Is CLEAR Worth It? A Guide to Signing Up and Its Benefits

Navigating airport security can be time-consuming and stressful, but services like CLEAR are changing the game for frequent travelers. Whether you’re curious about how to sign up for CLEAR or wondering if CLEAR is worth it, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From adding kids to your account to using CLEAR beyond the airport at stadiums and event venues, we'll show you why this service is a valuable upgrade compared to TSA PreCheck. With the correct information and tips, you'll be ready to make the most out of CLEAR and enjoy smoother travel experiences for you and your family.

What is CLEAR and How Does It Work?

CLEAR is a biometric identity verification service that allows you to bypass traditional security lines at airports, stadiums, and other venues. Instead of using a physical ID, CLEAR uses your eyes and fingerprints to confirm your identity, making the process faster and more secure. This service benefits frequent travelers who want to save time and avoid the hassle of long security queues.

To get started, sign up for CLEAR online or at one of their locations. The enrollment process involves creating an account, providing essential information, and verifying your identity through a quick scan of your eyes and fingerprints. Once enrolled, you can use CLEAR lanes at airports and partner venues by scanning your biometrics.

Not just limited to airports, CLEAR is also available at various stadiums, concert venues, and even office buildings, offering a seamless identity verification experience in many settings beyond travel.

Steps to Sign Up for CLEAR

Enrolling in CLEAR is a straightforward process you can complete in just a few minutes. Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit the CLEAR Website: Go to the official CLEAR website and click on the “Get Started” button. You may also find a CLEAR discount code online during the signup process, which can help you save on membership fees.
2. Enter Your Information: You’ll need to provide basic personal details, including your name, email address, and payment information. This sets up your account and prepares it for the biometric scan.
3. Verify Your Identity In-Person: You must visit a CLEAR location, which is usually found at major airports or partner venues. At this location, a CLEAR representative will assist you in completing your registration by scanning your fingerprints and eyes.
4. Link Your Account with Kids (If Applicable): One of the great features of CLEAR is the ability to add children under 18 to your account for free. This ensures that families can move through security together quickly. At the enrollment center, mention that you’d like to add kids to your account to link their biometrics with yours.
5. Use CLEAR at Partner Locations: Once your enrollment is complete, you can use CLEAR at various partner locations. This includes airports, stadiums, concert halls, and other large venues where CLEAR is available.

Why CLEAR is Better Than TSA PreCheck

While both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are designed to expedite the security process, CLEAR offers several distinct advantages that make it a superior option for many travelers:

1. Biometric Verification for Faster Entry: Unlike TSA PreCheck, which still requires a traditional ID check, CLEAR uses biometric technology (your eyes and fingerprints) to verify your identity. This means you can skip the initial ID verification line, saving you even more time.
2. Wider Usage Beyond Airports: One of the standout features of CLEAR is its versatility. While TSA PreCheck is limited to airports, CLEAR is available at many locations beyond the airport. This includes stadiums, arenas, concert venues, and office buildings. So, whether you’re attending a sports game or a concert, CLEAR allows you to breeze through security, making it more useful for frequent event-goers.
3. Adding Kids for Free: With CLEAR, you can add children under 18 to your account for no additional cost, ensuring your whole family can move through security together. TSA PreCheck, on the other hand, requires each family member (16 and older) to have their membership, which can become expensive. This family-friendly aspect of CLEAR makes it an appealing option for parents traveling with kids.
4. Compatibility with TSA PreCheck: For those who already have TSA PreCheck, CLEAR can be used in conjunction with it. This combination allows you to use CLEAR to skip the ID line and then enjoy the benefits of the TSA PreCheck lane, which does not require removing shoes, belts, or laptops. This partnership maximizes the speed and convenience of your security experience.
5. Faster Enrollment Process: Enrolling in CLEAR is often quicker and more straightforward than TSA PreCheck, which requires a detailed background check and an in-person appointment that might have limited availability. With CLEAR, you can complete most of the signup process online and quickly verify your biometrics at any participating location.

Tips for Maximizing Your CLEAR Membership

Taking advantage of its full range of benefits is essential to get the most out of your CLEAR membership. Here are some tips to ensure you’re maximizing your experience:

1. Look for a CLEAR Discount Code: Before signing up, search online for a CLEAR discount code to help reduce the membership cost. CLEAR often partners with airlines and credit card companies to provide exclusive offers and discounts for new members.
2. Link Your Kids for a Smooth Family Experience: Remember to add your children under 18 for free to your CLEAR account. This feature allows families to stay together during security, minimizing stress, especially when traveling with young kids. To add your kids, visit a CLEAR location where their biometrics can be scanned and linked to your account.
3. Use CLEAR Beyond Airports: Don’t forget that your CLEAR membership extends beyond just airports. Many sports stadiums, concert venues, and event spaces now offer CLEAR lanes, making it a valuable asset for skipping lines at these places too. Check the CLEAR website or app to see a list of all participating locations so you can plan accordingly.
4. Combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck: For the fastest security experience possible, consider using CLEAR alongside TSA PreCheck. This combo allows you to skip the initial ID check with CLEAR and proceed directly to the TSA PreCheck lane, where you don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops. It’s a winning combination for frequent travelers.
5. Stay Informed with the CLEAR App: The CLEAR app updates locations, membership details, and new features. It’s also a convenient tool for managing your account, adding or removing family members, and checking your membership status. Make sure to download the app to have all the information you need at your fingertips.

 Is CLEAR Worth It?

CLEAR can be a game-changer if you’re a frequent traveler or someone who regularly attends events at major stadiums and concert venues. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

1. Time Savings and Convenience: The biggest advantage of CLEAR is the significant time savings. By bypassing the traditional ID check and using biometric verification, you can go directly to the front of the security line, saving valuable minutes during busy travel or before major events.
2. Versatility Beyond the Airport: Unlike TSA PreCheck, which is only available at airports, CLEAR extends its benefits to many other locations. If you frequently visit sports stadiums, arenas, or other large venues, the ability to skip lines at these places makes CLEAR more valuable and versatile.
3. Family-Friendly Features: For families, CLEAR offers the option to add children under 18 for free. This saves money and simplifies the travel experience, ensuring everyone stays together through security. The convenience of moving as a unit, especially with young kids, is a significant benefit that TSA PreCheck doesn’t fully provide.
4. Flexible Enrollment and Discount Options: With easy enrollment at numerous locations and the availability of CLEAR discount codes, joining CLEAR is convenient and cost-effective. Additionally, if you already have TSA PreCheck, combining it with CLEAR offers the ultimate streamlined experience, reducing stress and saving time in multiple settings.

CLEAR Ambassador Assist: Personalized Support for Members

One of the exclusive features of CLEAR that sets it apart is the CLEAR Ambassador Assist service. This service provides personalized support to members, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience at every CLEAR location. Here’s how it works:

1. Dedicated Assistance at Airports and Venues: CLEAR Ambassadors are available at all partner locations, including airports, stadiums, and concert venues. They are there to guide you through the process, help you navigate any issues that may arise, and ensure your biometric scans are processed quickly. This personalized support is invaluable, especially during peak times or when traveling with children.
2. Support for Families and Special Needs: If you’re traveling with young children or have special needs, the CLEAR Ambassador Assist service is designed to make your experience as smooth as possible. Ambassadors can help add kids to your account, verify their information, and ensure the whole family can move through security together efficiently. The ambassadors are trained to provide the necessary support for members requiring additional assistance, ensuring comfort and convenience.
3. Assistance Beyond Security: At select locations, CLEAR Ambassadors may also be available beyond the security checkpoint, offering guidance at stadiums and event venues. This ensures that members receive continuous support throughout their experience, whether navigating entry gates or accessing VIP sections.
4. Real-Time Problem Solving: If you encounter issues with your CLEAR membership or biometric verification, the CLEAR Ambassador Assist team will help. Whether troubleshooting a scan or updating your information on the spot, the ambassadors provide real-time solutions to keep you moving without delays.

By offering personalized support, CLEAR Ambassador Assist enhances the overall value of the CLEAR membership, making it a premium service that goes beyond traditional security and entry facilitation.

In conclusion, if you travel frequently, attend large events, or simply want a faster and more efficient way to navigate security, CLEAR is a worthy investment. Its biometric technology, broad usage across different venues, and family-friendly features set it apart from TSA PreCheck, making it a versatile and valuable tool for various scenarios beyond just the airport. Consider using a CLEAR discount code when signing up to maximize the value of your membership and enjoy a seamless, time-saving experience every time you travel or attend an event.