I hate waiting when I travel, which is why I use CLEAR to skip airport security lines. CLEAR uses eye and facial biometrics to verify your identity so you can skip the line through the airport and event security. CLEAR is now at Nashville Airport, which a nice recognition of how popular Nashville is becoming for work and play.
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What is CLEAR?
CLEAR is a paid membership that allows members to skip the lines at airport security and certain sports and concert venues.
Instead of using your ID or passport, CLEAR uses biometric information to verify your identity. Once you’re verified, a CLEAR Ambassador whisks you to the front of the line airport security line. CLEAR benefits are a great complement to your existing TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership.
Where can I use CLEAR?
CLEAR members can skip the line at 52 locations around the U.S. Although most people use CLEAR at airports while traveling, members can also use their benefits to skip the line at participating stadiums & arenas. A few of the airports, stadiums, and arenas include:
- Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
- Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
- Boston Logan International Airport
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)
- O’Hare International Airport (Chicago)
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards
- Progressive Field (Cleveland)
- Truist Park (Atlanta)
- University of Texas
Hertz and CLEAR also have an agreement where members can use their CLEAR membership when exiting the car rental lot.
How does CLEAR keep me safe from coronavirus?
Previously, CLEAR members would use their fingerprints and retina scan to verify their identity. Now, CLEAR has made their process touchless so members can use their face or eyes for a truly frictionless, safer experience.
CLEAR provides extra hand sanitizer at every checkpoint, and employees disinfect each machine between every member verification. All CLEAR ambassadors wear facemasks to reduce the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses. And members are encouraged to maintain social distancing while waiting for their turn.
How much does CLEAR cost?
Annual membership for CLEAR costs $179 per year, which breaks down to $15 per month. This fee includes membership for you and the option to add up to three adult family members for only $50 each per year.
Most travel credit cards offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. As of this article, the only credit card that provides a credit for CLEAR is the American Express Green Card. Click here for the latest offers and benefits of the best travel credit cards.
Do children need a CLEAR membership?
No, children under the age of 18 can use CLEAR when accompanied by a paid adult member.
How do I sign up for CLEAR?
To save time, you can join using my CLEAR referral link (and get 2 months free) to start the process, then finish your application in person at the airport. During the application process, CLEAR uses publicly available records through LexisNexis to ask identifying questions to verify your identity.
When you arrive at the CLEAR kiosk, you’ll show your ID and provide your fingerprint, facial, and iris biometrics to complete your signup. The process takes only a few minutes.
Unlike TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you do not need an appointment to complete your application. Just show up a couple of minutes early for your next flight. The whole process should be done within 5 minutes.
Is CLEAR worth the money?
If you travel frequently or visit participating stadiums on a regular basis, skipping the line with CLEAR is totally worth the money. CLEAR was a tough sell in Nashville previously because I could only use the benefits when traveling through other airports.
Now that CLEAR is at Nashville Airport, it is totally worth the money to me. Our security lines aren’t that long to begin with, but sometimes just a few minutes means the difference between making a flight or not. Plus, with an American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club at our airport, every minute I’m not wasting in line means extra time in the airport lounge.
Is CLEAR better than TSA PreCheck?
Although similar, CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, do two completely different things.
CLEAR skips you to the front of whatever security line you are in. Members can also use CLEAR benefits at participating sports stadiums and concert arenas, such as Comerica Park in Detroit, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and Fenway Park in Boston.
TSA PreCheck allows you to use the expedited screening lane so you can keep your shoes on, 3-1-1 liquids in your carry-on, and laptop in your bag.
The ideal situation is to have both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck so that you can skip to the front of the line and enjoy expedited security screening.
Read: TSA PreCheck vs Global Entry vs CLEAR: Which is right for you?
Get a 2-month free trial of CLEAR
For a limited time, when you use my CLEAR referral link, you’ll receive a free trial of CLEAR for two months. This way you can try all of the benefits of CLEAR membership for two months before your credit card is charged.
The Bald Thoughts
Before coronavirus stopped most travel, I was a CLEAR member for several years. Although CLEAR was not in Nashville, it was in many of the airports where I traveled. I was also able to use my CLEAR benefits when I visited Fenway Park last summer to sit on the Green Monster. Now that CLEAR is in Nashville, I’ll be using this service to skip the lines every time I fly.
Have you used CLEAR before? Are you excited that your existing membership has more value now that CLEAR is in Nashville?
