Clear, a program that expedites airport security, is expanding at Bush Intercontinental Airport with the help of its new investor United Airlines.
It's a change of perspective for the airline, which purchased a stake in Clear earlier this year. In 2016, United chose not to renew Clear's contracts at Terminals B and C. Clear was only available in Terminal A until this week when it reopened at Terminals B and E. It plans to open in Terminal C in the "near future."
Clear said it has hired 60 people in Houston to accommodate this growth, and it plans to hire at least 20 more.
"At the time, we chose to use the space in our terminals for TSA and TSA pre-check," a United spokeswoman said in a statement. "However, as Clear has grown and added more members, we’ve heard from our customers that it is a product they value and want when they travel with us."
United Airlines offers free Clear membership for United Global Services and Premier 1K members, and it offers a discounted annual membership of $109 for United Premier Platinum, Gold and Silver members as well as most United credit card holders. All other MileagePlus members are eligible for a discounted membership of $119 per year.
Without the United discounts, Clear costs $179 a year.
“We are thrilled that Clear is expanding service to additional terminals at Bush Intercontinental Airport,” Ian Wadsworth, the Houston Airport System's chief commercial officer, said in a news release. “Clear will provide faster identification screening for travelers, but beyond that, this service highlights what the exciting future of travel is all about- using the latest biometric technology to provide a more seamless customer experience.”
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