CLEAR Launches Biometric E-Gates at 3 U.S. Airports

Updated: August 19, 2025, 10:46am CDT

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CLEAR Rolls Out New Benefits Ahead of FIFA World Cup
What Is CLEAR?
Final Thoughts

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CLEAR, the membership-based program that uses biometric data to expedite airport security checks, announced today the launch of biometric e-gates. These will be available at 3 major airports in the U.S., with plans to expand further.

Here’s what you need to know.

CLEAR Rolls Out New Benefits Ahead of FIFA World Cup

CLEAR announced on August 19 that it would roll out biometric e-gates at 3 U.S. airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). CLEAR says it plans to expand the program across “its nationwide network of airports.”

The pilot program is in conjunction with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). According to CLEAR, the service will offer real-time biometric verification and match a traveler’s facial image with their ID and boarding pass.

Once this is completed, travelers will be able to skip the TSA podium and head directly to security screening.

TSA PreCheck Through CLEAR enrollment at CMH airport — Image Credit: Katie Corrigan Seemann

CLEAR says the new e-gates will roll out ahead of the FIFA World Cup next year. The tournament will have 16 host cities in North America, including 11 in the U.S.

More than 20 million international visitors are expected to fly to the U.S. for the World Cup — not to mention domestic passengers — and airports are expected to be under strain.

“This partnership with TSA is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to enhance security and improve the aviation ecosystem,” said CEO Caryn Seidman Becker. “CLEAR is investing in this technology at no cost to taxpayers to modernize our checkpoints and ensure America’s airports are ready to meet global expectations.”

What Is CLEAR?

CLEAR connects your biometrics, such as your eyes, to your identity, making it possible for you to speed through airport and sports venue security screening quickly, after a 1-time enrollment.

CLEAR is designed to make the airport and stadium experience smoother. When you become a CLEAR member, your ID, ticket, and boarding pass are replaced by biometrics.

Hot Tip:

A standard CLEAR membership costs $209 and gets you access at airports and stadiums. However, several credit cards offer a complimentary membership, and several airlines offer free or discounted membership for elite members. Additionally, military and government employees receive discounted memberships.

Final Thoughts

CLEAR is making it easier to navigate the airport with plans to roll out e-gates at 3 of the busiest airports in the U.S. ahead of next year’s World Cup. Even better, the program will also be at other airports (though no details were given). Given how busy the World Cup is expected to be, this is positive news from CLEAR.