CLEAR is a paid airport membership that uses biometrics to verify your identity quickly, then moves you to the front of the ID-check part of the security process. You still go through TSA screening afterward, but you usually skip the long document-check line.

How it works

  1. You enroll in CLEAR first, either online or at the airport.
  1. At the airport, you go to the CLEAR lane and scan your eyes, face, or fingerprints.
  1. A CLEAR agent confirms you, then escorts you to the front of the security line.
  1. You still pass through normal TSA screening, unless you also have TSA PreCheck and are routed to that lane.

What it does

  • Speeds up identity verification at security.
  • Can save time during busy travel periods.
  • Is available at many, but not all, airports.

What it does not do

  • It does not replace TSA screening.
  • It does not guarantee you will avoid all waiting, since you may still face TSA lines after the CLEAR step.

Quick example

If the regular line is long, CLEAR lets you bypass the ID-check wait, walk into the checkpoint faster, and then proceed to the standard security scan.

If you want, I can also explain CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck in a simple side-by- side table.