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CLEAR has a new way to get through airport security faster called CLEAR Reserve, and you don't need a CLEAR Plus membership to use it. CLEAR Reserve is available at select airports outside of the U.S., and Toronto is the newest location where you can make reservations to zip through the line at security. Here is what the program means for travelers — plus how CLEAR Plus members can use these lines without a reservation.
Using CLEAR RESERVE
CLEAR Reserve is a free service allowing travelers to book a reservation time with a TSA officer, skipping a potentially long security line. This is excellent in airports where there's usually a long wait at security — and these are precisely the airports where RESERVE is available. Just like CLEAR Plus, CLEAR RESERVE doesn't let you skip security. Rather, it gives you a reserved spot in the line, significantly shortening the wait.
The best news is that you don't have to be a CLEAR Plus member to use CLEAR Reserve. Anyone can make a reservation.
However, CLEAR Plus members don't need to make a reservation. Of course, if you're in the U.S., just use the CLEAR lane. In fact, Reserve is not accessible to TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus members in the U.S. Moreover, it's worth noting that CLEAR lanes don't exist outside the U.S., whereas Reserve is available in some international locations.
In other words, CLEAR Plus members can now go to the head of the security line in a dozen airports across Europe and Canada without even making a reservation, though they won't be using the CLEAR kiosks here.
Toronto Airport (YYZ) is now offering access to the CLEAR Reserve line without an appointment through December 31, 2023. This no-appointment-needed access is available for CLEAR Plus members.
CLEAR reports that travelers save up to 30 minutes using the RESERVE line at the Toronto airport. And if you're a CLEAR Plus member, you don't even have the hassle of needing to book ahead. All you need to do is use the YYZ Express signs at the airport and present the QR code (found in the upper corner of the free CLEAR app) to the lane attendant.
CLEAR Reserve Locations
CLEAR RESERVE is currently available in 20 airports across North America and Europe:
U.S.
- Denver (DEN)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- New York-Kennedy (JFK)
- Newark (EWR)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Seattle (SEA)
Canada
- Calgary (YYC)
- Edmonton (YEG)
- Halifax (YHZ)
- Montreal (YUL)
- Toronto (YYZ)
- Vancouver (YVR)
Europe
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Berlin (BER)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Hannover (HAJ)
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Rome (FCO)
CLEAR Reserve and CLEAR Plus Differences
While CLEAR Reserve provides appointment-based access to shorter lines at airport security, CLEAR Plus is probably what you think of when you hear “CLEAR.” Think of people scanning their eyes or fingerprints at a kiosk to prove their identity at airport security checkpoints.
CLEAR Plus requires a membership for all adults; children can access dedicated CLEAR lanes with an adult member.
The ability for CLEAR Plus members to access CLEAR RESERVE services — getting into a shorter line away from the general wait for airport security — without an appointment is a quality addition to your annual Plus membership. And the fact you can now shortcut security at airports without CLEAR lanes is a welcome benefit for anyone who dreads the long lines typically found at airport security.
Related: Expedited Security Screening Programs: How To Get Them for Free
Our Take
CLEAR Reserve is an amazing service to use if you're traveling through one of the airports offering it in Canada or Europe. And if you're not already a CLEAR Plus member, I would definitely suggest using Reserve at the eight airports where it's currently available in the U.S.
On the other hand, if you're a CLEAR Plus member, this is a huge benefit you now get at select Canadian and European airports, letting you use a shortcut lane without needing to book an appointment. If you're not a CLEAR Plus member, check out the ways to get CLEAR Plus for free or at a discount, and perhaps pick up some bonus miles for signing up as well.
What do you think of the new CLEAR Reserve program? Will you use it to skip the line at security, either in the U.S. or abroad?
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