Key Takeaways
• United Premier 1K members lose free CLEAR Plus; $129 annual fee starts May 1, 2025.
• CLEAR introduces CLEAR Plus + TSA PreCheck bundle for $199.95 starting May 20, 2025.
• CLEAR expands TSA PreCheck enrollment to 58 locations including new airports in 2025.
CLEAR Airport Security Membership Overhaul: What Travelers Need to Know for 2025
CLEAR, the biometric identity verification system used at airports across the United States 🇺🇸, is rolling out major changes to its membership program starting July 1, 2025. These updates affect pricing, partnerships with airlines, enrollment options, and the technology used at security checkpoints. The changes will impact millions of travelers, including frequent flyers, families, government employees, and especially United Airlines MileagePlus Premier 1K members, who will see a significant shift in their benefits. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing, why it matters, and how travelers can make the most of CLEAR’s new offerings.
What Is CLEAR and Why Are These Changes Important?
CLEAR is a private company that uses biometric technology—like fingerprints, eye scans, and facial recognition—to verify travelers’ identities at airport security. This allows members to skip the standard ID check and move directly to the physical screening process, saving time and reducing stress at busy airports. CLEAR operates at more than 59 airports nationwide and has become a popular choice for frequent flyers who want a faster, more predictable airport experience.
The 2025 updates come as CLEAR faces new security requirements, increased competition, and a need to balance growth with profitability. The company is also responding to the federal Real ID mandate, which will require all travelers to use more secure identification at airport checkpoints starting in 2025. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect a broader shift in the airport security landscape, with technology and partnerships playing a bigger role in how travelers move through airports.
Major Pricing and Partnership Changes: United Airlines MileagePlus Premier 1K Members Hit Hard
One of the most significant changes affects United Airlines MileagePlus Premier 1K members, who have long enjoyed complimentary CLEAR Plus memberships as part of their elite status. Starting May 1, 2025, this benefit will end. Instead, Premier 1K members will pay a discounted rate of $129 per year for CLEAR Plus—a $70 savings off the standard $199 annual fee, but a notable downgrade from the previous free membership.
Here’s a breakdown of the new United Airlines partnership structure for CLEAR:
- Global Services members: Still receive CLEAR Plus for free (no change)
- Premier 1K members: Now pay $129 per year (previously free)
- Premier Platinum, Gold, Silver, and co-branded cardholders: Pay $159 per year ($40 discount)
- Regular MileagePlus members: Pay $189 per year ($10 discount)
This marks a clear reduction in benefits compared to the original partnership, which launched in 2019 and offered free or deeply discounted memberships to a wider range of United’s elite travelers. For many frequent flyers, this change means reevaluating the value of CLEAR, especially if they already pay for other expedited security programs like TSA PreCheck.
Example: How This Impacts a Frequent Flyer
Imagine a United Premier 1K member who travels twice a month for business. In the past, they enjoyed CLEAR Plus for free, saving $199 each year. Now, they’ll need to pay $129 annually. While this is still a discount, it’s a new expense to consider, especially if their employer doesn’t reimburse the cost. For travelers who rely on CLEAR to make tight connections or reduce airport stress, the service may still be worth it—but the loss of the complimentary benefit stings.
New Enrollment Options and Bundled Services: CLEAR Plus + TSA PreCheck
To attract new members and add value, CLEAR has introduced a bundled package that combines CLEAR Plus with TSA PreCheck for a single price. Starting May 20, 2025, travelers can purchase both services together for $199.95. This bundle includes:
- Five years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 (the standard government fee)
- One year of CLEAR Plus for $122 (a $77 discount off the regular $199 price)
This bundled offer is designed for travelers who want the fastest possible airport security experience. With both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck, you can use CLEAR’s biometric lanes to skip the ID check and then enjoy PreCheck’s expedited screening (keeping shoes on, leaving laptops in bags, etc.).
How to enroll:
Applicants must start their application online and finish it at an airport where CLEAR offers TSA PreCheck enrollment. This makes the process more convenient, especially for travelers who want to handle everything in one visit.
Promotional Offers
For those not eligible for airline or credit card discounts, NerdWallet is currently offering a promotional link for CLEAR membership at $169 for the first year (renewing at $199). This $30 savings is available to anyone, regardless of elite status or card membership.
Expansion of TSA PreCheck Enrollment Services
CLEAR is now an official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider, making it easier for travelers to sign up or renew their PreCheck status. In 2025, CLEAR expanded its enrollment locations, opening new sites at:
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
With 58 TSA PreCheck enrollment locations and more on the way, CLEAR is making it simpler for travelers to access both services. This is especially helpful for people who don’t live near a traditional TSA enrollment center.
For official information on TSA PreCheck and to apply, visit the TSA PreCheck website.
Technological Advancements and Security Enhancements
CLEAR is investing heavily in new technology to improve both speed and security at airport checkpoints. Here are some of the latest developments for 2025:
Biometric E-Gates
CLEAR has started testing biometric e-gates at select airports, including Oakland International Airport. These gates use advanced facial recognition and other biometric data to verify travelers’ identities automatically, reducing the need for manual checks and speeding up the process.
Real ID Compliance Tools
With the federal Real ID requirement taking effect in 2025, CLEAR has introduced tools that let travelers upload their passport details in advance. This helps ensure compliance and makes the security process even faster.
EnVe Biometric Pods
CLEAR’s new EnVe biometric pods are being deployed at more airports. These stations use the latest technology to verify identities quickly and securely, meeting the high standards set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Membership Benefits and Service Details
CLEAR Plus membership offers several key benefits for travelers:
- Expedited security screening at over 100 CLEAR Lanes in 59+ airports
- Biometric verification (fingerprints, eye scans, facial recognition) replaces manual ID checks
- Family-friendly: Children under 18 can join members in CLEAR Lanes for free
- Add up to three adults to your account for $119 per person per year
- Average time savings: CLEAR Plus members save about 4 hours per year at airport security
CLEAR works alongside TSA PreCheck, so travelers can use CLEAR to skip the ID check and then enjoy PreCheck’s faster screening process. This combination is especially valuable during peak travel times or at busy airports.
Example: Family Travel Made Easier
A family of four traveling for summer vacation can use one CLEAR Plus membership to bring their children through the expedited lane at no extra cost. If both parents want their own memberships, they can add each other as adults for $119 each, making the process smoother for everyone.
Special Rates and Accessibility Programs
CLEAR offers discounted rates for certain groups:
- Military service members and government employees qualify for special pricing
- Active military, veterans, and federal employees may have access to unique membership arrangements
For those traveling on official government business, the cost of CLEAR Plus may be reimbursable through systems like the Defense Travel System (DTS) or Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC).
Example: Government Employee Reimbursement
A federal employee traveling for work can use their GTCC to pay for CLEAR Plus and submit the expense for reimbursement, making it easier to comply with government travel policies while enjoying faster airport security.
Membership Management and Enrollment Process
Managing a CLEAR membership is straightforward:
- Online account management: Members can upgrade, reactivate, or cancel their memberships, add or remove family members, update billing, and print receipts at my.clearme.com.
- Updating personal information: To change your name, date of birth, or address, you must visit a CLEAR airport location and present a valid photo ID.
- Enrollment: New members can pre-enroll online and finish registration at any participating CLEAR location—no appointment needed.
This flexibility makes it easy for travelers to keep their information up to date and manage their memberships on their own schedule.
Security Certifications and Compliance
CLEAR maintains strict security standards, including:
- High Assurance Mobile Enrollment approved by the Kantara Initiative at Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2)
- NIST 800-53 HIGH baseline compliance for security and privacy controls, as verified by the TSA
- Department of Homeland Security Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology certification
These certifications show that CLEAR’s technology meets or exceeds government requirements for protecting travelers’ personal information and ensuring secure identity verification.
Terms and Conditions Update
CLEAR updated its Member Terms on April 30, 2025. While the full details haven’t been released, the company continues to use automatic renewal for memberships and allows for electronic document signing for all membership-related agreements. Members should review the latest terms on CLEAR’s website to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for CLEAR and Airport Security?
CLEAR’s CEO, Caryn Seidman Becker, has stated that the company’s expanded TSA PreCheck services are designed to provide “a fast and efficient airport experience” and are “a win-win for U.S. travelers.” The company’s focus appears to be shifting from rapid growth to profitability, as seen in the reduced benefits for United Airlines MileagePlus Premier 1K members.
As the Real ID mandate becomes a reality in 2025, CLEAR’s role in airport security is likely to grow. Travelers who want the fastest, most reliable way through airport checkpoints will increasingly look to combine CLEAR with TSA PreCheck for maximum efficiency.
Actionable Takeaways for Travelers
- Check your CLEAR membership status: If you’re a United Airlines MileagePlus Premier 1K member, be aware of the new $129 annual fee starting May 1, 2025.
- Consider the CLEAR Plus + TSA PreCheck bundle: For $199.95, you can get both services and save money.
- Look for promotional offers: Even if you don’t have elite status, deals like the $169 first-year offer from NerdWallet can help you save.
- Take advantage of expanded enrollment locations: CLEAR now offers TSA PreCheck enrollment at more airports, making it easier to sign up or renew.
- Review your eligibility for special rates: Military, veterans, and government employees may qualify for discounts or reimbursement.
- Stay informed about Real ID requirements: Make sure your identification is compliant before your next trip. Learn more at the Department of Homeland Security’s Real ID page.
By understanding these changes and planning ahead, travelers can continue to enjoy a smoother, faster airport experience with CLEAR, even as the program evolves. For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed about airport security programs is key to making the most of your travel in 2025 and beyond.
Learn Today
CLEAR → A biometric identity verification service speeding airport security by skipping manual ID checks.
United Airlines MileagePlus Premier 1K → United’s elite frequent flyer status with premium travel benefits including discounted CLEAR memberships.
TSA PreCheck → A U.S. government program offering expedited airport screening with fewer security steps.
Real ID mandate → Federal requirement starting 2025 mandating more secure identification for air travel checkpoints.
Biometric E-Gates → Automated gates using facial recognition to verify traveler identity quickly at airport checkpoints.
This Article in a Nutshell
CLEAR revamps its membership program for 2025, ending free access for United Premier 1K and launching a bundled TSA PreCheck offer. Expanded enrollment locations and biometric e-gates promise faster airport security. Travelers should review new fees, enrollment options, and Real ID compliance for smoother airport experiences ahead.
— By VisaVerge.com
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