As of Wednesday, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can enroll in the expedited security program Clear at a slightly discounted rate of $179 annually.
Although this is only a $10 discount for Alaska Airlines loyalists, Mileage Plan members who sign up for Clear will also receive bonus miles: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members will receive 1,500 miles, plus an additional 1,250 miles each year they renew.
Also, Mileage Plan members who are first-time Clear users will receive an additional 1,000 Mileage Plan miles when they enroll by July 16.
Other ways to save on Clear
Though Clear normally costs $189 per year, there are many ways you can avoid paying the full price.
Credit cards that cover Clear application fees
The following cards will reimburse you for up to $189 per year in Clear Plus membership costs:
- American Express® Green Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
With the newly announced partnership, Alaska Airlines becomes the third airline Clear has partnered with to offer discounted rates for their frequent flyer members.
Delta Air Lines SkyMiles discounts
- Delta Diamond Medallion and 360º members: Complimentary membership
- Delta Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion members: $149 per year
- Those with a Delta cobranded credit card, including the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: $149 per year
- General SkyMiles members: $179 per year
United Airlines MileagePlus discounts
- United Global Services and Premier 1K members: Complimentary membership
- United Platinum, Gold and Silver members: $149 per year
- Those with a United cobranded credit card, such as the United Explorer Card, United Business Card or the United Club Infinite Card: $149 per year
- General United MileagePlus members: $179 per year
To secure these rates, enter your SkyMiles or MileagePlus number during enrollment, or link your SkyMiles or MileagePlus account after enrolling. Since it’s free to join Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus, any U.S.-based passenger can access the discounted membership rates by linking their SkyMiles or MileagePlus account to their Clear account.
Family membership
Clear members can add up to three family members for $60 each per year. Children under 18 can use the lane for free when accompanied by a Clear member.
Free 2-month trial
Clear members can refer friends to the program in exchange for a free two-month trial of Clear.
Bottom line
Using biometrics, Clear automates the identity verification step for travelers in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration screening process. Clear members go through a separate security lane with dedicated kiosks rather than wait for a TSA agent to review their license or passport.
Once their identity is confirmed, Clear users go to the front of the line for the traditional security screening machines.
Clear’s latest airline partnership aligns Alaska Airlines elite status members with a discounted rate currently available for similar status holders on Delta and United; it also adds bonus Alaska Airlines miles.
Related reading:
- What is Clear airport security — and is it worth it?
- How to sign up for Clear for expedited security at airports and stadiums
- Clear Reserve: How to reserve your spot in airport security
- Guide to using the Amex Clear Plus benefit
- The cost of Clear is going up for some members, but remember that you can get it for ‘free’
