do i really have to listen to clear agents at airports?

I was at the Austin airport this morning, standing in the Sky Priority line for TSA Pre-Check, feeling pretty good about getting through security quickly. But then, I noticed the CLEAR agents were letting their own line cut in front of us—three people in a row! I’d already waited long enough, so I just stepped up in front of the next CLEAR person. Immediately, the CLEAR agent started calling out, “Sir! Sir!” but honestly, I just ignored her and told her to buzz off. Here’s what gets me: CLEAR agents aren’t airport staff, and they definitely don’t work for TSA. They’re just employees of a private company, but they act like they run the place, bossing people around and telling us where to stand. I don’t even use CLEAR, and frankly, I’m not a fan of the whole setup. Why should I have to listen to someone who doesn’t even work for the airport or TSA? Has anyone else run into this? I’m wondering if there’s any real risk in just ignoring them and going about my business. Are there actual consequences, or are they just bluffing? It’s frustrating to feel like I’m being pushed around by a company I never signed up for. I can’t be the only one who finds this whole situation a little ridiculous. #airportstories #tsa #clear #Travel