CLEAR Airport Security Changes

If you are a frequent traveler, you probably know the appeal of skipping the standard airport security line. For years, CLEAR offered a futuristic promise. You scan your eyes or fingerprints, bypass the regular line, and head straight to the physical security screening. However, recent security breaches prompted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to mandate new identification checks for CLEAR members. This shift has left many travelers wondering if the $189 annual service is still worth the cost and if it still saves time.

The Incidents That Sparked the Change

In the summer of 2023, reports surfaced regarding security lapses involving the CLEAR system. In one notable incident in July 2023, a traveler managed to get through the CLEAR lane using a boarding pass that did not belong to them. Other reported incidents involved passengers successfully entering the sterile area of the airport under false identities.

The TSA quickly stepped in to address these vulnerabilities. To maintain the safety of the airport checkpoint, the government agency announced that CLEAR could no longer rely solely on its own proprietary biometric scanners. Instead, TSA officers began requiring a random selection of CLEAR passengers to show a physical identification card. Eventually, this rule expanded significantly. Now, almost all CLEAR users must undergo a secondary identity verification step with a TSA officer after completing the initial CLEAR pod scan.

How the Security Checkpoint Has Changed

Before these security changes, the process was incredibly fast. You walked up to a CLEAR kiosk, scanned your boarding pass, and verified your identity using an iris scan or your fingerprints. A CLEAR ambassador would then escort you directly to the front of the security conveyor belts, completely skipping the TSA agent at the ID check podium.

Today, the routine looks very different at major travel hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Denver International Airport. After you verify your identity at the CLEAR pod, the ambassador takes you directly to the TSA officer. The officer will then ask you to insert your physical driver’s license or US Passport into a Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) machine. Many airports now use upgraded CAT-2 machines, which take a real-time photo of your face to match it against your physical ID.

This extra step adds time. During peak holiday travel periods, this secondary check has caused noticeable bottlenecks in the expedited lanes. CLEAR members are no longer entirely skipping the TSA document check, which was the primary selling point of the membership.

Introducing NextGen Identity+

To fix the delays and comply with stricter TSA security rules, CLEAR rolled out a mandatory system upgrade called NextGen Identity+. The primary goal of this new program is to collect higher-quality digital identity data from all members. By capturing better biometric data, CLEAR aims to directly integrate with TSA systems and eventually eliminate the need for you to pull out your physical ID again.

Upgrading to NextGen Identity+ is free for existing members, but it does require a few extra minutes during your next airport visit. Here is how you complete the mandatory upgrade:

  • Bring a valid, unexpired form of identification to the airport. A US Passport or a state-issued Real ID driver’s license works best.
  • Find a CLEAR pod at the airport. You do not need to make an appointment in advance.
  • A CLEAR ambassador will scan your physical ID and take a new high-resolution photo of your face.
  • You will receive a confirmation email once your profile is fully updated.

CLEAR states that once the entire network of airports fully shifts to NextGen Identity+, the experience will return to being frictionless. Until then, you should expect a hybrid process where you will likely still need to show a physical ID card to a government agent.

Is CLEAR Still Worth the $189 Annual Fee?

With a standard membership costing $189 per year, frequent flyers have to weigh the current delays against the high cost. In comparison, TSA PreCheck costs just $78 for five years, and Global Entry is $100 for five years.

If you travel out of airports with massive security lines, CLEAR still provides a valuable shortcut to the front of the physical line. You skip the winding queue of regular passengers and standard TSA PreCheck members. However, the bottleneck now happens right at the TSA podium instead of the back of the line.

Many travelers find the best strategy is pairing CLEAR with TSA PreCheck. Once you clear the ID check, TSA PreCheck allows you to keep your shoes on and leave your laptop in your bag. Certain credit cards, like the American Express Platinum Card or the American Express Green Card, offer statement credits that completely cover the $189 CLEAR Plus membership fee. If you hold one of these premium travel cards, keeping the service is an easy decision. If you are paying completely out of pocket, the value largely depends on your home airport and how many times you fly each year.

How to Navigate the Airport Checkpoint Now

If you have a flight coming up soon, you need to be prepared for the updated security protocol.

First, do not pack your physical ID away after you check your luggage. Keep your driver’s license or passport easily accessible in your pocket or a small personal item. You will almost certainly need to hand it to a TSA agent after using the CLEAR kiosk.

Second, allow an extra ten to fifteen minutes for your next trip if you have not upgraded to NextGen Identity+. The system will prompt you to upgrade at the kiosk, and having your passport in hand will make the verification process much smoother.

Finally, pay attention to the specific airport setup. Terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York or Los Angeles International Airport frequently test new TSA facial recognition hardware. The exact flow of the security line might change from month to month as CLEAR and the TSA integrate their new technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to carry my physical ID with CLEAR? Yes. Under the new TSA guidelines implemented after the 2023 security breaches, you must carry a physical driver’s license, passport, or other approved state ID. You will likely be required to hand it to a TSA officer after using the CLEAR kiosk.

How much does CLEAR Plus cost right now? A standard CLEAR Plus membership currently costs $189 per year. You can often get a discount if you are a Delta SkyMiles or United MileagePlus member. Certain credit cards also provide an annual statement credit for the full amount.

Can I use CLEAR if I do not have TSA PreCheck? Yes, you can use CLEAR on its own. After the CLEAR ambassador escorts you to the TSA podium and your ID is checked, you will enter the standard physical security screening line where you must remove your shoes, liquids, and electronics.

Is the NextGen Identity+ upgrade mandatory? Yes. CLEAR requires all current members to upgrade their biometric profiles to continue using the service. The upgrade ensures your digital data meets the new security standards set by the TSA.