TSA to Require More Frequent ID Checks for CLEAR Members
CLEAR is a popular program for frequent travelers, especially since you can get if for free through some credit cards. For $189 a year, Clear members have access to their own airport security lines, where they verify identities at a kiosk before being escorted to the front of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening line.
But that could soon change. TSA has informed CLEAR and participating airports that an increasing number of Clear members will need to have their IDs checked by a TSA officer. This is a procedure that is required for most other travelers, making CLEAR almost useless for those who have to go through extra checks.
TSA began increasing the number of random checks for CLEAR customers after a security incident in July 2022. But starting this month, more CLEAR customers will be subject to additional security measures.
CLEAR members are already vetted based on TSA requirements. Once at the airport, members scan their eyes or fingerprints at CLEAR kiosks to verify their identity. Then they skip the lines, and often get passed security even fatser the TSA PreCheck members.
CLEAR does not provide enrollment numbers for its airport program but the company said in an email it processes more than 10% of travelers at the 52 airports that are part of the program, as reported by Washington Post.
