CLEAR, which offers exclusive fast lanes at airport security, has gone completely cardless at all of its locations.
In the past, new members had to wait for their CLEAR card to arrive in the mail before they could use the lanes at the airport. Regular members had to present their card and boarding pass at the kiosk.
Now cardless, new members can enroll and all members can now use the lanes with just a fingerprint scan and boarding pass. And regular members no longer have to remember to pack their CLEARcard.
CLEAR is the private-sector trusted traveler program that lets its members speed past the long lines to airport security screening.
It most recently opened its fast lanes at Miami International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport for a total of 12 airport locations. The company says that several more airports are likely to be added over the course of this year.
And it’s not just airports where you’ll see CLEAR in the coming year—now it’s even helping reduce wait times in long lines at sporting venues…more on that below.
The company promises that members who use its exclusive lanes at major airports should be able to get through security in less than five minutes. You’ll find that kind of predictability at CLEAR locations at airport in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Houston (both airports), Las Vegas, Orlando, San Antonio, San Francisco, San Jose and Westchester County, N.Y.
Enroll in CLEAR today for just $149
Frequent travelers may wonder why they need CLEAR when they are already members of the TSA’s PreCheck program. Well, have you seen the lines in PreCheck lanes lately? Sometimes they can be longer than non-PreCheck lanes. A CLEAR membership is fully compatible with TSA’s PreCheck program at all CLEAR airports. “You can use the CLEARlane as usual to avoid the long security lines. We’ll scan your boarding pass and bring you to the PreCheck screening lane (if eligible for that flight) where you can keep your shoes and belt on, etc.,” the company says.
Recently, CLEAR identified major sports venues as a natural market for its product. For example, starting this month CLEAR members can use a special Fast Access lane at San Francisco’s AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.
Fans line up at new MLB-required metal detectors at AT&T Park in SF (Photo: CLEAR)
New security measures mandated by Major League Baseball, which call for screening every single person entering ballparks, are now in effect. That additional step will likely mean longer lines at stadium gates.
But the San Francisco Giants are ahead of the game and starting this month, CLEAR members can use the same technology they use at the airport for expedited entry to the ballpark via a special CLEAR lane located at the Willie Mays gate.
CLEAR says it sees opportunities at other stadiums and arenas as well.
The company also creates partnerships for the benefit of its members. For example, Visa Signature cardholders who register can get six months of CLEAR membership for free, plus a $60 discount off the annual rate when their membership automatically renews. Likewise, CLEAR members can get a free three-month trial of TripIt Pro, the popular travel organizing app, and TripIt Pro members can get a free trial and reduced sign-up rates for CLEAR. For more information, go to www.clearme.com.
Membership costs $179 a year, and another adult family member can be added to an individual’s account for $50 annually. Kids under 18 accompanied by CLEAR members are allowed through CLEARlanes for free.
The company also offers corporate discounts for firms that want to offer participation to their business travelers.
For a limited time, CLEAR is offering membership for just $149 and it will throw in an additional family member for free – just use code CLEARFAM515 or click here to enroll. Plus, if you are a baseball fan living in the Bay Area, you can use CLEAR for speedy entry to SF Giants games.
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