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If you’ve ever gone through airport security with kids, you already know the process can feel like a marathon.

So anytime there’s a legitimate way to make the airport feel a little less chaotic, it’s worth knowing about.

One perk you may not realize? Kids under 18 can use CLEAR with an enrolled adult for free.

CLEAR says kids 17 and under can join you in the CLEAR+ Lane without needing their own paid membership. That means if you’re a CLEAR+ member and you’re traveling with your children, they can come through the CLEAR lane with you.

That’s a big deal because CLEAR is designed to help you move faster through the identity verification part of airport security. Instead of waiting in the regular ID-check line, you go to the CLEAR lane, verify your identity, and then a CLEAR Ambassador escorts you to the TSA screening area.

To be clear, this doesn’t mean you skip TSA screening altogether. You’ll still go through the security process. But CLEAR may help you get through the ID-check portion faster, which can be especially helpful when you’re traveling with kids.

Why This Matters for Family Travel

When you’re traveling alone, a long airport line is annoying.

When you’re traveling with kids, a long airport line can feel like torture.

Some kids get restless. Some get overwhelmed. Some are hungry. Some are tired. Some are doing perfectly fine until the line stops moving, and then suddenly everybody is melting down at the same time.

That’s why this CLEAR perk can be so useful. If you’re enrolled in CLEAR+, your children 17 and under can join you in the CLEAR+ Lane for free.

You don’t have to buy each child a separate membership. You don’t have to enroll them individually. And you don’t have to pay extra just because you’re traveling as a family.

What About Other Adults?

CLEAR also has a family plan option for adults.

CLEAR says you can add up to three family members or friends to your account for $125 each. That can be helpful if you frequently travel with a spouse, parent, adult child, sibling, best friend, or another travel buddy.

This part is different from the kids’ perk.

Kids 17 and under can join you for free when they’re with you. Adults need their own CLEAR+ access if they want to use CLEAR independently or consistently as part of your account.

So the simple version is this:

• If your child is under 18, they can come with you in the CLEAR+ Lane for free.
• If another adult wants CLEAR access, you may be able to add them to your account for a discounted annual fee.

CLEAR and TSA PreCheck Are Not the Same Thing

This is where airport perks can get confusing.

CLEAR and TSA PreCheck are different programs.

CLEAR helps speed up the identity verification part of the airport security process. TSA PreCheck helps speed up the screening part, usually allowing you to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on and leave certain items in your bag when available.

The best setup for many frequent flyers is having both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck because they help with different parts of the process.

But even if you only have CLEAR, knowing your kids can come with you for free can still make your airport experience smoother.

A Small Detail to Watch For

If you’re trying to use the CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck lane, your child usually needs to have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass and be traveling with you appropriately. 

CLEAR explains that children 17 and under may use the CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck lane when they’re accompanied by a CLEAR+ member, on the same reservation, and have the TSA PreCheck indicator on their boarding pass.

That’s an important distinction.

Your child may be able to use the regular CLEAR+ Lane with you, but using the CLEAR+ with TSA PreCheck lane depends on the TSA PreCheck indicator showing on the boarding pass.

So before you head to the airport, check everyone’s boarding pass.

Who This Perk Is Best For

This is especially helpful if:

• You fly with your kids more than once or twice a year.
• You often travel through airports with long security lines.
• You’re usually the adult responsible for getting everyone through security.
• You have younger children who struggle with waiting in long lines.
• You already have a credit card, airline status, or travel benefit that discounts or reimburses CLEAR.

It may not be worth paying for CLEAR just for one occasional trip, especially if your home airport doesn’t have CLEAR lanes or you usually fly during slower travel times. But if you already have CLEAR or you’ve been thinking about getting it, the fact that your kids can use it with you for free makes the value a lot stronger for family travel.

While it won’t make airport security disappear, it may help make that part of your travel day feel a little less stressful. And when you’re traveling with kids, a little less stress is already a win.

Don’t have CLEAR but do have TSA PreCheck? Check this blog out.