If you subscribe to my newsletter or listen to me on the radio and TV, then you know I’m always touting fast-track trusted traveler programs as one of the best things to ever happen to travel. My family and I all have Global Entry, NEXUS, TSA PreCheck and Clear. RELATED: The trick to getting TSA PreCheck fast And 4 other tips you need to know
Clear is a private biometrics company that partnered with the US government to use your eyes and face as your touchless ID so you can bypass those long, slow security lines at over 55 U.S. airports, as well as some sports and entertainment venues (here’s a list; make sure you check not only the airport but terminal, too) by quickly scanning your irises and ticket.
However, one of the problems with Clear is that the secret is out and the lines are sometimes longer than TSA PreCheck so I end up just bypassing it. Unfortunately, there are some airport terminals, ahem LAX’s T4 (pictured above), where the Clear check-in is downstairs and the security line is upstairs so you don’t know which line is longer.
I was recently flying from Nashville International Airport and I arrived at 6am for my 7:30am flight. I was shocked at how long the Clear line was. I was even more surprised by how short the TSA PreCheck line was and you could easily see it from the Clear line (see photo above and look to the right for the TSA Pre line).
So if you want to save time and there’s a line at Clear, then just check the security lines before waiting for Clear.
Now, I’m aware of the news that a new bill (SB-1372) could ban Clear from operating at California airports. According to CBS News, “Sen. Josh Newman, a California Democrat and the sponsor of the legislation, said Clear effectively lets wealthier people skip in front of passengers who have been waiting to be screened by Transportation Security Administration agents.”
The bill “has bipartisan support from Republican Sen. Janet Nguyen. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) also supports the bill, as does the union representing Transportation Security Officers in Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose.”
I don’t think it’s all that bad news because the bill doesn’t seek to prohibit Clear from operating in California airports. It’s just going to force Clear into creating their own dedicated security lines separate from other passengers, which makes sense.
KEEP READING: How travelers can beat the Global Entry and NEXUS price hike
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