Finding a Better Way to Travel - Using CLEAR through Airport Security

By Micaela Williamson

Whoever said "Getting there is half the fun" does not have children.  One of the most stressful parts of family travel is the journey.  I am the kind of person that hates to be late and always allow for extra time, but sometimes extra time is not enough.  I'll never forget the first time I flew with my youngest son.  We were standing in an never-ending security line with a screaming, hungry baby.  All I wanted to do was make it through security, change baby's diaper and feed him before boarding the plane.  It turned out that we ended up running to the gate to catch the flight.  I had to finagle changing a squirmy little one on those ridiculously small airplane bathroom changing tables.  Plus in the stress of the moment with hungry baby screaming, I am pretty sure I exposed myself to a few teenage boys.  All I needed was an extra 45 minutes, but because of the insanely long security line, our first family vacation was off to a stressful start.

I recently learned about CLEAR, a membership-based service that allows travelers to get through airport security faster. CLEAR is the fastest and most predictable path through airport security.  On average with CLEAR, the entire security process takes less than 5 minutes.  Plus, CLEAR is great for frequent family travelers. A spouse can be added to a CLEAR account for $50 and kids under 18 are free.  This gives families extra time at home or more time to explore the airport and grab a meal before takeoff.

Where is CLEAR available?

CLEAR is now open in 11 major airports with more opening very soon. Find the current list of airports online here. It is quickly becoming one of the nation's favorite #ToolsForTravel. Plus, CLEAR is now also expanding into select Major League Baseball parks around the country. Starting at AT&T Park in San Francisco and Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, CLEAR members and their families can now get into the game faster (with an expedited security screening process) with just a tap of their finger.  

To enroll in CLEAR, you must present either an US Passport or US issued Permanent Resident/Alien Registration Card PLUS an approved secondary ID (State Issued ID, Drivers License, Military ID, or Foreign Passport). All IDs must be valid, unamended, and unexpired. You must be at least 18 years old.

For a limited time, Kid Trips readers can try CLEAR free for 2 months by using promo code CLEAR2M17.  Follow this link to enroll, and may your travels be CLEAR of stress!