Travelers flying out of Pittsburgh International Airport can now move faster through the TSA security checkpoint with less hassle every time they fly with the launch of CLEAR.

PIT on Monday officially launched a five-year agreement with CLEAR, whose biometric identification technology allows its members to proceed to the TSA checkpoint through a priority lane and without having to produce an ID.

“We are thrilled PIT will now offer CLEAR’s high-tech, high-touch experience, something our market has requested for a long time,” said airport CEO Christina Cassotis. “At PIT, we are focused on providing the best possible passenger experience; CLEAR’s streamlined security screening process supports that mission. We look forward to seeing our passengers take advantage of this increasingly popular service.”

The partnership was first announced in April, and four CLEAR kiosks were placed at PIT’s primary security checkpoint earlier this month in preparation for today’s launch. PIT becomes the 56th airport in CLEAR’s national network, which also includes nine of the top 10 destinations for Pittsburgh travelers.

“CLEAR is so excited for the opportunity to help Pittsburgh travelers feel unstoppable along their journey — especially in time for the holidays,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker. “We share PIT’s commitment to delivering the best customer experience and thank the PIT team for bringing CLEAR to the Commonwealth.”

Passengers utilize CLEAR’s screening kiosks at PIT’s security screening checkpoint on Dec. 18, 2023. (Photo by Beth Hollerich)

Here’s how it works: Travelers who are 18 years or older with a valid government ID subscribe to CLEAR Plus, an opt-in membership service that costs $16 per month. When they fly out of an airport that is part of the CLEAR network, they verify their identity at a CLEAR kiosk through their eyes or fingers; no driver’s license or other form of ID is required, although it is best to bring an ID in case additional verification is needed. A CLEAR associate then escorts them to the front of the TSA screening line.

The system does not allow members to bypass TSA screening, and unless they also have TSA PreCheck, they still must remove their shoes and belt. (Travelers can get both TSA PreCheck and membership in CLEAR Plus, to save even more time.)

Discounted memberships are available for Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Express loyalty program members. Newly enrolling active military, veterans and government officials are also eligible for discounted memberships, and additional family members can be added to an existing CLEAR Plus account for $99 per adult per year.

CLEAR already has over 10,000 members in the Pittsburgh metropolitan region and nearly 19 million members nationwide.

The launch at PIT is expected to create 28 jobs. In addition, CLEAR will share 10 percent of its revenue with PIT.