Registering for Free (Or Discounted) CLEAR for United Elites

For many road warriors, CLEAR's $179 annual membership is worth the expense. You'll typically save several minutes each time you pass through security, even hopping to the front of the PreCheck line at many airports around the US. However, as a United Premier 1K elite who typically flies out of Newark (EWR) — where a CLEAR checkpoint is not yet available — I decided not to renew. Until today.

So what motivated me to extend my membership? Monday morning, United Airlines announced preferred pricing for MileagePlus members, matching Delta's current pricing and free tiers. All members — regardless of status — can sign up for $119 per year, while co-branded cardmembers and Silver members and above pay $109. Best yet, Premier 1K and Global Services members get access for free.

Related: The 8 Best Credit Cards for Flying United

As an existing CLEAR member with a suspended paid membership, I had a few options to renew for free:

• Call 855-CLEARME (253-2763) and provide my MileagePlus number, email address and date of birth, and wait for status confirmation
• Email memberservices@clearme.com with the same information
• Head to this page, register and wait for status confirmation

New members should be able to register right away. My sister is also a Premier 1K member, and she had no trouble registering online immediately, with the discount reflected right away. A credit card number is required for new accounts, though you can cancel automatic renewal and presumably you won't be charged as long as you maintain the same United status level.

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After you sign up online, you'll need to complete the process at your nearest enrollment center — typically at an airport CLEAR checkpoint, or select stadiums and event venues. CLEAR is already available at United's hubs in Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Washington Dulles (IAD). It's expected to arrive at Houston Intercontinental (IAH) and Newark Liberty (EWR) by the end of the summer, and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) this fall.