Delta SkyMiles Members: Save Time and Money at the Airport With a Discounted Membership in CLEAR

August 24, 2019 By Meghan Hunter

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INSIDER SECRET: CLEAR does not require a background check, so it’s a good option if you’re not eligible for TSA PreCheck.

Regardless of how frequently you fly Delta, it’s worth joining their frequent-flyer loyalty program, Delta SkyMiles. That’s because membership comes with a little-known perk, discounted membership in CLEAR.

All Delta SkyMiles members qualify for it, regardless of whether they have elite status or not. And if you are a Delta elite, you’ll receive a larger discount.

It’s free to sign up as a Delta SkyMiles member and it takes just a few minutes. If the idea of saving money and spending less time in line appeals to you, here’s how CLEAR works.

As a Delta SkyMiles member, you’ll qualify for discounted pricing in CLEAR. (Photo by Bignal/Shutterstock)

CLEAR Versus TSA PreCheck

At most airports, you have to wait in a line for a security check of travel documents, like your passport and boarding pass. As a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll often enjoy a shorter line, plus TSA PreCheck helps speed you through the screening process as you won’t have to remove jackets, belts or liquids from your luggage.

CLEAR, on the other hand, speeds you through that initial travel document verification process. The paperwork is verified in a separate lane for CLEAR members. Once your identity and boarding pass have been verified, you’ll be escorted to the front of the security line. And because not many people know about CLEAR, it’s not unusual to bypass very long lines.

You should also know that CLEAR does stack with TSA PreCheck. It’s a great combination to have if you want to spend the least amount of time in a security line.

Finally, if you’re a member of CLEAR, you’ll always be eligible to use it. There is no random exclusion process, as is sometimes the case with TSA PreCheck.

Discounted Pricing to ALL Delta SkyMiles Members

A one-year membership in CLEAR usually costs $179, but as a Delta SkyMiles member, you’re guaranteed a discount of at least $60.If you do happen to have elite status with Delta or are a Delta SkyMiles credit card member, you’ll be eligible for a discount of $70.

It’s free to register as a Delta SkyMiles member, so it won’t cost you anything even if you decide that CLEAR is not right for you.

Requirements for CLEAR and Availability in Airports

Registering for CLEAR is easy and takes just a few minutes. You can read our review of CLEAR here but generally speaking, you’re eligible to join as long as you are 18 years of age or older and:

Have a valid, unexpired form of photo identification;
Complete the online registration process;
Register your fingerprints at a CLEAR enrollment location

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that CLEAR does not require background checks, so it’s a great option if for some reason you’re not eligible for TSA PreCheck.

CLEAR is also currently available in the following airports:

Los Angeles (LAX)
Las Vegas (LAS)
San Jose (SJC)
Phoenix (PHX)
San Francisco (SFO)
Salt Lake City (SLC)
Denver (DEN)
Seattle (SEA)
San Antonio (SAT)
Austin (AUS)
Dallas (DFW)
Dallas (DAL)
Houston (HOU)
Houston (IAH)
Minneapolis (MSP)
New Orleans (MSY)
Birmingham (BHM)
Cincinnati (CVG)
Atlanta (ATL)
Detroit (DTW)
Cleveland (CLE)
Orlando (MCO)
Washington, DC (DCA)
Washington, DC (IAD)
Baltimore (BWI)
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
Miami (MIA)
New York (HPN)
New York (JFK)
New York (LGA)
Boston (BOS)

Bottom Line

Membership in CLEAR can allow you to speed through security at select airports. You should consider enrolling in the program even if you have TSA PreCheck because the programs can complement one another. And because CLEAR does not do background checks, it’s a great option if you’re not eligible for TSA PreCheck.

Membership in CLEAR usually costs $179, but all Delta SkyMiles members qualify for a discount of at least $60. It’s free to join SkyMiles and takes just a matter of minutes so it’s a no-brainer to sign up if you’re considering buying or renewing your membership in CLEAR.

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