For the second time in less than a year, CLEAR is hiking its prices—leaving many travelers questioning whether the cost is still worth the convenience.
The popular expedited security program raised its rates in August 2024, and now another increase is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. That means the same membership that cost a couple just $179 in early 2023 will now run $324—an 81% increase in just 2.5 years.
New CLEAR Plus Pricing (Effective July 1, 2025)
- $209/year – General members (up from $199)
- $199/year – United and Delta non-elite members
- $169/year – United/Delta cardholders and Silver/Gold/Platinum elites
- $129/year – United Premier 1K members
- $125/year – Additional adult family members (was $119)
- $119/year – Government employees, military members, and veterans
- Free – United Global Services, Delta Diamond, and Delta 360 elites
For families, kids under 18 still get in free with a parent or guardian.
The Tradeoff: Price vs. Performance
CLEAR Plus allows members to skip ahead in airport security lines—especially helpful for those with TSA PreCheck, as they can skip to the front of that line too. But some travelers are noticing that the value of CLEAR is diminishing, especially in major airports where the CLEAR lines themselves are growing longer.
That said, in some airports the dependability and time savings are still exceptional. For solo business travelers especially, it can mean arriving at the airport under an hour before departure—without the stress.
Still Ways to Save
Despite the price bump, many travelers still pay little to nothing for CLEAR thanks to credit card perks or airline loyalty status. For example:
- American Express will increase its CLEAR credit to $209/year starting July 1, fully covering the new rate on eligible cards:
- Amex Platinum and Business Platinum
- Hilton Aspire
- Amex Green Card
- Centurion Card
- United MileagePlus and Delta SkyMiles elite members enjoy discounted or free memberships based on tier.
CLEAR’s Response
In response to the hike, CLEAR emphasized it’s only the third price adjustment in its 15-year history and pointed to expanded benefits:
- 45 new lanes added
- 19 new airports joined the network
- New tech like EnVe biometric pods and e-gates
- Integration with stadiums and passport uploads for Real ID readiness
The Bottom Line
Whether CLEAR is still worth it depends on how often you fly, what airports you use, and what discounts you qualify for. For frequent flyers who value consistency, it might still be a smart investment. For others, especially those facing long CLEAR lines or flying infrequently, it may be time to reevaluate.