Starwood Elites Get Through Airport Security Faster

Got elite status with Starwood’s Preferred Guest program?

Fly much?

If you answered affirmatively to the above two questions, this new offer could add value to your elite membership and eliminate some of the hassle of getting through the airport.

Elite Starwood Preferred Guest members who sign up for a new CLEAR membership before July 31 will receive six months of CLEAR privileges for free. Eligible Preferred Guest members who already have a CLEAR membership can upgrade to a CLEAR family plan for free.

An individual membership in CLEAR is normally priced at $179 per year.

CLEAR is the expedited security clearance program currently in place at three U.S. airports: Denver International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and San Francisco Airport. CLEAR is coming soon to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport as well.

Note: “Following your initial CLEAR trial period, your card will automatically be charged at an applicable membership annual rate for a 12-month paid membership. You will be notified 30 days before your card is charged.” So if CLEAR isn’t a good long-term proposition, you can cancel the membership payment before the free trial ends.

This is potentially a service of real value to travelers, and will become ever more valuable as the CLEAR program is expanded to more airports.

As such programs proliferate, expect to see them offered for free or at discounted rates to elite members of other airline and hotel programs.

Reader Reality Check

Is this new perk a real value-add for you, or just a ho-hummer?

This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.

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