How long does CLEAR take to go through?

Beyond TSA PreCheck: Understanding CLEAR’s Enrollment and Airport Experience

While TSA PreCheck is a well-known program designed to expedite airport security, CLEAR offers a different, and often faster, route through the lines. But how long does it actually take to get through security with CLEAR, and how does the enrollment process stack up against programs like PreCheck?

It’s important to understand that CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are distinct programs that can even be used together for maximum efficiency. TSA PreCheck focuses on pre-screening individuals considered low-risk, granting them expedited screening lanes. CLEAR, on the other hand, uses biometrics (fingerprint and iris scans) to verify your identity, allowing you to bypass the initial document check line at the airport.

The Enrollment Process: Faster Than You Think

One of the major advantages of CLEAR is the speed of enrollment. Unlike TSA PreCheck, which can sometimes take weeks or even a couple of months to get approved, the CLEAR enrollment process is typically very quick.

• Online Application: You’ll start by completing an online application on the CLEAR website. This requires basic personal information.
• In-Person Verification: The real key to the speed of enrollment is the in-person verification step. You’ll need to visit a CLEAR enrollment location at a participating airport. During this visit, a CLEAR Ambassador will verify your identity using your government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) and collect your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scans).
• Instant Activation: Here’s the best part: once your identity is verified in person, your CLEAR membership is typically activated almost immediately. You can often start using it on the same day!

So, How Long Does it Really Take to Get Through Security with CLEAR?

The question of how long it takes to get through security with CLEAR isn’t about the enrollment process, but about the actual airport experience. Here’s what you can expect:

• At the Airport: When you arrive at a participating airport, look for the CLEAR lane. You’ll step up to a CLEAR pod and use your fingerprint or iris to confirm your identity.
• Speed and Efficiency: This verification process is incredibly quick, often taking just a few seconds. The real time-saver is bypassing the initial ID check queue.
• Escort to Screening: After your identity is confirmed, a CLEAR Ambassador will escort you directly to TSA screening. This is where the magic happens, as you’ve skipped the potentially long line of people waiting to show their ID.
• Variable Wait Times: The total time it takes to get through security with CLEAR ultimately depends on the length of the TSA screening line. If you also have TSA PreCheck, you’ll be escorted to the PreCheck lane, making the entire process incredibly fast. Even without PreCheck, CLEAR significantly reduces your overall wait time.

In Conclusion:

While TSA PreCheck offers expedited screening and a Known Traveler Number (KTN) typically within a week to two months, CLEAR focuses on a different pain point: the initial document check. Enrollment in CLEAR is significantly faster, often activated the same day as your in-person verification. The actual time it takes to get through airport security with CLEAR depends on the TSA screening line, but it almost always offers a noticeable improvement over traditional security lines. If you’re a frequent traveler looking to minimize your time spent in airport security, CLEAR is definitely worth considering. Just remember to check if your local airport participates in the CLEAR program.