CLEAR is a technology company that helps with expediting clearing security at select US airports. The company stores the biometric data of members, allowing them to (typically) skip the ID check, and get straight into the security line. Combined with TSA PreCheck, this is the best setup you can have for clearing security in the US.
We’ve seen CLEAR increasingly invest in new technology, and the latest of those initiatives has just been rolled out. This sounds great, though the introduction of this really just reinforces my confusion as to what purpose CLEAR really serves, as the TSA also continues to invest in technology.
In this post:
Basics of new CLEAR eGates for ID verification
Passengers using CLEAR typically go up to one of the company’s machines near a TSA checkpoint, have their biometrics confirmed, and then a CLEAR ambassador directs them to the security line. That process is being streamlined, in what’s being referred to as a pilot program, for the time being.
CLEAR is introducing biometric eGates, building on TSA efforts to modernize and streamline airport security checkpoints. The idea is that CLEAR members will go up to these eGates, which will conduct real time biometric verification, matching a traveler’s facial imagine with their identity documents and boarding pass.
This also allows TSA to retain complete operational control, including triggering gate access, conducting security vetting, and enforcing government security requirements. CLEAR transmits only limited data (live photo, boarding pass, and ID photo used for enrollment), and has no access to watchlists, cannot override TSA gate decisions, and does not manually open gates.
So once identity and clearance are confirmed, passengers can proceed directly to physical screening, bypassing the TSA podium.
As of this month (August 2025), CLEAR is introducing these new eGates in Atlanta (ATL), Seattle (SEA), and Washington National (DCA), and the plan is to roll these out nationwide in the coming months, by next summer, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 games.
Here’s how CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker describes this:
“We are proud to help make America’s airports great ahead of the World Cup. The U.S. should be leading on security, hospitality, and the travel experience. This partnership with TSA is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to enhance security and improve the aviation ecosystem. CLEAR is investing in this technology at no cost to taxpayers to modernize our checkpoints and ensure America’s airports are ready to meet global expectations. CLEAR’s secure identity platform will help unlock a better, safer, and more frictionless experience for all travelers.”
This is great, but does CLEAR still serve a purpose?
CLEAR’s new biometric eGates are a great initiative, and seem like a win-win. They significantly simplify the process of using CLEAR, and they also eliminate the constant need for TSA agents to randomly check the IDs of CLEAR passengers, since the new eGates are being offered in partnership with the TSA.
But look, here’s my issue — as we continue to see increased use of technology at TSA checkpoints, it just seems like CLEAR doesn’t serve much of a purpose anymore. Essentially what we’re seeing here is that CLEAR will use biometric data similar to how TSA agents do.
Typically when you go up to a TSA checkpoint, you insert your ID into a machine, then a picture is taken, and then you’re sent on your way, and you often don’t even have to show your boarding pass. We’ve even seen the TSA start to roll out Touchless ID, for those who are TSA PreCheck members. That’s a very similar concept.
It seems like what CLEAR is introducing here could also eventually just fully be rolled out by the TSA, and we’re just one step from that becoming a reality, no?
I don’t have anything against CLEAR as a company. I just think that airport security checkpoint real estate is really limited, and I’d rather it be streamlined, rather than much of the space being taken up by for-profit companies that add a questionable amount of value.
I suppose another way to look at this is is that we’re essentially seeing private enterprises cover costs that the TSA would otherwise incur, so maybe the public benefit is there? Perhaps it’s another way that credit card companies (and in particular, Amex) are subsidizing aspects of the air travel experience.
Bottom line
CLEAR is introducing eGates at its airport checkpoints. This is starting in Atlanta, Seattle, and Washington, but the plan is to roll this out on a widespread basis within the next year or so.
The idea is that you’ll simply walk up to one of these eGates, have your face scanned, and you’ll then be able to proceed on your way, straight to the screening line. I’m sure this is something that CLEAR members will appreciate, so I look forward to experiencing this.
That being said, one wonders if we’re not that far off from the TSA just operating machines like this directly, since there’s not much standing in the way of that.
What do you make of CLEAR’s new eGates?
This article doesn't even mention TSA Touchless.
Thanks!
When will American Airlines stop fighting clear. They want to be premium, but they make their passengers lives more difficult.
As the airlines and TSA continue to roll out digital ID, CLEAR will become useless at airports. Where they can serve a purpose (and where I currently get the most use out of them) is at stadiums. I could see them expanding in that market and other public venues that require security checks.
Clear is a complete scam. I would never actually pay for this if I didn't get it for free. It NEVER actually saves you time.
I get it free with my Amex card.
Agreed, it's a solution looking for a problem at least as far as airport screening goes. Can't say I like the idea of it being used for screening for sports/music/other big events either, but maybe that's just me being old fashioned and thinking that event tickets should just be for the seat without needing to be specifically tied to your identity.
"It NEVER actually saves you time."
Clearly you've never been through security at JFK T4 during the evening bank of international departures. Depending on the airport and timing, Clear can be a godsend.
Agreed and was going to say the same thing for LGA Terminal C at peak times. Last week Clear probably saved me 10 minutes, which I'd rather spend in the (overcrowded) SkyClub.
You realize that the US government is ultimately run by corporations.
CLEAR will continue to exist as long as they lobby the government.
In most cases the ID check is not the bottleneck. Baggage screening is the bottleneck. Many times, a line of people pile up at the ID check podium as the TSO holds everybody back because the baggage scanners can't keep up.
At ATL, I've timed myself at 20 minutes from ID check to getting my bag out from the other end of the scanner, even though I had gone through TSA Touchless ID with only one person in front of me.
You are 100% correct. Scanning the ID takes all of 5-10 seconds. The investment should be in AI screening that would be far faster and efficient with humans handling any rejects. But then we'd hear "loss of jobs" and there would go that idea.
This. The Analogic machines are painfully slow, as is the process of how the bags go from traveler into the machine. 30-60 seconds through Touchless ID or Clear at ATL, then 5-10 min to have my bags back in my possession.
Isn't CLEAR also used at stadiums and arenas? I think it could still work in those environments.