CLEAR Secure has made millions by selling frequent flyers a “fast pass” for airport security lines. In just a few days, the price to skip the line will be going up … again.
For the fourth time in roughly four years, the company will raise its CLEAR® Plus subscription by $10, with the billing changes taking effect on Jul. 1.
Since May 2022, the price of the airport subscription has gone from $179/yr to $219/yr. It remains to be seen how these changes might impact the price of the company’s Family plan.
Why is CLEAR getting more expensive?
In May, CLEAR reported that it now served 8.2 million active subscribers across 60 U.S. airports. Growth was also accelerating, as the number of paying CLEAR+ members grew 13% year-over-year, an improvement from the prior quarter.
CLEAR has grown despite its previous efforts to raise prices. Since May 2022, CLEAR has raised the price of CLEAR+ four separate times. Despite that, more users have signed up. To meet those demands, the company has invested heavily in new eGates intended to reduce labor and corral known travelers through security lines even faster.
Undeniably, its investments in new operations, technology, and its ability to retain paying users have been major factors in reinforcing price increases. However, we reached out to CLEAR to better understand the underlying reasons for the price increases and whether consumers should get used to the plans rising in price every year. They have not yet responded to comment.
Is there a way to offset the higher CLEAR price?
Despite rising subscription fees, there are ways that frequent flyers can blunt the impact of higher prices. In fact, there are two ways to reduce the higher subscription fee, including one that can negate it almost entirely.
Airline status buys you a discount (sorta)
For years, airlines like Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines have offered a way to get reduced-price CLEAR subscriptions if you have frequent flyer status or a cobranded credit card. This is sticking around, even though the price is going up.
Alaska Airlines will offer plans for $209/yr, along with a kickback in the form of points for all Atmos status holders. This will be what casual, non-status holding SkyMiles and MileagePlus customers can expect to pay as well.
However, just having a cobranded Delta or United Airlines card can help frequent flyers save up to $40 off their annual membership, which would make it $179/yr going forward (assuming no other changes.)
Status will buy you the same discount at Delta and United, as the $179/yr price will also apply to those with United’s Premier Silver, Gold, and Platinum, as well as Delta’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum Medallion.
The biggest loss will be for Delta Diamond Medallion, though, who will no longer get a membership for free; they’ll pay $129, just like United’s Premier 1Ks.
Above that, Delta 360 and United Global Services still get a courtesy membership — a lucky bunch.
Amex cardholders, rise up
In February, CLEAR renewed its “multi-year partnership” with American Express, which offers CLEAR+ as a benefit on products such as the American Express® Green Card, American Express Platinum Card®, or the Business Platinum Card® from American Express. (Rates and fees apply.)
It is, without a doubt, the “cheapest” way to get a Clear Plus membership. And if you have a CLEAR+ Family plan, you can stack it with airline status to save on additional family members.
American Express has historically raised the cash value of the benefit to cover the full price of CLEAR+. We reached out to American Express to hear if this would be the case for this price increase, as it has been in the past. A representative for Amex shared:
“Starting July 1, 2026, eligible American Express Card Members can receive up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year (up from $209) when they use their eligible Card to purchase an annual CLEAR+ Membership. The benefit will also be renamed the $219 CLEAR+ Credit. Terms apply.”
How has Clear Secure been performing on markets?
CLEAR Secure ($YOU), the company that operates CLEAR’s expedited airport security operations and a sprawling online biometrics-based security business, has doubled over the last 12 months on Wall Street.
That growth has come amid the launch of its new eGates, which have opened up a new, faster line for the company’s airport travelers. It also comes as CLEAR continues to push into new enterprise functions such as identity and biometric verification.
Its recent ascent has pushed the firm back to all-time highs, with a valuation of roughly $6 billion.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment maybe required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visitamericanexpress.com to learn more.