Airport security can be one of the worst parts of air travel.
Traveling is already stressful enough, and having to wait in a long line before your flight can add to that stress. You can utilize different programs to help make the security screening process at the airport a little easier, like TSA PreCheck or MCO Reserve (if you are flying out of the Orlando International Airport.) Another option is to purchase a membership through CLEAR, but there are six things that you need to consider before deciding if a CLEAR membership is the right fit for you.
CLEAR is a service that helps travelers avoid some of the most unlikeable parts of airport security. Those who have CLEAR have a dedicated line, which speeds up the identification process.Â
CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are Two Separate Services
While both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are designed to speed up the security screening process, they are two different services.Â
CLEAR just speeds up the identification process, whereas TSA PreCheck speeds up the security search process. With CLEAR, you will still enter the security line like normal and will be asked to remove your belt, shoes, and jacket. You can bundle the two services to speed up both the identification and security screening, but CLEAR alone only makes the identification process quicker.
CLEAR Uses Biometrics to Confirm Your Identity
It is becoming increasingly common at airports to use facial recognition to confirm your identity. Although you are allowed to deny facial recognition to a TSA officer, if you wish to use CLEAR, you will have to provide different biometrics. This includes facial, iris, and fingerprint biometrics.
If you are not comfortable with this, CLEAR may not be the right option for you. Disney World even uses biometrics to confirm park tickets by scanning your finger upon entry.
Someone Will Escort You in Line
If you are more independent and do not want someone to walk you through the security process, CLEAR may not be for you. A CLEAR employee will first help you confirm your identity at one of the CLEAR booths.Â
Once confirmed, they will walk you past the TSA officer and escort you to a security line. While this is not a super big deal, if you don’t feel like talking to someone before an early morning flight, CLEAR may not be for you.
You Have to Pay to Use CLEAR
Like TSA PreCheck, you need to pay for a CLEAR membership. It costs $199 annually, whereas TSA PreCheck is good for five years and costs between $77.95 and $85.
You can purchase a bundle that includes both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck. If you are traveling with family, you can add up to three members to the base membership for $119 a person. Children under 18 are not eligible for a CLEAR membership but can travel through the CLEAR lane with someone who does have a membership.
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MCO Reserve is Different from CLEAR
MCO Reserve is a free way to reserve your spot in line at security. You can make a reservation three days prior to your flight. While CLEAR powers this service, MCO Reserve is entirely different.Â
MCO Reserve allows you to wait in a shorter dedicated security line. However, you will still need to go through an identification check with a TSA officer prior to joining the security screening line. In contrast, CLEAR is a paid service that checks your identification.
The Line for CLEAR is Not Always the Shortest
With the upcoming holiday season, more and more people will be traveling, which can cause backups at security lines.Â
Just because you have a service like CLEAR does not mean the line will always be short. Sometimes, the line for CLEAR can get backed up. It is important to still give yourself plenty of time before your flight to check your bags and get through security.Â
While CLEAR can help you skip out on some long security lines while traveling, it is important to decide whether or not it is the right fit for you. Make sure to stay tuned to AllEars for more travel tips!
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Do you use CLEAR to get through airport security? Let us know in the comments!
Tried it for 3 months on a handful of flights and it was useless half the time because the TSA Pre-Check line was quicker. Amazing to watch the Clear line exceeds the length of the Pre-Check line with people continuing to get in it. I decided to cancel Clear.