How long does it take to do clear at the airport?

Breeze Through Security: How Long Does CLEAR Really Take?

Navigating airport security can be a time-consuming hassle, but CLEAR promises a faster, more predictable experience. But just how long does it take to get cleared with CLEAR? While the marketing materials emphasize speed, understanding the process and its potential time commitments is crucial for travelers.

CLEAR offers two primary enrollment pathways: initiating the process online or completing everything at an airport kiosk. The appeal of the kiosk option is its advertised five-minute enrollment. This sounds incredibly convenient, and for the initial data entry and biometric capture, it likely holds true. You can walk up, interact with the kiosk, and be seemingly done in minutes, without needing an appointment.

However, there’s a crucial caveat: five minutes at the kiosk doesn’t mean five minutes to complete enrollment. While the bulk of the information gathering happens at the kiosk, the process isn’t truly complete until you verify your identity with a CLEAR representative. This involves presenting your identification documents and confirming the information you provided at the kiosk. Think of the kiosk as a self-service check-in; you still need to go to the counter for final verification.

While the in-person verification step is generally quick, it adds time to the overall process. The wait time for a CLEAR representative can vary depending on the airport, time of day, and overall passenger volume. During peak travel times, you might encounter a short queue.

The alternative – starting your enrollment online – allows you to complete the initial steps at your convenience. You’ll submit your information and then finalize the process at a CLEAR location, again requiring document verification with a representative. While this might seem like an extra step, it can potentially save time at the airport by streamlining the in-person portion.

Therefore, while the five-minute kiosk enrollment is accurate for the kiosk interaction itself, it’s misleading to consider it the total enrollment time. Factor in a few extra minutes, potentially more during busy periods, for the mandatory in-person verification. For a more predictable experience, consider starting your enrollment online and scheduling an appointment for verification, if available. This approach allows for better time management and helps ensure a truly expedited passage through airport security with CLEAR.