Clear Reserve: How to reserve your spot in airport security
With summer travel in full swing, we recommend taking no chances when dealing with airport crowds.
Thanks to expedited security programs like Clear, you don't have to waste time waiting in the TSA security line.
Clear biometrically automates a user's identity via a separate Clear security lane with dedicated kiosks; this way, the traveler won't have to wait for the normal TSA license or passport review process. Once your identity is confirmed, a Clear representative escorts you to the front of the line for the traditional security screening machine — either for regular TSA or TSA PreCheck.
This service is available to Clear Plus members at 50 airports nationwide for $189 annually, though some credit cards provide cardholders with a free or discounted membership. However, there's also a lesser-known Clear program: Clear Reserve. It's available to all travelers, including non-Clear Plus users, for timed entry through security.
What is Clear Reserve?
Unlike Clear Plus, Clear Reserve is a free service for travelers looking for capacity-controlled access to a TSA officer, regardless of whether they belong to Clear.
Clear Reserve allows travelers to reserve a dedicated time slot in the security line for their party entry through TSA security at select airports.
"The goal of our free RESERVE lanes is to help minimize peak travel periods in the airport, which reduces wait times and creates a better experience for all travelers - even for those who don't use RESERVE," a company spokesperson said. "We offer this service to all passengers in order to improve checkpoint experiences for everyone."
How do Clear airport security reservations work?
To make a reservation, travelers can book online or via the Clear app using the home-to-gate feature. Passengers enter their flight details and the number of people in their party to book a time slot.
Once you select your reservation time, you'll finish booking by entering your contact information before receiving a confirmation QR code via email. This is how you will access the Reservation Lane powered by Clear.
Reservations will be tied to one entry time for as many as 10 individuals. This means families and small groups traveling together can book one reservation based on departure time. You can make reservations up to one month before travel. However, individual airports determine how far in advance passengers can book their reservation, ranging from a few days to weeks ahead of their flight. A limited number of time slots are available.
Alternatively, travelers can sign up for a time slot on the spot as they approach security.
Once travelers book, they will receive a confirmation email with a QR code, which a Clear ambassador will scan for access to a designated security checkpoint lane. There, passengers will comply with the standard TSA boarding pass and photo ID verification.
Where is Clear Reserve available?
Clear Reserve is currently available at 18 airports, including some abroad:
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
- Calgary International Airport (YYC).
- Denver International Airport (DEN).
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG).
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
- Hannover Airport (HAJ).
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
- Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
- Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
- John F. Kennedy International Airport York (JFK).
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
- Orlando International Airport (MCO).
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
- Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO).
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Bottom line
As of June 2023, Clear Reserve is available for travelers to book a timed entry through security at 18 airports across the U.S., Canada and Europe (with more airports to come).
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| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
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- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
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- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
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