Clear expands to 2 additional airports in California

Travelers in Southern California got some new options this week when it comes to getting through airport security. Just as fans flocked to the area for this weekend’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, two airports in the region welcomed Clear as an added option for expedited screening.

After opening new screening lanes at Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California Thursday, Clear unveiled new lanes Friday at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). The move means passengers departing from either of these airports will have access to the system, which involves a quick identity check at a kiosk followed by a trip to the front of TSA security lines.

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The change could also be an added reason for frequent travelers from the region to consider Clear as air travel continues to ramp up this spring.

For Clear, this is just its latest location in the midst of rapid expansion in recent years to more airports, rental car facilities, sports and entertainment venues, and even into the COVID-19 vaccination and testing verification realm.

Reminder on how Clear works

If you’re not familiar with Clear, perhaps you’re familiar with the kiosks you’ve seen while waiting in airport security lines.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The kiosks are actually biometric scanners, which can quickly confirm the identify of paying members who previously shared their iris scan and fingerprint with the company.

As part of the process, members go to the designated Clear lanes to have their identity confirmed; there's no need to take out a driver’s license. Then a Clear representative escorts the member to the front of the TSA security line. If the Clear member is enrolled in TSA PreCheck, they jump to the front of the TSA PreCheck line.

If they’re not a member, they’ll get screened in the regular TSA line. For that reason, many frequent travelers find it worthwhile to enroll in both Clear and TSA PreCheck.

The newest Clear lanes

Clear’s decision to add lanes in Palm Springs came as the airport – like many in the U.S. and internationally – has reported a surge in passenger traffic this spring.

Related: Clear unveils timed service to speed you through TSA

In a statement about the addition, Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton referred to months of record passenger traffic. "Clear’s expedited security lanes will make traveling through PSP easier and less stressful,” she said.

As you can see in the photo below, Clear unveiled six of its scanners Friday in Palm Springs which are located steps from both airline check-in counters and the TSA lanes.

A company spokesperson Friday told TPG with Clear’s expansion this week to Ontario and Palm Springs, the company now operates lanes at 42 U.S. airports, including seven in California.

How to join

A Clear membership costs $179 for the year, although you can tap into discounts with certain credit cards and airline loyalty programs. There are also discounts for government officials, military veterans and additional adult family members.

Related: Get $75 in Uber credits when you sign up for Clear

It’s also worth noting, Clear is not just available in airports. The company operates kiosks at numerous U.S. stadiums and arenas, so this could help you avoid long security lines while trying to get into a sporting event or concert. It can also help you while waiting on a rental car or trying to get into a restaurant.

You can find information here on how to enroll. To be eligible, you must:

1. be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
2. be at least 18 years old
3. have one of the following forms of U.S. identification: driver’s license, passport or card, permanent resident card or state-issued or military ID

Travelers under the age of 18 may use the Clear line for free if accompanied by a Clear member.

After filling out some information online, you’ll have to finish your application process on site at a Clear location, many of which are at airports. There, you’ll answer some questions to confirm your identify, present valid identification and payment, and attach your fingerprints and iris scan to your new account.

Here, you can find more detailed information on how the entire process works.

Bottom line

The unveiling of new Clear lanes at two California airports this week marks the latest in a rapid series of expansions for Clear in recent years, at a combination of airports and other venues.

While a membership will set you back up to $179 for the year, the opportunities to use your membership are growing.