Standing in line has to be right up there with the worst part of flying these days. And there’s practically no way around it.
That’s why Clear recently caught our attention. This members-only service promises to all but eliminate the time normally spent waiting in line for a TSA agent to check your ID and boarding pass.
How it works
Clear runs its own security checkpoint lanes at a select number of U.S. airports. Each lane has an ATM-like machine where members insert their personalized Clear ID card and then verify their identity using a fingerprint or eye scan.
Clear attendants (private employees trained in hospitality and security protocols) manning the lanes digitally authenticate members’ boarding passes using an automated reader. The whole process takes around 30 seconds.
Members are then directed to physical screening. Clear reports it has a separate bin area at San Francisco, and the flexibility to escort members into any of the physical screening lanes in Orlando. Unfortunately, in most cases, members simply have to join the line along with everyone else (a clear limitation in the service).
Obviously, if Clear were able to secure its own physical screening lanes, or negotiate a way of fast-forwarding its members to the front of the line, it would have a much better product on its hands.
It’s worth adding, Clear works regardless of a member’s destination or airline.
Where you can use it
- San Francisco (six lanes)
- Orlando (two lanes)
- Dallas/Fort-Worth (one lane)
- Denver (two lanes)
- Westchester, NY (one lane)
The company reports its in “advanced discussions with about a dozen airports and in preliminary talks with many others,” though there is no mention of the specific airports.
Membership and enrollment
An annual membership costs $179, but there are discounts, including a family package where a partner can be added for $50 (people younger than 18 who have boarding passes can go through the lane with a member).
Membership is open to all U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
You can enroll online, but then have to go into an enrollment center to present a passport and a second form of ID and have biometrics taken.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: Clear)
