Is CLEAR at MDW?
Yes — CLEAR runs a CLEAR Plus lane at Chicago (MDW). CLEAR walks you to the front of the ID-check line with a face or fingerprint scan; you then go through standard or PreCheck screening. It costs $209 a year, and it pairs with TSA PreCheck rather than replacing it.
Is CLEAR at MDW right now?
The MDW CLEAR lane is openduring CLEAR’s posted hours. Hours shift by season and a lane can close off-peak, so check CLEAR’s own MDW location page for today’s pods and times. We show the live MDW TSA wait times so you can see how long the lines are before you go.
Where the CLEAR lane is at MDW
CLEAR’s pods at MDW sit by the security checkpoint, and they can move as the airport adds lanes. A CLEAR Ambassador meets you at the pod, verifies your identity with a quick face or fingerprint scan, and walks you to the front of the screening line. For exactly where to go today and the current hours, see CLEAR’s MDW location page.
CLEAR vs. the standard line at MDW
CLEAR skips the part where you show your ID and boarding pass — that is the line it shortens. You still go through the physical screening after, so CLEAR is fastest when it drops you into a PreCheck lane. Where MDW reports a CLEAR lane wait, we show it next to the standard and PreCheck numbers on the live board.
Live where MDW reports a feed, and our typical-pattern estimate when a lane is quiet. A dash means that lane is not reporting right now.
How much CLEAR costs
CLEAR Plus costs $209 a year — more than PreCheck, and billed yearly rather than every five. The price drops if you have Delta or United elite status or the right travel credit card, and family members add on for less. CLEAR also offers to bundle TSA PreCheck enrollment, so you can sign up for both at once. Current pricing and enrollment are at clearme.com.
Is CLEAR worth it at MDW?
CLEAR earns its keep at MDW when the ID-check line is the slow part and you fly enough to use it — pair it with PreCheck and you breeze past the document line, then take the lighter screening. If your MDW lines are usually short, PreCheck alone is the better-value pick. Watch the live MDW TSA wait times for a week and you will see which side wins. For the full breakdown, read TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR.
CLEAR, PreCheck, or Global Entry at MDW?
Three programs speed you up in different ways — and the first two stack. Here is the quick version:
| Program | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $76.75–$855 years | Most U.S. domestic flyers |
| Global Entry | $1205 years | International travelers (best value — it includes PreCheck) |
| CLEAR Plus | $209per year | Frequent flyers at CLEAR airports |
Want the deep dive? Read TSA PreCheck vs CLEAR and Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck. Flying internationally from MDW? Check Global Entry at MDW — it bundles PreCheck for not much more.
How CLEAR changes your Leave-By Time
A faster ID check only helps if it shortens the line you are actually in. Rather than guess, set your Leave-By Time: it folds the live MDW security wait, your drive with traffic, and the walk to your gate into one exact time to leave home — so you know when to leave today, not a rule of thumb.
Driving to MDW? Compare MDW airport parking and fold the lot and shuttle into the same Leave-By Time.
See also: is PreCheck open at MDW and how early to arrive at the airport.
Common questions about CLEAR at MDW
Is CLEAR at MDW?
Yes — CLEAR operates a CLEAR Plus lane at MDW, located at the security checkpoint. You use it to skip the ID-document line, then go through standard or PreCheck screening.
How much does CLEAR cost in 2026?
CLEAR Plus costs $209 a year. Delta and United elite members, and some credit cards, knock that price down, and you can add family members for less.
Is CLEAR worth it at MDW?
CLEAR is worth it at MDW if the ID-check line is your bottleneck and you fly often enough to use it. If you mostly hit short lines, PreCheck alone is the cheaper pick — check the live MDW wait before you decide.
Does CLEAR replace TSA PreCheck at MDW?
No. CLEAR moves you to the front of the ID check; PreCheck is the lighter screening where you keep your shoes and laptop packed. They pair — many MDW flyers carry both.
Can I use CLEAR and PreCheck together at MDW?
Yes. CLEAR walks you to the front of the line, then drops you into the PreCheck lane if you have it, so you get both the faster ID check and the lighter screening at MDW.