Using CLEAR means less time in security and more time on the plane! Photo by: Evan Berman

TSA PreCheck/Global Entry is very helpful and I love not taking off my shoes in security, but CLEAR might be more impactful. As a frequent traveller, the time saved by going through the CLEAR line in security can be is invaluable.

For the unfamiliar, CLEAR is a private security firm that contracts with TSA and airports to provide a method of biometric verification as an alternative to photo ID. In the airports that support CLEAR, head to the line, inform the attendant that you are a member, and proceed to the retinal scan which is used in lieu of the ID check. Once verified, you will be escorted to the front of security and do not need to take out your ID!

AmEx Credits:

Each calendar year, AmEx Platinum cardholders receive a credit for up to $189 to use on CLEAR. Alternatively, the AmEx Green card has a credit of up to $100 per year. Given that the sticker price is $189, it appears that this credit can be used for one person only. However, things aren’t always what they seem!

Getting the Price to $119:

However, do you have an account with either Delta or United? Here is the price for Delta based on status:

• General Members (no status): $119 per year
• Silver, Gold, or Platinum Status members, as well as those with a Delta co-branded credit card: $109 per year
• Diamond Medallion and Delta 360º Members: $0 per year (free)

For United:

• General Members (no status): $119 per year
• Silver, Gold, or Platinum Status members, as well as those with a United co-branded credit card: $109 per year
• Premier 1K and Global Services members: $0 per year (free)

Additionally, United frequently runs promos where by signing up for CLEAR, you can get up to 15,000 or 20,000 United Miles. Use this link to sign up for CLEAR with your United account and this link with your Delta account.

Adding a Family Member:

You might wonder, why does it matter if I spend $119 or $189 if I will just be reimbursed by AmEx?

Once you purchase CLEAR for yourself, you can add up to 3 family members or friends to your CLEAR plan for $60 each. So, you can add a significant other, parent, or friend for free and gift them an easier path at the airport! That’s going to earn you tons of brownie points (even more valuable than transferable points 🙂 )!

Putting it All Together:

With that explanation, here’s what you can do:

• Purchase CLEAR for yourself using either your United or Delta account (with or without status)
• Add up to 3 people to the “family plan.” Remember, these can be friends as well. You will only be charged $60 per person, rather than the normal $189 for an individual.
• Receive up to $189 in credits from AmEx.

For example, I currently hold no elite status with either airline. I purchased CLEAR for myself and added both of my parents as a Christmas gift, coming ($119+$60+$60-$180=) $59 out of pocket.

In theory, someone with top-tier Delta or United Status could receive CLEAR for free and add 3 friends or family members at $60 each for $180, receiving $180 in credits. This probably does not apply to you, but the CLEAR credit is certainly more valuable than just 1 person getting CLEAR for free.

Evan