CLEAR vs TSA PreCheck at Cleveland Airport
Both CLEAR and TSA PreCheck operate at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), and they can be used together. Here’s exactly where each one is, when it runs, and how to enroll — all CLE-specific. If you’re trying to decide which one is worth buying, start with our CLEAR vs PreCheck comparison instead.
Where the CLEAR Lanes Are at CLE
CLEAR operates at two of CLE’s three checkpoints:
- Central Checkpoint — CLEAR lane for travelers with TSA PreCheck, reported hours 5:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- South Checkpoint — CLEAR lane for travelers without PreCheck, reported hours 5:00 AM–6:00 PM.
CLEAR’s lanes open later and close earlier than the checkpoints themselves: the Central checkpoint typically runs 4:15 AM–10:00 PM and South typically 3:15 AM–7:45 PM, so early-morning and late-evening travelers will find the checkpoints open but the CLEAR pods unstaffed. (Hours reported via The Points Guy’s CLEAR locations guide; confirm before your trip.)
Where the TSA PreCheck Lanes Are at CLE
The Central Checkpoint is CLE’s primary TSA PreCheck checkpoint — the airport has described it as the PreCheck checkpoint. Additional PreCheck availability may open at the South Checkpoint during busy periods. (clevelandairport.com) In 2026 CLE also introduced TSA PreCheck Touchless ID for eligible travelers on participating airlines: enrolled passengers verify identity with facial recognition instead of showing a physical ID at the checkpoint — though TSA recommends carrying your physical ID as a backup. (clevelandairport.com)
The Revamped Central Checkpoint
CLE completed an expansion of the Central Security Checkpoint that increased screening lanes from two to four and more than doubled the queueing space, while redesigning the CLEAR area to improve passenger flow. (clevelandairport.com) If you’re a PreCheck or CLEAR member, Central is now meaningfully faster than it used to be — it’s the checkpoint both programs are built around at CLE.
Enrolling at CLE
You can enroll in TSA PreCheck at CLE itself: CLEAR is an official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider with in-person enrollment and renewal locations at the airport, bookable at tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov. PreCheck enrollment currently costs $78 for five years. CLEAR membership runs $219/year (raised from $209 on July 1, 2026); kids under 18 ride through the CLEAR lane free with an enrolled adult. Note that PreCheck enrollment requires an in-person appointment — it can’t be completed entirely online.
Using CLEAR and PreCheck Together at CLE
The fastest route through CLE security is both programs combined: CLEAR’s biometric identity check skips the document-verification line, then the PreCheck lane streamlines the physical screening (shoes on, laptop in bag). At CLE that combination works best at the Central Checkpoint, where CLEAR serves PreCheck travelers and the checkpoint has the most lanes. For late-evening flights when the CLEAR pods are closed, PreCheck alone still gets you the dedicated lane at Central.
Also see our CLE lounge guide for where to wait comfortably after security.
Keep planning: CLE TSA wait times · how early to arrive at CLE · Cleveland Airport Guides for every CLE guide in one place
Make Your CLE Journey Easier with AirportGo
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