The Quickest Way Through Airport Security: It’s Not TSA Precheck
Everything was smooth on my way to Denver International Airport on my last trip. Traffic was minimal and so was the line to check my bag at the Southwest counter. On my way to security, I saw a single file line of about 100 people trying to reach the windy lanes marking the point where the line officially starts. Anxiety hit me. My eyes bolted towards the line for CLEAR, an expedited way through security, and I was back to 100% calm. I was the only person in line and was on the train to my gate in less than 5 minutes.
CLEAR is a simple process. A friendly employee wearing a light blue vest directed me in front of a machine where I scanned my middle and index finger. The system pulled up a photo I took when I signed up for the program at DIA a few months back. This is to prescreen and verify identification of passengers, which cuts out the process of having a TSA agent match up your ID and boarding pass.
Another CLEAR employee motioned for a security agent with a K9 dog to sniff around me. All was clear, and I turned around to drop my items off at the scanner and before I knew it, I was headed to my gate after grabbing my stuff with enough time to catch up on work emails before my plane departed.
Where is Clear?
The only downside to CLEAR is that there aren’t locations in every airport. But they do you have plans to expand.
Right now, CLEAR is in 12 of the largest international airports in the United States: Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Houston (IAH & HOU), Las Vegas, Orlando, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Jose, Westchester, Baltimore and Miami.
How Much Does it Cost?
$179 per year. Family members over 18 can join for an extra $50. Children 18 and under can use a CLEAR Lane for free when accompanied by a member.
Note: Military and corporate rates available
What’s the difference between CLEAR and TSA Precheck?
TSA Precheck, is another expedited security line. The reason I prefer CLEAR is that I am always guaranteed the expedited line and it’s quicker.
Here are the downsides to TSA Precheck + Upsides to Clear
- There can still be a line to get through security.
(I have yet to wait behind more than two people with CLEAR)
- TSA Precheck slows the process by requiring an agent to match your ID and boarding pass.
(Clear’s finger print scan takes care of the entire identification process by pulling up a photo taken when you signed up)
- TSA Precheck Doesn’t Guarantee you will be selected every time.
(You are eligible for Clear’s line every time you travel)
- TSA Precheck isn’t guaranteed each time you fly.
Even if you paid for the program, if the TSA Precheck verification isn’t printed on your boarding pass you won’t be let in line. It may not be printed for a few reasons. First, it isn’t guaranteed every time and can randomly decide you aren’t eligible that day. Even though this is rarely supposed to happen, you may also be out of luck if your assigned TSA Precheck number isn’t included in your travel reservation. It’s best to call and verify with the airline or add your number into your online account of each airline you fly with, which is very time consuming. Even worse, if a company I am working for is booking the ticket, they don’t always take the time to input the number. (With Clear, I just show up and know that I will be taken care of)
Why is CLEAR my favorite?
I know that each time I travel, I will have a minimal line and will breeze through security. Even with this, I am not ready to give up TSA Precheck yet, but once CLEAR expands to even more airports (and it’s in the works) I will be the first to say see ya later to TSA Precheck
What’s new for Clear?
Just this year, CLEAR opened a security lane at Coors Field called Fast Access, allowing members to breeze through long security lines. You can sign up for this membership for free, or pay $179 and have access at airports, too. You may even soon be able to charge your credit card on file and have a hot dog and beer waiting at your seat. Ya Denver! You can also find CLEAR at AT&T Park and Yankee Stadium.
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