CLEAR is a private subscription service in the United States that uses biometric data—specifically fingerprint and eye scans—to verify travelers' identities at airport security checkpoints and other venues like stadiums. By using CLEAR, members can bypass the traditional TSA ID check lines and use dedicated lanes, which often reduces wait times, especially at busy airports

. How CLEAR works:

• Users enroll by providing biometric data at a CLEAR kiosk.
• On subsequent visits, members scan their eyes or fingerprints and show their boarding pass.
• A CLEAR agent escorts them past the ID verification step directly to the security screening, sometimes even to TSA PreCheck lanes if the member has that status.
• Members still go through the full security screening (scanning bags, etc.) after ID verification

Benefits of CLEAR:

• Speeds up the ID verification process at security checkpoints.
• Uses biometrics, so members usually don’t need to show physical ID.
• Available at over 55 airports and other venues in the U.S.
• Can be combined with TSA PreCheck for faster screening.
• Includes perks like Avis Preferred Plus car rental status

Drawbacks:

• The service costs about $199 per year, which may be expensive for infrequent travelers.
• No guarantee that CLEAR lines are always shorter.
• Users are still subject to random ID checks.
• Some security incidents have raised concerns about the system’s infallibility

In summary, CLEAR is a biometric identity verification service designed to expedite the airport security process by allowing members to skip the traditional ID check line, making travel more convenient for frequent flyers, especially in busy airports