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United Airlines cuts Clear priority security benefit for top-tier elites

March 18, 2025
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4 min read
United Newark EWR Clear
United Airlines cuts Clear priority security benefit for top-tier elites
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Beginning in May, there will be one less benefit of being a top-tier United Airlines elite member.

The Chicago-based airline emailed Premier 1K flyers this week to announce that it would cut the free Clear Plus membership effective May 1.

Existing Clear Plus members who have already signed up for complimentary access will continue to be able to use this service until their membership renews. When it does, Premier 1K members will receive a $70 discount on membership fees, bringing an annual Clear subscription to $129 based on current rates.

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Going forward, only United Global Services members will receive free Clear membership; every other elite member must pay for access.

There are no changes coming to the Clear discounts for other Premier members or those receiving discounted rates via United's cobranded credit cards.

"United MileagePlus members receive discounted pricing for an annual CLEAR Plus membership," a United spokesperson said in a statement confirming the move. "Changes will be made to the pricing structure effective May 1 for any MileagePlus members either renewing their CLEAR Plus Membership or enrolling in the service for the first time."

Delta Chicago O'Hare ORD Terminal 5 Clear Plus
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The change will leave Delta Air Lines as the only airline to offer free Clear access to top-tier elite members, as it offers a complimentary membership for its Diamond Medallion flyers. (Invite-only Delta 360 members also enjoy free Clear access, just like United's invite-only Global Services members.)

While this move undoubtedly stings, it comes as Clear has somewhat become a victim of its own success. With more and more flyers eligible for its priority screening lanes, there are now longer lines to use it at many airports. That, coupled with an increase in the number of random ID checks, means that flyers could be better off just using the regular TSA PreCheck or priority security lanes at some airports.

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Personally, I haven't used a Clear lane in months. I haven't found Clear saves me enough time to warrant using the service, especially when I might still need to show my ID as part of a random check.

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Instead, I've been impressed by the rollout of the Transportation Security Administration's touchless ID service and look forward to seeing it expand to more airports.

That said, there are certainly some instances when Clear can still save the day and deliver a much more efficient security screening. For me, having Clear is like an insurance policy — I'll only use it when it actually saves time.

For more about Clear, be sure to check out TPG's dedicated guide. And remember, there are a handful of American Express credit cards that include free Clear access, so be sure to sign up with one of them to minimize your out-of-pocket cost.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.