As of Wednesday, travelers can enroll in and renew TSA PreCheck memberships via Clear at 13 U.S. airports. Clear became an official enrollment provider for the Trusted Traveler Program in April, significantly expanding its reach and providing more convenience for frequent flyers.
Key Locations for Enrollment
New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the latest airport where travelers can apply for both programs. Clear, the expedited security program, joined providers Idemia and Telos, the latter of which was added in August 2023.
In April 2023, a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson announced that the agency would authorize Clear as the third TSA PreCheck enrollment provider. Although travelers could enroll in Clear and TSA PreCheck at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) for some months, a Clear spokesperson confirmed that the official rollout was on April 30, 2024.
Enrollment Process
TSA PreCheck applicants can share their email, ZIP code, and phone number with Clear to apply for both programs as a bundled deal. However, no additional information is shared between Clear’s program and Clear’s TSA PreCheck application, and the applications are completed on separate devices.
To sign up for TSA PreCheck via Clear, applicants can either preenroll in Clear online or visit one of the 13 currently available Clear enrollment locations:
| Airport | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| Sacramento International Airport (SMF) | Sunday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | Sunday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) | 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| San Diego International Airport (SAN) | 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily |
| Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) | Sunday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) | Sunday through Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) | 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
Pricing and Discounts
Although Clear normally costs $189 annually and TSA PreCheck starts at $78 for a five-year membership, those who enroll in TSA PreCheck through Clear can access both programs for a discounted price of $200. To get this price, travelers who preenroll must complete the process within 14 days.
Renewal Process
For renewal, travelers can complete the process online through Clear, Telos, or Idemia for the standard price, which varies by provider but generally hovers around $70. TSA PreCheck users applying to Clear for the first time can renew their membership through Clear and get a discounted bundle price of $199.95.
Industry Insight
The Clear-PreCheck partnership stems from the TSA Modernization Act and the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018. This collaboration is a significant step towards modernizing and streamlining the airport security experience for travelers.
“TSA PreCheck with enrollment by CLEAR provides a fast and efficient airport experience,” Clear CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker said in a statement. “This is a win-win for U.S. travelers who will have access to more enrollment locations, expanded hours, and other benefits.”
Benefits of TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program designed to expedite the security screening process at U.S. airports. Benefits include:
- Expedited Security Screening: TSA PreCheck members can use dedicated security lanes, where they do not need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
- Time Savings: The average TSA PreCheck lane wait time is less than five minutes, significantly reducing overall travel time.
- Widespread Availability: TSA PreCheck is available at more than 200 airports with over 80 participating airlines.
Benefits of Clear
Clear is a biometric secure identity company that expedites the identity verification process at airports. Benefits include:
- Faster Identification: Clear members can use dedicated lanes to quickly verify their identity using biometric data (fingerprints and eye scans).
- Seamless Integration: Clear works in tandem with TSA PreCheck, allowing members to move through security even faster when using both programs.
- Availability: Clear is available at over 60 airports, sports stadiums, and other venues across the United States.
Combining TSA PreCheck and Clear
Combining TSA PreCheck and Clear offers the best of both worlds: biometric verification for rapid identity confirmation and expedited security screening. This combination ensures a smoother and faster airport experience, from check-in to boarding.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between Clear and TSA PreCheck enhances the convenience for travelers looking to expedite their airport security process. With 13 U.S. airports now offering this dual enrollment, travelers have more opportunities to streamline their travel experience.
Certain credit cards offer statement credits covering the application costs associated with both Clear and TSA PreCheck, making it even more attractive for frequent travelers to take advantage of these programs.
