CLEAR biometric ID checks now at San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport has introduced CLEAR’s expedited security clearance service at Terminal 2.

Passengers can pay to join CLEAR and then use dedicated kiosks at the airport that use biometric checks to verify the their ID. After verification the passengers are taken to the front of the actual security checkpoint.

It means passengers can pay to jump the security checkpoint queue but they still have to undergo the physical check.

After verification, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts them through the dedicated lane and directly to TSA physical security.

CLEAR can be used with TSA PreCheck for the fastest way through airport security.

CLEAR speeds up the travel document check process, TSA PreCheck speeds up the physical screening process.

Clear is available only to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents age 18 and older with valid government ID.

How it works

Passengers sign up for CLEAR by registering their fingerprints, iris and government-issued ID. They can do this online or at an enrollment centre at many airports.

At the airport, CLEAR members go to a dedicated CLEAR kiosk (they call it a pod) and scan their boarding pass. The kiosk/pod then verifies the passenger ID by checking their fingerprints or iris with those registered. No passport, driver license or other ID needed.

If all is OK, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts the passenger to the front of the physical security line.