Key takeaways
- Clear has deployed automated e-gates at 53 airports and plans to roll out the technology to nearly its entire network by the end of 2026.
- The e-gates reduce identity verification to five seconds or less, with 96 percent of passengers completing the full security process in five minutes at deployed hubs.
- American Express Platinum cardholders can offset Clear Plus's $219 annual fee with up to $219 in annual statement credits.
- TSA PreCheck Touchless ID offers a free alternative for existing PreCheck or Global Entry members, though it lacks Clear's dedicated security line bypass.
Travelers moving through airport security with Clear can expect a noticeably different experience as the company expands its automated e-gate technology across the country. As of this week, Clear has installed these new gates at 53 U.S. airports, marking a significant shift from the company’s traditional kiosk-based verification system. The rollout represents part of a broader push to modernize the security checkpoint experience, with Clear planning to deploy the technology at nearly all of its service airports by the end of 2026.
The Evolution From Kiosks to Automated Gates
How the old process worked
For years, Clear’s flagship service operated through a straightforward but staffing-intensive model. Travelers would arrive at a TSA checkpoint, then step aside to a dedicated Clear kiosk where they presented an ID and provided a photo verification. Once a Clear staff member verified the passenger’s identity, they would escort the traveler directly to the front of the TSA line. While this approach did eliminate the standard security queue, it came with practical constraints: kiosks sometimes had no available spots, and passengers occasionally faced delays waiting for a staff member to become available.
The new streamlined approach
The e-gate system eliminates these bottlenecks through automation. Instead of stopping at a kiosk and waiting for staff assistance, passengers move directly to an automated gate where they complete identity verification in approximately five seconds or less. According to The Points Guy’s testing at multiple airports throughout the year, the process runs smoothly, typically requiring only a brief pause for a photo capture before the gate opens and the traveler proceeds to standard carry-on baggage screening. This design cuts down unnecessary friction while maintaining the core security verification function.
Performance metrics at deployed hubs
The efficiency gains translate into measurable results. At airport hubs where the e-gates are operational, Clear reports that 96 percent of passengers complete the entire process in five minutes or less. This performance level underscores how the automation addresses what had been the service’s weakest points under the old system.
Rollout Status and Timeline
Clear’s expansion currently covers approximately 80 percent of the airports where the company operates. With e-gates now deployed at 53 locations, the company expects the vast majority of its remaining network to receive the technology by the end of this year. This accelerated timeline reflects Clear’s confidence in the system’s viability and travelers’ acceptance of the new process.
Pricing and Card Offsets
Annual membership cost
Clear Plus, the company’s primary security service, carries an annual membership fee of $219. For many frequent travelers, this cost sits at the intersection of convenience and expense, prompting consideration of how to maximize value.
American Express Platinum benefit
Cardholders of the American Express Platinum Card can substantially reduce this membership cost through the card’s benefits. The American Express Platinum provides up to $219 annually in statement credits specifically for Clear Plus membership fees. While the American Express Platinum itself carries a $895 annual fee, the Clear credit represents a meaningful offset for those who would otherwise pay for the service independently.
Promotional pricing
Beyond the card benefit, travelers considering Clear can access discounted entry pricing. A special offer through The Points Guy allows new members to save $40 on the first year’s membership, reducing the initial cost to $179.
Airline Partnerships and Special Rates
Three major U.S. carriers have established partnerships with Clear to offer preferential pricing for their frequent flyers: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. These partnerships provide an alternative pathway for airline loyalty program members to access Clear at a reduced rate, expanding access beyond credit card benefits.
Competition From TSA’s Touchless ID Option
Even as Clear expands its footprint, the company faces emerging competition from the TSA’s own security innovation. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID represents a free alternative for existing PreCheck or Global Entry members. This service allows passengers to proceed through security without removing their ID or boarding pass, requiring only an opt-in selection through an airline profile. Unlike Clear, which requires paid membership, TSA Touchless ID comes at no additional cost to holders of active PreCheck or Global Entry credentials.
The distinction between the two services centers on whether passengers value a dedicated security line (Clear’s core offering) versus the convenience of contactless document verification at standard TSA lanes (TSA Touchless ID’s approach). Clear subscribers typically gain the advantage of skipping the main security queue entirely, while TSA Touchless ID accelerates the process within the standard line.
What This Means for Frequent Travelers
The expansion of e-gates removes friction from Clear’s previously most cumbersome bottleneck: waiting for staff availability and kiosk capacity. With identity verification automated and the process accelerated to five seconds, the service becomes more reliable and predictable during peak travel periods—particularly relevant as the holiday travel season approaches. For those already holding American Express Platinum cards or enrolled in airline-specific Clear pricing, the membership cost becomes substantially more manageable. Even for independent purchasers, the $40 promotional discount narrows the gap between Clear’s annual fee and the time savings it delivers at high-traffic airports.
Source: The Points Guy Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Clear Plus cost annually?
Clear Plus costs $219 per year. American Express Platinum cardholders receive up to $219 in annual statement credits toward this fee, and new members can save $40 on their first year through special promotional offers. Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines also provide discounted rates to their members.
How do the new e-gates work compared to Clear's traditional kiosks?
The e-gates automate identity verification, completing the process in approximately five seconds without requiring passengers to stop at a manned kiosk or wait for Clear staff assistance. At airports with e-gates deployed, 96 percent of passengers complete their entire security process in five minutes or less.
What's the difference between Clear and TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
Clear Plus requires a $219 annual membership and provides a dedicated security line bypass. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID is free for existing PreCheck or Global Entry members who opt in via their airline profile and allows document-free passage through standard TSA lanes, but does not include line skipping.
