If you’re a frequent business traveler, hate standing in line or tend to get to the airport late, a new private service can get you through security faster. But it doesn’t come cheap.
CLEAR, which is currently available at 27 airports across the U.S. and has 2.5 million users, allows you to bypass the first step in getting through security: standing in line to show your driver’s license or passport. The system stores your fingerprints and eye scans, creating an encrypted code that is specific to you. (Once created, this code is matched each time you go through the system.) After you pass the biometric screen and show your boarding pass, a CLEAR representative will escort you to security screening. If you also have PreCheck or Global Entry, you can keep your shoes and belt on.
The cost is $179 a year. You can add as many as three family members age 18 and older for an extra $50 each per year. Children younger than 18 can use the lane free when they are with a CLEAR parent and don’t need to be added to the account.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
There are ways to cut the cost. You can be reimbursed for up to $100 if you have Platinum, Gold or Silver Medallion Delta SkyMiles status or have an eligible Delta SkyMiles credit card. American Express cardholders may also be eligible for a rebate of up to $80.
To enroll, go to clearme.com and complete the process at a participating airport, where you’ll need to present a valid photo ID and payment. Alternatively, you can complete the entire process at the airport.
For more information on PreCheck and Global Entry, see How to Beat Longer Lines at the Airport.
-
3 Ways High-Income Earners Can Maximize Their Charitable Donations in 2025Tax Deductions New charitable giving tax rules will soon lower your deduction for donations to charity — here’s what you should do now.
-
Another State Quietly Bans Capital Gains Tax: Will Others Follow?Capital Gains A constitutional amendment blocking future taxes on realized and unrealized capital could raise interesting questions for other states.
-
The Best (and Worst) Airlines for Flight Delays and CancellationsWhich airlines should you book and which should you avoid if you want to make it to your destination on time?
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
The United and JetBlue Partnership: Everything We Know About Blue Sky So FarDOT approves Blue Sky, the United and JetBlue partnership that will give frequent fliers more ways to earn and use miles. Here's what you need to know.
-
Struggling with How to Plan a Trip? These Companies Will HelpTravel Plans Sit back, relax and let the professionals handle the logistics.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Is Relief from Shipping Woes Finally in Sight?business After years of supply chain snags, freight shipping is finally returning to something more like normal.
-
Economic Pain at a Food Pantrypersonal finance The manager of this Boston-area nonprofit has had to scramble to find affordable food.
