Registered Traveler’s CLEAR Shuts down

Registered Traveler’s CLEAR Shuts down

clearMuch to the sadness of business travelers everywhere, Clear recently shut down its operations, leaving behind empty spaces in airports where there used to be Clear stations. Clear was the much-heralded identification program that allowed frequent travelers to fast-track through airport security lines, providing the opportunity to save the time and hassle often associated with inefficient security checks. With the shutdown of Clear, the obvious downsides affect both former Clear customers and travelers in general. While Clear allowed customers to skip to the front of the line, Clear’s closure means that these travelers have to return to traditional security lines. Frequent travelers will have to get used to slower security lines and the potential hassle of random searches by TSA. This also means a heavier burden on TSA screeners and for non-Clear folks, this may also adversely affect their usually delightful flying experience. However, Clear’s closure does mean that this business opportunity will open up once again. Frequent travelers will always want an identification method that allows them to avoid the “common folks” and are willing to pay for it. The question remains as to how much they are willing to pay and whether or not they are willing to provide more biometrics data for it.

Airlines that offer special security lines for their elite fliers are looking to cash in on Clear’s downfall. For example, United Airlines is hoping to capitalize on their “Premier Screening” line for fliers who may not be part of their Mileage Plus elite fliers. Information about United’s program here.

The bigger issues that remain unresolved are the involvement of the TSA prior to the shutdown of the program and what will happen with all the passenger data collected thus far, especially the biometrics data now seems to be unnecessary under the “Registered Traveler” program. Some travelers are upset and claiming that their data was unnecessarily collected when it became clear that the data did not fundamentally change the way that the program was run. Instead, some felt that the program was a glorified identification program that unnecessarily collected biometrics data. This biometrics data is now floating out in space, as the company closes down operations. For some of these fliers, the thought of having another company buy sensitive biometrics data is unsettling at best and worrisome at worst. New identification programs will continue to emerge but the exit of Clear leaves many questions answered.

About the Author