More CLEAR Users Will Be Required to Show ID at TSA

I think we can all agree that the worst part of any airport is the TSA security line. That’s why TSA PreCheck and companies like CLEAR were created to skip the security checkpoints and get people to their gates quickly. Unfortunately, for CLEAR users, the process might be getting less convenient. 

CLEAR, if you’re unfamiliar, stores your biometric data so you can skip the ID check at TSA and verify your identity without showing your ID. Now, however, more CLEAR users will be required to show their ID to a TSA agent. This would make having a $189 membership practically useless. 

Why the change?

CLEAR members were always subject to random ID checks but they were far and few. However, after a security incident in the summer of 2022, (which they are being vague on the details of) TSA is increasing the number of CLEAR members who will be subjected to ID verification. It seems the incident was so bad that it raised national security concerns. 

So, if you’re a CLEAR member, be prepared for it to likely take you a bit longer to get through the line. However, the CLEAR line will still likely be shorter than the general screening line, so it’s not a total loss to have your membership.