United Airlines announced a new partnership with CLEAR, the secure identity company that uses biometrics to speed travelers through security, that includes a strategic equity investment and free or discounted CLEAR membership for U.S.-based Mileage Plus Members.
The investment will enable CLEAR to expand to United hubs Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) starting later this summer. United is also supporting CLEAR’s efforts with the City of Chicago to open CLEAR lanes at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in the coming months.
CLEAR already operates at United’s hubs in Denver International Airport (DEN), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
“Our new partnership with CLEAR is another proof point of how we are always looking to improve traveling with United, in this case by making the airport experience more convenient for customers,” says Luc Bondar, vice president of loyalty and president of MileagePlus at United. “We’re excited to partner with CLEAR to expand their presence at our hub airports and to provide all MileagePlus members with either free or deeply discounted memberships.”
As part of the deal, CLEAR and United are offering free CLEAR membership for Global Services and Premier 1K members. Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members as well as most United credit card members receive a discounted membership rate of $109 while all other MileagePlus members are eligible for a discounted offer of $119 per year.
CLEAR, which normally charges a $179 annual fee, reduces the overall amount of time customers spend at the airport security checkpoint by automating the document check portion of the TSA process. Members verify their identity with a tap of their finger or blink of an eye in dedicated lanes, enabling them to reach physical screening more quickly at airports across the country.
