Key Takeaways
- The Birmingham airport has introduced Clear+, a new technology that allows travelers to pass through TSA checkpoints without removing their physical ID from their purse or wallet.
- The Clear+ ID app scans the app on a traveler’s phone, eliminating the need for physical copies of IDs.
- Travelers with the app use a dedicated lane to bypass regular TSA lines, making the boarding process faster and more efficient.
- The app offers a free trial, but will eventually transition into a paid subscription.
- 60 airports around the U.S. are currently using this technology, according to Clear.
Introduction to Clear+ Technology
The Birmingham airport has become one of the hundreds of airports across the country to introduce Clear+, a new technology that allows travelers to board planes using their phones instead of physical IDs. This innovative app, Clear+, enables users to pass through TSA checkpoints without removing their physical ID from their purse or wallet, making the boarding process faster and more efficient. According to travelers who have used the app, it has saved them a significant amount of time, with some reporting savings of up to 30 minutes on connecting flights.
How Clear+ Works
The Clear+ ID app works by scanning the app on a traveler’s phone, eliminating the need for physical copies of IDs. This is in contrast to TSA Pre-Check, which requires physical copies of IDs. Travelers with the app use a dedicated lane to bypass regular TSA lines, making the boarding process even faster. The app is currently being used at 60 airports around the U.S., according to Clear. Lakesha Williamson from Calera commented on the convenience of the app, saying, "I think with where you have to have the card now, for that’s a lot of hassle, I have my passport, so it’s easier and the Clear makes it much more easier."
Traveler Reactions
Travelers who have used the Clear+ app have reported positive experiences, with many appreciating the efficiency and convenience it offers. Amy Murrell and her daughter, frequent travelers from Mountain Brook, often use TSA Pre-Check to expedite their boarding process. After learning about Clear+, they expressed interest in using the app in the future. Murrell said, "Yes, I think so. She was explaining the difference between that and then just TSA Pre-Check." Murrell and her daughter believe that using Clear+ will be beneficial, especially on their upcoming trip to New York. "Get it, yes, it is well worth it, and it’s so easy to get," Murrell said.
Availability and Subscription
The Clear+ app offers a free trial, but will eventually transition into a paid subscription. Despite the cost, many travelers believe that the convenience and time-saving benefits of the app make it well worth the investment. As the app becomes more widely available, it is likely that more travelers will take advantage of its benefits. The TSA encourages travelers to keep physical copies of their ID on them at all times, even when using the Clear+ app. However, with the app’s ability to scan IDs on a traveler’s phone, the need to physically remove IDs from purses or wallets is eliminated, making the boarding process faster and more efficient.
Conclusion
The introduction of Clear+ technology at the Birmingham airport marks a significant step forward in streamlining the TSA check process. With its ability to scan IDs on a traveler’s phone, the app eliminates the need for physical copies of IDs, making the boarding process faster and more efficient. As the app becomes more widely available, it is likely that more travelers will take advantage of its benefits, saving time and hassle at airports across the country. Whether you are a frequent traveler or just occasional flyer, the Clear+ app is definitely worth considering for your next trip.
