United Partners with CLEAR to Make Air Travel Easier for Customers

by Daine Taylor July 30, 2019

This week, United Airlines announced a new partnership with CLEAR, the secure identity company, to utilize its biometric technology to expedite the security process for travelers.

The partnership includes free or discounted CLEAR membership pricing for U.S.-based MileagePlus members. United is also making a strategic equity investment in CLEAR that will support the company’s growth, including bringing CLEAR to the airline’s hubs at Newark Liberty International Airport and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, starting later this summer.

“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,” said Luc Bondar, vice president of loyalty and president of MileagePlus at United.

“CLEAR’s secure and seamless biometric security option creates an expedited travel experience that many of our frequent flyers already use and love. 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.”

CLEAR is hoping to change the way consumers experience travel by transforming the cards in their wallet into a single biometric ID. After a fast, one-time enrollment, CLEAR members enjoy the benefits of easier, more predictable experiences at more than 60 airports, arenas, stadiums and Hertz rental car locations in CLEAR’s nationwide network.

CLEAR already operates at United’s hubs in Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington Dulles, and the airline is also planning to open CLEAR lanes at Chicago O’Hare in the coming months.

United will start offering free CLEAR membership for Global Services and Premier® 1K® members. In addition, Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members, as well as most United credit card members, can receive a discounted membership rate of $109 while all other MileagePlus members are eligible for a discounted offer of $119 per year. An annual CLEAR membership retails for $179.

“It is an incredibly exciting time in the travel industry and we’re thrilled to partner with United to deliver easier and more predictable experiences from curb-to-gate and beyond,” said Caryn Seidman Becker, CLEAR’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our shared focus on the customer experience will enable us to reduce friction at every touchpoint and help travelers enjoy more of what they love.”

To learn more and take advantage of this pricing, customers can visit clearme.com/united and united.com/clear.