If you've been to the airport post 9-11, you know how big of a deal security is. Long lines shuffling toward an endless barrage of security exercises: place boarding pass in mouth, take shoes off, place in bin, remove laptop, place in bin, stand at attention at metal detector and wait for the wave through. It's no easy feat especially if you're in a hurry. When you're a business traveler, these hassles not only slow you down, but because you likely travel on short notice, it could be the difference between catching a flight and missing it. If you haven't heard, there is an alternative.

Clear is your first class ticket through security. It doesn't eliminate TSA's security procedures, but it allows you to navigate through the lines 30 percent faster.

How it works:

By enrolling in the Clear program, you are pre-screened by Homeland Security to be sure you are not a security risk. Once you are cleared of any possible risk, you receive a Clear card to use at designated airports throughout the country. At these airports, you'll notice a Clear lane. This is the faster security line for Clear card holders. You'll be greeted by a TSA agent and asked for your license, boarding pass, and then you'll be instructed to insert your Clear card into a kiosk nearby. This confirms you are an active Clear card member. From there, you'll enter the line where you'll be greeted by another TSA agent that will help you put your items into the designated bins and prepare you for the metal detector. Clear boasts that their card can get you through security check points in four minutes or less.

Enrollment:

The enrollment process is a little reminiscent of a national I.D. card if you ask me, but some things are just worth it. There are two steps to enrolling in the Clear card program. Begin by using their online application. You'll fill out the typical information like name, address, date of birth, etc. You'll also be prompted for a credit card during the application process so be ready.

The second step to completing your enrollment isn't as easy as filling out a questionnaire. This step actually requires you to visit a Clear enrollment station. These are located in select airports throughout the country. You'll be required to provide two forms of government approved identification, but that's just the beginning. This is where I get a few heeby jeebies. The Clear attendant will take a photo of you and capture images of your iris and fingerprints. If having your most personal features documented doesn't bother you, and you manage to pass the government's rigorous risk assessment, you will receive your Clear card in the mail 2 to 4 weeks later.

Cost:

Surprisingly, the cost of the Clear card is minimal when assigning a dollar amount to our frustrations. For a year's subscription to Clear, the cost is $100, but the TSA imposes their own fee of $28 as well. So for a total of $128 a year, you'll have a fully functioning pass to the Clear lane. Keep in mind that the Department of Homeland Security reserves the right to revoke your clearance at anytime. If this happens, your Clear card is immediately deactivated and no longer useful, but your unused portion will be refunded to you. The TSA fee, on the other hand, is non-refundable. You will receive an email at the address you registered with to notify you of any status changes.

Airports:

The Clear lane is not currently available in every airport; however, it is in several hubs already. Airports include:

Albany

Atlanta

Cincinnati

DC Dulles

DC Reagan

Denver

Indianapolis

Jacksonville

Little Rock

Los Angeles

New York - JFK

New York - LaGuardia

Newark

Oakland

Orlando

Reno

Salt Lake City

San Francisco

San Jose

Westchester

For the frequent flier, the Clear card seems like a great alternative to the headaches of airport security. For me, I usually leave myself plenty of time at the airport to maneuver through security no matter how long it takes, but I can certainly see the benefits of being a card holder. Being able to whisk through a line where the TSA agents actually help me rather than scowl at me is something I would love to participate in, however, the actual security clearance of the process scares me a tad. I urge you all to seriously consider this Clear card as it could alleviate many travel hassles, but I ask that you read the Clear Privacy Policy before making your decision. An informed traveler is a happy traveler.

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