Being a Clear Registered Traveler may have some perks while traveling in the USA i.e. you can zip through airport security checkpoints in under three minutes.

Costing $99.95 a year, a Clear membership tells the airport security screener that you have passed a governmental background check and not on the most wanted list.

Clear is currently operating in 5 US airports i.e. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), Indianapolis (IND),New York JFK Terminal 7 (JFK), Orlando (MCO) and San José (SJC).

You can get ahead of the line by going to the assigned Clear lane, a Clear attendant will check your boarding pass, clear card and an approved photo ID. You’ll then be directed to a Clear verification kiosk where it’ll read your card, prompt for a biometric iris scan and scan your shoes for explosives without removing your footwear. Once you are verified, you’ll receive a stamp or receipt to proof your are a Clear member but will still be subjected to metal detectors or x-ray machines operated and regulated by the TSA.

This could be an advantage if you travel out of those airports. Continental OnePass Frequent Flyer members could do the same sort of thing for free (with enough airline miles). However, at the moment, I really don’t see the point if you still need to go through the standard security checks and if it still doesn’t assure you that you won’t be randomly searched or inspected. Clear has said that they will eventually offer full body scanners (in addition to what is currently available now) but unless that would have me bypass further security checks, I still believe it is a program that has little benefit and value.

Nevertheless, Clear currently claims to have over 35,000 customers. Kiosks are currently being in New York JFK T1, New York JFK T4, Newark Terminal B, Toronto Airport (YYZ) with over 20 more airports considering them.