Jan 25, 2020
Courtesy of Clear
If you’ve ever been curious if Clear is worth it, now’s the time to try it.
If you sign up with a special code right now, you can save on an annual Clear membership for this expedited airport security service.
Even if you have TSA PreCheck, now might be the time to add Clear to your list of ways to get through airport security faster. Clear works like this: After signing up online and completing a short in-person biometric scan to verify your identity, you’ll be able to walk up to a Clear kiosk at any airport where there is one and scan your fingerprints or eyes. Then a Clear representative will escort you straight to the security checkpoint, bypassing the regular line where the TSA agents check your ID.
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As of May 19, 2022, it costs $189 for an annual Clear membership, compared to $85 for a five-year TSA PreCheck membership. But if you’re a new member and sign up now, you can get a Clear membership for just $149 or test it out for two months for free.
Right now, AFAR readers new to Clear can get a discounted 12-month membership for just $149 with the promo code “AFF149”. If you’re not ready to commit to a full year, you can also sign up for a 2-month free trail with the promo code “2FREE”.
Buy Now: $149 for 12 months with promo code “AFF149” (Was $179), clearme.com
Anyone with a SkyMiles account (which is free to sign up for) can pay $119 for an annual Clear membership—a savings of $60 off the full price. If you’re a Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion member on Delta, or have a Delta SkyMiles credit card, you’ll only pay $109. And if you hold Delta’s coveted Diamond Medallion status, you can get a Clear membership for free. To enroll, simply sign up at clearme.com/partner/delta using your SkyMiles account number.
United’s Premier 1K members are eligible for a free Clear membership, while Premier Platinum, Gold, Silver, and United U.S. credit card members can sign up for a $109 annual Clear membership. Even if you only have a basic free MileagePlus account, you still qualify for a discounted $119 annual Clear membership. To link your frequent flyer account with a membership, add your MileagePlus number when signing up atm clearme.com/partner/united.
In addition to offering statement credits covering Global Entry and TSA PreCheck fees, the Platinum Card® from American Express also offers up to $189 in statement credits each year towards an annual Clear membership fee. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also offers this statement credit.
Overall, a Clear membership is only worth it if you regularly fly through one of the 40 U.S. airports it currently serves, including JFK, LAX, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. But if you’re a sports fan, your Clear membership also allows you to skip the line at many major sports stadiums throughout the country, including Oracle Park in San Francisco and Denver’s Coors Field.
While TSA PreCheck is in more than 200 airports compared to the few dozen Clear serves, several people on Twitter pointed out why having both memberships is actually worth the money if you fly often.
I totally love @Clear. Left my home ad 2:15 p.m. standing in line at my gate at the airport at 2:32!
— Saul Perloff (@SaulPerloff) December 16, 2018
@Clear @HartsfieldATL record set today by using Clear! 4 mins from kiosk to concourse tram! If anyone is wondering if Clear is worth it - YES!!!#RoadWarriors
— Thomas A Deakins (@TDeakins) January 10, 2019
Keep in mind that if you just have a Clear membership without a TSA PreCheck membership, you'll still get to go to the front of the regular airport security line but will need to take off your shoes and remove your electronics from your bag while going through checkpoint.
This article originally appeared online on July 2018; it was updated in September 2020, January 2022, and again on May 20, 2022, to include current information.
>> Next: Clear Develops a Health ID That Includes Coronavirus Screening
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