United Airlines Drops CLEAR Plus Membership For Premier 1K Members

United Airlines is quietly removing complimentary CLEAR Plus membership for Premier 1K members later this spring, further eroding the value of top-tier status in MileagePlus.

United Premier 1K Members Will No Longer Receive Complimentary CLEAR Plus Membership

CLEAR Plus is a membership-based airport security program that leverages biometric technology—like fingerprint and eye scans—to streamline your airport experience. Available at dozens of airports and stadiums across the USA, CLEAR Plus often offers shorter lines than the standard TSA checkpoints (though not always TSA PreCheck checkpoints). It does work alongside TSA PreCheck, meaning you can still enjoy both CLEAR and PReCheck benefits (no ID, shoes stay on, electronics stay in the bag). While CLEAR isn’t a government-run program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, it still generally delivers a similar time-saving edge.

Starting May 1, 2025, Premier 1K members will no longer receive an annual CLEAR Plus membership at no cost. Instead, 1Ks will be able to renew their membership at a discounted cost of 129 USD per year (the standard price is 199 USD per year).

No formal announcement was transmitted (yet) to members, but a banner now appears at the top of United’s CLEAR Plus page:

I actually use CLEAR quite often…I fly most often at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and for whatever reason, have not been receiving TSA Touchless ID lately. But CLEAR Plus allows me to use my fingerprint (I don’t like the eye scan) to avoid opening my wallet and pulling out my ID.

As a 1K, this change will negatively impact me…and further reinforces my decision to be a full “free agent” this year (I travel based on schedule, price, and product, not just carrier).

I Still Suspect The End Of CLEAR Is Near

I still believe TSA Touchles ID will put CLEAR out of business if it becomes more widespread because it is so much more efficient than having your eyes scanned or fingerprints taken, then boarding pass scanned, then having to show it to an airport TSA officer.

Without United paying for tens of thousands of memberships each year, I suspect the number of Clear Plus members will sink (which o course will be good for those who continue to pay for this service).

I won’t. I like not having to pull out my ID, but it’s a few seconds…I’ll deal with it.

> Read More: TSA Touchless ID Will Put CLEAR Out Of Business
> Read More: I Got “Felt Up” By The TSA After Body Scanner Detects Suspicious Package

Will United’s removal of CLEAR Plus for 1K members impact your loyalty to United?

image: United // hat tip: Christian