As I wrote earlier, I signed up for the CLEAR registered traveler program last August in Orlando and, until today, had yet to use my card. Fortunately, they just opened CLEAR lanes at Denver International Airport (I live in Denver), and I was finally able to use my card this morning.
Overall, the experience was great. Wait times for the "normal" security lines looked to be pretty long--Monday morning and all--probably in the 20-25 minute range. As I approached the CLEAR line, I had my CLEAR card, driver's license, and boarding pass out and ready to go. After the person manning the line determined that I was one of the few actual CLEAR members (there were a lot of people trying to access the line who didn't understand what it was all about), they directed me to one of their biometric scanners. I inserted my CLEAR card, put my finger on the scanner, and was informed that I was "CLEARED" in about 10 seconds.
At that point, one of the major advantages of CLEAR appeared--a "concierge" then guided me to the TSA ID checker, who checked my ID immediately. After the ID stage, the concierge then led me over to the security line (I got to cut ahead of the people queued up in front of the X-ray machine), and then proceeded to help me load my laptop, toiletries, shoes, etc., in the bins! Wonderful service--what a difference another pair of hands makes. After ensuring that all my of luggage made it into the machine, she wished me a "CLEAR day", and I was off to the metal detector. Total time, from entering the CLEAR line to getting my stuff through the X-ray machine: about 5 minutes flat....and it was far less stressful than usual, thanks to the helpful concierge.
All in all, my first CLEAR experience was great. Even though I can cut the security lines at DIA any way due to my United Premier Executive status, it still generally takes around 10 minutes to clear security. With the extra priority that the CLEAR concierge afforded me, I shaved yet another 5 minutes off of that time, plus a bit of stress. For the $128 a year that the service costs, I'm thinking that it will definitely be worth it in terms of a guaranteed security experience and lower stress levels. Plus, it's really, really cool to cut the lines just like the airline crews do!
I give CLEAR an enthusiastic two thumbs-up! Now, if they only were in every airport that I travel through....especially Detroit!
*** Thinking of signing up for Clear??? ***
If you are, please do me a favor and give them my Clear "referral code": SCA70678. This entitles me to some free months of service for everyone that signs up using my code. Thanks!
Monday, February 4, 2008
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