If you're on the fence about getting CLEAR or not sure what it is, here's a recent article from Slate. There's an obvious anti-CLEAR slant to it but you might get some useful info, and as always with Slate articles, you really need to dig into the comments. They are sometimes on point but often pretty funny.
TL/DR - don't get CLEAR, get Global Entry
https://slate.com/business/2023/12/clear-lines-airports-tsa-congress.html
I've been one of those people waiting in the TSA security line to see CLEAR passengers "crowd" in at the front of the line. It can be a little irritating. However, there are all sorts of places where "line jumping" is part of the process when it comes to flying. Usually how one feels about it is whether you are the jumper or the one put behind the jumper(s).
SEATAC airport has "save a spot" program which is similar except it is for regular security line and it is free. Make a free online reservation and get whisked to the head of the regular security line. Great if you are the one getting ahead. A little frustrating if you are the one that has just waited 60 minutes in line to get to that point.
I do think that applying for Global Entry, especially if you are about to head out of the country makes the best sense because then you can interview upon return and not have to worry about snagging an appointment at an interview center.
For those of us that access the Canadian Border frequently, the Nexus card is really the best deal out there. It comes with Global entry and TSA precheck thrown in, but it is using the fast lane at the border that makes this card worth its weight in gold.
I've had CLEAR for a few years now - got it free from United Airlines based on status. Lately it has been faster to just go through the TSA line since the CLEAR line is far more dependent on the # of agents they have working. The only minor downside to TSA is the need to pull out an ID - and sometimes you have to do this at the CLEAR line too.
Gail, I wasn't criticizing those who use the service. I was merely pointing out that how a traveler feels about it has a lot to do with how it impacts the traveler.
I have Clear
I have precheck and global entry
If you want a LONGER line get in the clear precheck line. Just today I timed it. I got on the regular precheck line and spotted a woman in a bright red hoodie getting in clear precheck
I got to ID check. She still had 2 loops of the clear line to go.
Pay more to wait longer 😂. (I won’t be renewing)
Yesterday at SFO I found no line at all for TSA Pre, while the adjacent CLEAR line had at least 20 people in it. I did not actually track anyone to compare, because I was able to walk through the Pre path, to the agent checking ID, to the screening machines with no wait at any point.
Carol--I am curious as to which checkpoint you used? I only ask because I have Global and Clear and always use the Clear line. Only once has the timing been equal, all other times I get through significantly faster than the regular pre lines.
I think you may be be getting your Carols confused. (this is why I have the ridiculous “now retired” added to my name). Carol in Atlanta states Clear is slower. Carol now retired in Seattle states she can get annoyed when Clear people pop to the front of the precheck line she has been waiting in. Usually checkpoint 1. Clear is always faster at SEA.
Carol now retired--Yes, I got you two confused;)
I didn't bother to read the article... but I did want to point one thing!
Clear was never a replacement for precheck or Global Entry and it's really useless without at least Precheck or Global Entry, but it's not a replacement for those two products.
Now, I flew out of ATL last Friday. I have Global Entry, Clear and Delta's new Digital ID. All 3 are in the exact same area. As I got in the Digital ID line I "identified" two victims getting in the Clear and precheck line. I was to the ID verification LONG before either of them and it looked to me that the precheck line would be faster than Clear. Sunday I flew out of BOS. Three options Delta Sky Priority Pre check, regular precheck and Clear. Basically no line for all 3 so as I started walking the maze I watched one man who was walking Clear and one the regular precheck. The guy in regular and I in Sky priority precheck were through the ID screen while the guy in Clear was dealing with the faulty tech they have.
The last time I bothered to use Clear they told me "since you fly a lot the TSA is making us check your ID every time" EXCUSE ME, WHAT WAS THE POINT?
Clear is a HUGE waste of money .... and I get it free (and it's still a waste LOL!)
