The Secret to Beating Airport Security Lines (No, You Don’t Need Status or Spend a Dime)
Let’s be honest: airport security is where good moods go to die.
Between the serpentine lines, the shoeless shuffle, and the stress of possibly missing your flight because Greg in front of you packed a gallon of shampoo, it’s time we find a better way through the madness. Spoiler alert: there is one, and it’s called CLEAR Reserve.
So, What Is CLEAR Reserve?
CLEAR Reserve is a free online tool that lets you book a timed security screening slot at select airports. No elite status, credit card, or special handshake required. It’s available to any traveler, whether you’re flying once a year or once a week.
It’s the airport version of skipping the line at a crowded restaurant—only this time, you're dodging the pre-flight panic attacks.
How CLEAR Reserve Works (No, It’s Not Complicated)
Here’s the quick and painless process:
- Go to the CLEAR Reserve website or use the CLEAR app.
- Select your departure airport and airline.
- Choose an available time slot (you can include up to 10 people in the same reservation.
- Arrive at the airport during your 20-minute window.
- Head to the CLEAR Reserve lane, scan your QR code and ID.
- Proceed through standard TSA screening like a pro.
Heads up: CLEAR Reserve doesn’t get you out of ID checks or let you waltz through with your shoes on. It just cuts down your wait time at the initial checkpoint—often saving you 20 to 40 minutes during peak hours.
Where You Can Use CLEAR Reserve
The program is currently live at a growing list of airports in North America and Europe, including:
Pro tip: Not all airlines at these airports are supported, so double-check when booking.
This Isn’t a Forever Fix (But It’s a Pretty Great Freebie)
CLEAR Reserve is a solid short-term solution, but let’s be real—availability is limited, and slots can vanish faster than a $199 roundtrip to Europe. Not every airport offers it, and not every airline plays nice.
If you’re a frequent flyer or allergic to lines, here’s what to look into next:
- TSA PreCheck: Expedited security with shorter lines and no shoe removal. A five-year membership is $78.
- Global Entry: Includes TSA PreCheck and makes reentering the U.S. from abroad much smoother. A five-year membership is $120.
- CLEAR Plus: Separate from CLEAR Reserve, this lets you verify your ID with biometrics and skip to the front of TSA screening all together. $209 annually (unless you get smart about it).
Several premium travel credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer credits to cover these services.
Bottom Line
Until teleportation becomes a thing or airports start serving margaritas in the TSA line, CLEAR Reserve is one of the easiest travel hacks you can use right now.
No cost. No catch. Just a little less chaos.
So, if you're flying soon and your departure airport supports it, go reserve your spot, skip the line, and enjoy your reward: not having to listen to that overhead announcement for the 17th time while stuck behind someone unpacking their laptop like it’s a family heirloom.
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Jacqueline Gomez
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All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time.
Always check for the latest details before making travel plans.