless ID removes the requirement to present a physical ID or boarding pass for identity verification. This allows TSA PreCheck members flying with United or Delta at select airports to use facial recognition technology to breeze through PreCheck security in mere seconds. This process is also known as biometric screening. At certain airports, this service extends to travelers checking their bags, including United passengers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

Even though no ID is necessary, airlines and TSA recommend that travelers carry a valid ID, as the agency reserves the right to randomly verify a traveler's ID at any time, irrespective of their participation in this, TSA PreCheck, or Clear.

It's crucial to understand that Touchless ID operates independently from Clear, unlike PreCheck. Clear members who also enroll in TSA PreCheck are escorted to the front of the TSA PreCheck line after confirming their identity through a Clear pod, while Touchless ID travelers must choose between the two lines.

TSA PreCheck's Touchless Identity Solution is also accessible for Delta passengers at five airports through its Digital ID program—an alternative screening method that utilizes passport information stored in each passenger's SkyMiles profile to match the photo captured at security checkpoints.

With these changes, travelers—especially those who are loyal to Delta and United—might prefer Touchless ID over Clear.

Random ID checks

While it may seem trivial, the convenience of not needing to pull my ID from my purse is a simple luxury that justifies the cost of Clear for me. Many other Clear users appear to share this sentiment. In July 2023, the TSA committed to randomly selecting a larger number of Clear members to present valid identification, thus undermining the primary purpose of the program.

In response, a Clear representative previously mentioned that the frequency of random ID checks for Clear users was influenced by a "variety of factors" beyond their control and dictated by the agency. Following public outcry, both parties retracted their initial statement until August 2023, when Clear announced plans to upgrade its users in preparation for the NextGen Identity+ technology. According to a TSA spokesperson, NextGen Identity+ is a "TSA-required upgrade mandated due to security vulnerabilities."

To implement the new technology, Clear informed users via email about an upgrade process, which included a one-time two-step reverification. After completing the initial steps online, users were instructed to visit a Clear pod during their next airport trip to rescan their faces and present a valid ID to a Clear agent.

Clear framed this as an enhancement for the program, making facial recognition the primary method for membership verification; eventually, this would eliminate the need for members to stop at a Clear pod altogether.

However, many Clear users, including TPG staff, expressed frustration, reporting that they were asked to show their IDs multiple times even after recently reverifying their identities. Their experiences highlighted two main issues: delays in the Clear process and an increased frequency of ID checks following the upgrade to NextGen.

A Clear spokesperson emphasized via email, "NextGen Identity+ enrollment should not be confused with randomization, which is managed by the TSA."

Clear's statement implied that travelers might be confusing TSA's random ID checks with the single-step identity verification process that is part of the Next Gen reverification, which are distinct procedures.

"Travel is becoming increasingly challenging. Clear's goal is to revolutionize the passenger experience from home to gate, ensuring our members succeed on travel days. This includes the introduction of NextGen Identity+. This complimentary, one-time upgrade opens the Clear Lane of the Future — a suite of technologies and automations aimed at improving speed and security," a Clear spokesperson stated via email. Set to roll out throughout 2024, the Clear Lane of the Future aims to create a seamless experience where members can verify their identity using facial recognition, resulting in a more predictable and enjoyable journey through travel,"

According to a TSA spokesperson, "The TSA oversees airport security screening and manages the Registered Traveler Program, including CLEAR's role at select airports," and therefore "sets the random selection rate, requiring CLEAR to implement this to mitigate risk."

As of August 23, over 95% of Clear members have completed their reverification for NextGen Identity+ enrollment, as reported by a Clear spokesperson.

Nonetheless, discussions in the TPG Lounge, a private Facebook group where readers talk about travel, indicate that these screenings have noticeably increased over the past year or so.

"This year, I've had a 'random ID Check' every time I've used Clear (12 times)," a user shared. "At Tulsa International Airport (TUL), the PreCheck line is usually quicker, except during the Monday morning rush. On my last visit, the Clear agent at the front directed me to PreCheck because no agents were at the machines."

TPG editorial team members leverage the TPG Lounge to gather insights from our community. For this article, I reached out to see if anyone wanted to share their latest experiences with Clear. I specifically inquired if they had been asked for their IDs or faced longer Clear lines compared to the TSA or TSA PreCheck lines. Their nearly 40 responses are summarized below:

• Members noted that both PreCheck and Clear lines at Denver International Airport (DEN) were longer than the TSA lines.
• At DEN, Dulles International Airport (IAD), Tulsa International Airport (TUL), John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), and Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BMH), members reported longer Clear lines compared to PreCheck.
• Travelers encountered reverification issues and had to present their IDs at various airports, including IAD, DCA, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

"Clear has really dropped the ball in Denver," one user commented. "It's not worth the hassle anymore."

Longer wait times

Clear boasts over 25 million members, while PreCheck has around 20 million members, according to data from both organizations. As these programs continue to develop, the expedited lines intended to streamline security can sometimes lead to longer waits than standard lanes.

As of August 21, TPG staff reported experiencing longer Clear lines during recent visits to RDU, Orlando International Airport (MCO), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Some users were required to reregister for Clear's NextGen by presenting their IDs multiple times at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

"I've never saved any significant time using Clear compared to PreCheck," a senior member of the TPG editorial team remarked. "Maybe five minutes at best, but I'm having a hard time justifying Clear these days."

Price increase

Alongside longer wait times caused by crowded Clear lines and ID checks, users are also facing frustration from the recent price hike.

As of August 1, the annual fee for Clear is $199, which grants access at 58 airports nationwide, as well as at stadiums and other large venues.

In contrast, a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck starts at $78. However, travelers can enroll in TSA PreCheck through Clear to access both programs for a reduced rate of $200. Currently, this service is available at 50 U.S. airports, according to Clear.

To secure this pricing, travelers need to apply for both TSA PreCheck and a Clear membership through Clear's website. Once they complete the application and receive approval, Clear will provide a rebate of $77.95.

Some users report that it's still beneficial for them

Despite the earlier challenges, many users, including myself, still have a positive outlook on Clear. When I inquired with the TPG newsroom about their recent experiences, one senior reporter shared that Clear has "improved" for her lately.

"After being repeatedly asked for my ID for months, I haven't been prompted the last two or three times I've traveled," she noted. "I also find that using Clear with PreCheck remains faster for me than either option alone. Recently, I've been flying more from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) instead of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and it's frustrating that PHL doesn't have Clear."

When Clear may be beneficial

If you're a Clear user, keep in mind that five credit cards currently provide an annual statement credit that covers its fee:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Centurion Card from American Express
• American Express® Green Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

From time to time, targeted Amex Offers may cover the cost of Clear Plus membership for holders of various American Express cards.

The details for the Centurion, Green, and Hilton Aspire cards have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

Considering the costs, a larger number of credit cards tend to cover fees associated with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.

"I would never personally pay for Clear, but as a benefit of my credit card, it can be handy at times," commented a member of the TPG Lounge.

If you lack a credit card that provides Clear at no cost, all Delta SkyMiles cobranded Amex cards offer an annual membership for $159, and all United credit cards available in the U.S. also provide it for the same price.

Members holding the top-tier Delta Diamond Medallion status can access Clear for free, while Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members can obtain it at a discounted rate of $159.

United's Premier 1K members also receive Clear at no cost, whereas United Premier Platinum, Gold, and Silver members can get it for $159.

Bottom line

Ultimately, the decision on whether Clear is worth it is yours to make.

For me, it has consistently been a dependable tool in my travel arsenal. The synergy of TSA PreCheck and Clear gives me peace of mind every time I head to the airport. Since joining both programs, I've never taken more than five minutes to get through TSA security.

The convenience I gain from both programs makes the membership cost worthwhile for me as a traveler.

Upon arriving at the airport, I find the nearest Clear pod and wait for an attendant to guide me through the process of scanning my eyes and boarding pass. Typically, this step takes less than 30 seconds. Afterwards, a Clear agent leads me straight to the front of the PreCheck lane, which usually takes about two minutes. I can then place my belongings on the conveyor without having to dig into my purse or suitcase or remove any items.

Several factors can adversely impact this experience, making it quite remarkable (and fortunate) that mine has been so smooth.

While it may not be as swift and effortless as it used to be for some, my experience shows that the combination of TSA PreCheck and Clear is worth the investment for me.