CLEAR at JFK Airport operates in Terminal 4. The security screening service uses biometric identity verification to speed up the process for departing passengers. Only registered members are eligible to use this service at John F Kennedy International Airport.
Overview of CLEAR Security at JFK Airport
CLEAR at JFK Terminal 4 verifies identity with biometrics. It scans the fingerprints or retina (eye), allowing members to skip the security lanes and reduce wait time at JFK.
In addition, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a strategic tie-up with CLEAR, where the latter likes the TSA identity verification process. If travelers have registered for CLEAR and TSA PreCheck at JFK, they are allowed to complete screening without removing their shoes and belts.
What Terminals Have CLEAR at JFK?
CLEAR availability at JFK Airport is currently limited to Terminal 4. The lanes are located at the Departure Level near the security checkpoint. At the checkpoint to the right, it is located near Row 1 at the Delta Priority check-in. The Arrivals Level at Terminal 4 has CLEAR+ Lane service.
|
Location |
Type |
Days |
Hours |
|
Terminal 4, Arrivals |
CLEAR+ Lane |
Sunday – Friday |
4:30 am – 8:00 pm |
|
Saturday |
4:30 am – 7:00 pm |
||
|
Terminal 4, Departures |
Standard |
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
4:30 am – 10:00 pm |
|
Monday, Tuesday, Saturday |
4:30 am – 9:30 pm |
||
|
Terminal 4, Departures |
TSA PreCheck® |
Daily |
4:30 am – 9:30 pm |
Tip: Passengers flying domestically can use the AirTrain to access the CLEAR+ lanes in Terminal 4 for faster screening.
How to Enroll in CLEAR at JFK?
Any new enrollment for CLEAR requires a valid government-issued photo -ID or passport. The CLEAR enrollment location at JFK Airport is in Terminal 4.
Registration will take 5 minutes. All it takes is to:
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Sign up online at clearme.com.
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Enter personal details and payments.
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Visit the CLEAR airport security service desk at Terminal 4.
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Complete the biometric and document verification process.
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Pay the required fee and get verified by staff.
How CLEAR Works at JFK Security
The CLEAR security process at JFK verifies the unique digital ID for an easy check-in experience.
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Enter the dedicated CLEAR member lane at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
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Scan the boarding pass.
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Verify at eGate using facial recognition airport screening technology.
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Enter the TSA area for physical screening.
The biometric travel experience with CLEAR takes seconds to complete, contributing to the minimum security wait times at JFK.
Security Wait Times at JFK with CLEAR
The security wait times at John F Kennedy International Airport are around 18-35 minutes during peak travel season. With this expedited security screening, members have reported a reduction of 15-20 minutes in CLEAR wait times at JFK Airport.
During holidays or peak travel season, standard lanes take nearly 20-25 minutes. With CLEAR lanes at JFK Terminal 4, the process moves faster.
Registered members have access to the CLEAR mobile app, which shows real-time data and will also allow them to reserve the sport for free.
|
Time Period |
Standard Wait (Minutes) |
With CLEAR (Estimated) |
|
Morning (5-8 AM) |
20-30 |
5-15 |
|
Midday (9 AM-2 PM) |
25-40 |
10-20 |
|
Evening (3-8 PM) |
15-25 |
5-10 |
To end with, CLEAR at JFK Airport is in Terminal 4, which offers faster security through biometric identity verification. This is a private security screening that allows members to skip traditional security lanes, bypassing physical ID checks through dedicated CLEAR member lanes.
When CLEAR is combined with TSA PreCheck at JFK, it further fast-tracks the security process, reducing the security wait time to 10-15 minutes even during peak travel periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, JFK Terminal 4 has CLEAR expedited security lanes on the Departures level as well as on Arrivals.
No, JFK Terminal 8 does not have CLEAR service.
No. There is no CLEAR service available at JFK Terminal 5.
CLEAR is a private airport security service, not a government program. It operates dedicated private lanes using biometric technology to speed up the identity part of the screening.
CLEAR verifies your identification through the biometric technology, helping you skip the manual ID and boarding pass check. On the other hand, TSA PreCheck (a US government program asks passengers to remove shoes, belts, as well as remove laptops and liquids from their bags.
No. CLEAR supports departing travelers only by expediting their identity verification before the RSA security screening. It is not applicable for arriving passengers or for immigration/customs. For that, use the Global Entry service.
Yes. Passport holders from over 50 countries can enroll in CLEAR PLUS. The eligible countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. For a detailed list, visit their official website.