| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
The cost of cutting the line at the airport got higher.
As of early August, biometric company Clear increased the annual membership fee for its flagship program, which allows travelers to enjoy an expedited process through airport security.
According to new details on the company website, the individual rates for Clear Plus have risen by $10 from $189 to $199 per year. This increase will impact new enrollees, while current members will see the rise the next time their membership is up for renewal. Anyone who frequently travels with children will be happy to know that Clear Plus has maintained one of its most significant benefits: family members under 18 can join you in the Clear Lane for free.
“Clear has updated the price of its Clear Plus membership to $199 per year, which is less than $1 per month and is only the second price adjustment in 14 years,” a Clear representative told Travel+Leisure in a statement, adding that the increased price is a reflection of the company’s growing network and additional perks.
One new benefit is the Clear Scout program, which helps members recover lost items at the airport. The new Home-to-Gate phone app also tells users when to leave their homes to arrive on time and can even schedule a rideshare.
After a recent expansion, Clear now serves travelers at 58 airports across the U.S. and can also be used at select stadiums. With Clear, members can skip the ID verification line, opting for a biometric scan of their iris or fingerprints instead. The Clear Lane is typically much shorter than the usual TSA line. Once the scan confirms the member’s identity, they are placed at the front of the airport security line.
From there, they’ll be subjected to the same security procedures as everyone else unless they also have TSA PreCheck. This government-run program allows approved travelers to go through separate security lines without having to take off their shoes or remove liquids and electronics from their bags.
A combination of Clear and TSA PreCheck is the ultimate gold standard for frequent flyers who want to get through the airport as quickly as possible. Enrolling in both programs while at the airport with the help of a Clear representative comes with a small discount: $121.05 for the first year of Clear Plus and $77.95 (usually $78) for five years of TSA PreCheck.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
