Clear raised prices again this year, marking the second consecutive annual increase for its airport security line-skipping service. The latest hike affects Clear+ members, who pay a premium for expedited TSA screening at major U.S. airports.
Clear+ previously cost around $189 annually, and the new pricing structure pushes the fee higher. For frequent flyers, the math becomes crucial. If you fly more than four times per year round-trip, Clear+ historically paid for itself through time savings alone. At higher price points, that calculation shifts.
The service lets members bypass standard TSA security lines at participating airports. You still go through metal detectors and bag screening, but you avoid the queue. For business travelers and people who fly monthly, this saves meaningful time during peak travel hours.
However, back-to-back price increases raise legitimate questions about value. TSA PreCheck remains a cheaper alternative at $78 to $85 for five years, though it offers less aggressive line access than Clear. Many travelers stack both services for maximum convenience.
Consider your flying frequency before renewing. If you take fewer than four round-trip flights yearly, the cost likely exceeds the benefit. Occasional travelers should reassess annually. Business travelers and frequent flyers may still find Clear+ worthwhile, particularly if their employer covers the fee.
Credit card rewards offer another angle. American Express Platinum cardholders receive a Clear+ membership credit, effectively making the service free if you already pay for that premium card. Chase Sapphire Reserve doesn't include Clear directly, but its travel credits can offset the cost.
The key question: does saving 10 to 15 minutes per airport visit justify the annual expense? For some travelers, that time has real value. For others, the second price increase in two years signals it's time to drop the membership and rely on TSA PreCheck alone or standard security lanes.