CLEAR in Chicago
#1
Original Poster


Join Date: May 2007
Location: SFO/MSP
Programs: 1K, Diamond
Posts: 177
CLEAR in Chicago
Why doesn't the city have CLEAR at ORD or MDW? The setup would probably be pretty easy given there are really only 5 major security check points. The only reason I'm loyal to UA is 'cuz I like the short security lines you get with status. CLEAR seems to be popping up at other locations where UA flies (DEN, SFO, IAD, DCA). Not really any AA hubs listed... but there are some Southwest cities on the list.
Thoughts? Could the city make any money by offering Clear in Chicago?
Thoughts? Could the city make any money by offering Clear in Chicago?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,934
Why doesn't the city have CLEAR at ORD or MDW? The setup would probably be pretty easy given there are really only 5 major security check points. The only reason I'm loyal to UA is 'cuz I like the short security lines you get with status. CLEAR seems to be popping up at other locations where UA flies (DEN, SFO, IAD, DCA). Not really any AA hubs listed... but there are some Southwest cities on the list.
Thoughts? Could the city make any money by offering Clear in Chicago?
Thoughts? Could the city make any money by offering Clear in Chicago?
#3
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SFO grown, DEN educated, ORD employed
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 144
Official Word from Clear Support on ORD or MDW
I actually asked Clear Support about the status of this. I had to go back and forth a couple times to get a real answer out of them, but here is what I finally managed to find out. It's going to be a while.
-kneemuh
-kneemuh
Dear <snip>:
Thank you for your email and support of Clear. We sincerely appreciate your advocating to the Chicago airports on our behalf.
At this time, Clear is in the beginning stages of communications with Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports.
Please continue to look for updates on www.flyclear.com as we continue to expand our presence nationwide.
Should you have any further questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact our Clear Support team by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866 848-2415, or visit us online at www.flyclear.com.
Sincerely,
Roxanne M. Serville
Manager, Member Services
CLEAR | Verified Identity Pass, Inc.
212 332-6395
[email protected]
Thank you for your email and support of Clear. We sincerely appreciate your advocating to the Chicago airports on our behalf.
At this time, Clear is in the beginning stages of communications with Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports.
Please continue to look for updates on www.flyclear.com as we continue to expand our presence nationwide.
Should you have any further questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact our Clear Support team by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866 848-2415, or visit us online at www.flyclear.com.
Sincerely,
Roxanne M. Serville
Manager, Member Services
CLEAR | Verified Identity Pass, Inc.
212 332-6395
[email protected]
#4
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: UA, AA, WN, 7G, SPG (for now)
Posts: 513
The consensus in the CLEAR thread is that CLEAR is worthless, especially since it doesn't guarantee avoiding SSSS. Why pay money for the same chances as in the elite security lines? Not to mention they'll take up room. I'm actually hoping they don't come to Chicago.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: SFO grown, DEN educated, ORD employed
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 144
I haven't had the time to parse the Clear thread, but did they discuss that Clear personnel will forcibly cut the conveyer belt line for you? That means in DEN, where the conveyer belt lines are typically so long that they routinely shut down the TSA ID checkpoint so as not to confuse who has already been checked vs. who is waiting to be checked. Skipping that line is priceless, and the elite line doesn't do that for you. Also, did they discuss that Clear is funding shoe scanner R&D? Once that's complete, Clear users will not have to remove their shoes when going through security. As a germophobe, not having to soak up everyone else's athlete's foot as I go through security is a huge plus for me -- enough that I would pay for Clear if that were the only benefit.
#9




Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 7,174
Went through back on the day after Thanksgiving 11.28.19, used the Clear lines with TSA Pre in the United Terminal. No problems or backup,
Now, was in ATL (off topic) last Thursday at 18:00 EST and there were 100+ ppl in the CLEAR line. Line was entire clear line, parallel clear line and then jumped across the hallway to the regular check in lines and serpentined around for another 50 ppl. Didn't take more than 20 minutes to clear (pun intended) but still freaked me out for what may be to come with United terminals and all the FF promos.
Now, was in ATL (off topic) last Thursday at 18:00 EST and there were 100+ ppl in the CLEAR line. Line was entire clear line, parallel clear line and then jumped across the hallway to the regular check in lines and serpentined around for another 50 ppl. Didn't take more than 20 minutes to clear (pun intended) but still freaked me out for what may be to come with United terminals and all the FF promos.
#10


Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: CLE/RSW
Posts: 211
Went through back on the day after Thanksgiving 11.28.19, used the Clear lines with TSA Pre in the United Terminal. No problems or backup,
Now, was in ATL (off topic) last Thursday at 18:00 EST and there were 100+ ppl in the CLEAR line. Line was entire clear line, parallel clear line and then jumped across the hallway to the regular check in lines and serpentined around for another 50 ppl. Didn't take more than 20 minutes to clear (pun intended) but still freaked me out for what may be to come with United terminals and all the FF promos.
Now, was in ATL (off topic) last Thursday at 18:00 EST and there were 100+ ppl in the CLEAR line. Line was entire clear line, parallel clear line and then jumped across the hallway to the regular check in lines and serpentined around for another 50 ppl. Didn't take more than 20 minutes to clear (pun intended) but still freaked me out for what may be to come with United terminals and all the FF promos.
Other airports are another story. It seems to be fine so long as one line is dedicated to non-CLEAR, otherwise it really slows down the regular lines.
#14

Join Date: Feb 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 1,454





