Clear expands automated gates to 53 U.S. airports

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The next time you use Clear to get through airport security, it might be faster than you've come to expect.

Over the course of this year, Clear has been expanding its new "e-gates" to dozens of airports across the country.

It's a more streamlined setup that allows passengers to fly through without stopping at one of its famous blue kiosks.

As of this week, Clear had deployed its new automated gates to 53 airports across the country.

By the end of the year, the tech is expected to be in place at nearly all the airports where the company offers its flagship Clear Plus service.

That's certainly good news for travelers looking to speed through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints — especially as the busy holiday travel rush looms.

Improving Clear with new tech

In the past, travelers hoping to use Clear at TSA would walk up to the checkpoint, then peel off to get their identity verified with a quick photo. Then, a Clear staffer would escort them to the front of the TSA line.

BING GUAN/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES While it's obviously a shortcut, the service hasn't been without pain points.

Sometimes, flyers would arrive to find no open kiosks, or have to wait for Clear staffers to be free to assist them.

How the Clear e-gates work

The new e-gate setup is intended to improve the flow of passengers.

I've used the Clear e-gates at a handful of airports this year, and am typically able to walk through pretty seamlessly — often pausing for just a few seconds to get my photo taken before the gates open.

The company touts identity verification in five seconds or less under the new design (but do let us know in the comments what your experience was like).

Clear e-gate at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK). CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY As of this week, Clear had installed e-gates at nearly 80% of the airports it serves — and noted the "vast majority" of its network would have the e-gates by the end of this year.

At those hubs, the company said 96% passengers were getting through in five minutes or less.

These improvements should make the service an even better shortcut at more airports.

Reminder: What is Clear?

Clear is a paid service that lets passengers effectively skip the TSA line and jump right to carry-on baggage screening. It's typically maximized in tandem with TSA PreCheck access.

How much does Clear cost?

Clear's flagship airport security service (known as Clear Plus) now costs $219 for an annual membership.

But some travel cards will offset the cost . For instance, I get a statement credit of up to $219 each year for my Clear+ membership fee by carrying the American Express Platinum Card® , which has an annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees ). Enrollment required; subject to auto-renewal.

Plus, three major U.S. airlines partner with Clear to offer special pricing : Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer , you can save $40 on the first year's membership.

Bottom line

Even as Clear expands its e-gates at TSA checkpoints, the program has also gotten some friendly competition from the TSA's newest security shortcut called TSA PreCheck Touchless ID.

That service, which allows members to pass through security without pulling out their ID or boarding pass, is now available at dozens of airports across the country. TSA Touchless has no extra cost for PreCheck (and Global Entry) members, though you have to opt in via your airline profile .

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.