Does CLEAR allow you to avoid the full body scanner?

TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry allow passengers to more or less avoid the full-body (millimeter wave) scanners and instead use metal detectors. You also don't have to take off your shoes or take out your laptop.

This is an important benefit to many of us -- even more important than cutting the line. But TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry are only offered to US citizens, permanent residents, and citizens of a restricted subset of countries. The rest of humanity is SOL.

CLEAR seems to offer a solution as you only need a USA driver's license to apply, which means F1 students or H1B workers from any country, for example, are eligible.

But I'm unclear about the benefits of CLEAR. Do you get the same pre-check benefits such as avoiding the full-body scanner if you don't have TSA Pre-Check? If you don’t, is there really that much benefit?

tsa tsa-precheck

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Do I have to go through the full-body scanner?

Screening by a full-body scanner is optional for all passengers, according to the TSA. "Those who opt out may request alternative screening at the checkpoint, to include a pat-down," said Greg Soule, an agency spokesman.

How do I opt out of TSA full body scanners?

What does it do? Clear lets you skip the airport security line, but you'll still need to go through the regular security screening. It saves you from needing to present your ID and boarding pass to a TSA agent after standing in the security line to do so.

Does clear let you skip security?

By signing up for TSA Precheck, travelers can not only keep their personal items packed and shoes on but also avoid body scanners most times they fly. Instead, travelers will be able to pass through the dedicated Precheck line, which includes passing through a metal detector.

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