Originally Posted by
diburning
Just realize that CLEAR's business model restricts their growth in existing markets, so, they will (and already have) need to raise prices to "grow." Their entire business model revolves around exclusivity, and if their customer base gets too large, they aren't as exclusive anymore. So, ideally, they'll want less customers paying more, and if credit cards continue to pay for it as a benefit, they don't have to care about things like providing good customer service, since "retail" customers (people who actually pay for it out of pocket) like myself are probably in the minority and will be culled soon, and those who get it for "free" as a benefit will put up with their shortcomings because they're not paying for it directly.
With DL and UA giving CLEAR membership to their top tier elites, and AMEX Platinum offering a credit, it's no wonder why the CLEAR lines can be so long compared to Pre-Check. Even if there is no wait at the Pre-Check line, there is probably a lot of, "I have it, I might as well use it" mentality going on. That is probably why the CLEAR line is so huge in ATL (and in most other DL and UA hubs). As I've said, I'll take the extra minute or two in the CLEAR line so I don't have to dig out my ID. My wallet, watch, belt, and car keys if I drove are already in my carry-on's outer pocket long before I enter the security line. As soon as I show my boarding pass to TSA, my phone goes in there, too.
My guess is that they will eventually make CLEAR not free for top-tier elites--probably a modest discount, perhaps one free family member. Obviously, their hope is that a decent percentage will pony up.