“Reserve” – a Free Way to Get Through Airport Security Faster

There are several good options for people who want to avoid the long TSA queues at the airport, including TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear. But there’s another lesser-known way to ensure a smoother transition through TSA, and it’s free: reserve through Clear . Not everyone can afford to spend the time and money setting up and getting a PreCheck or Clear subscription with their fees and time-consuming interview process. The free option is useful for people on a budget or traveling with large groups or families.

How does Book with Clear work?

Reserve is a free program based on the same Clear subscription that uses biometric technology to bypass security lines for $189 per year. All you have to do is pick a time to go to the airport and use your fast pass to get through the TSA. Unfortunately, it is not yet available at all airports, but they are expanding. Here is where you will be able to use this program:

• New York: John F. Kennedy International Airport , Terminal 4.
• California: Los Angeles International Airport , Terminals 7 and 8 (called LAX Fast Lane).
• Florida: Orlando International Airport , east and west checkpoints.
• New Jersey: Newark Liberty International Airport , Terminals A and B (called the EWR virtual line).
• Washington: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport , Checkpoints 3 and 5 (aka SEA Spot Saver).
• Arizona: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport , Terminals 3 and 4
• Canada: Calgary International Airport , Security D and E (called YYC Express).
• Canada: Edmonton International Airport (called YEG Express).
• Canada: Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (called YUL Express).
• Canada: Toronto Pearson International Airport (called YYZ Express).
• Canada: Vancouver International Airport (called YVR Express).
• Germany: Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (so-called BER airstrip).
• Germany: Frankfurt Airport (called FRA SmartWay).
• Germany: Hannover Airport .
• Italy: Rome Airport FCO (under the name QPass Security).
• Iceland: Reykjavik Airport .
• Netherlands: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol .

How to use Reserve with Clear

All these programs are aimed at efficiency. You do not need to register with Clear or create any profile. Just follow this link and choose the appropriate airport from which you are flying. Enter your flight details, number of passengers and select the time you would like to go through security.

You should receive a confirmation email with a QR code that TSA will scan along with your ID. When you arrive at the airport, look for a dedicated reserve or clear lane and have your QR code ready.

If you are flying domestically, you can make a reservation up to 60 minutes before departure. If you are flying on an international flight, there is no more than 75 minutes left before the departure of the flight, with a grace period of 15 to 20 minutes in case you are late at the place of booking.

You can find more information about the program from their FAQ here .