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A few weeks back, I wrote about how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was looking to force CLEAR to make all enrolled travelers have to show ID at security checkpoints. This was caused by several security incidents and made me question the value of the service if its prime benefit was being made more complicated. Now, it looks like the TSA is not going forward with these mandatory ID checks.
The main benefit of CLEAR is the ability to head to the front of the line, scan your eyes or fingerprints, and head through to the security checkpoint to have bags scanned and your person go through a metal detector. Several employees made bad decisions and caused minor security issues (I say minor because these people all still had to have their belongings and themselves scanned), but CLEAR made it right and fired the employees involved.
The Washington Post is reporting that the TSA has put in writing that it will not require all CLEAR passengers to show their IDs. It writes:
In a letter to the company last week, the TSA said it would require that a smaller proportion of Clear members undergo additional identity vetting, according to two people Thursday who have seen the letter but weren’t permitted to speak publicly about it. The shift from screening all travelers to a lower percentage is a victory for a company whose business model depends on speeding travelers through the airport screening process, in part, by skipping the same identification checks required of other travelers. Clear has aggressively pushed back against the TSA’s plan.”
The TSA did not say why it was backing down on making all passengers show IDs, but I’m thankful that they are not going with that change. As it is, many passengers are confused as to what line they belong in and if they need to take out their ID, take off their shoes, or remove their laptops from their bags. This would have only added confusion to more frequent travelers enrolled in the service.
Anthony’s Take: This is good news. I was not thrilled with the idea that I would have to take out my ID every time I traveled and it made me consider if I’d even keep CLEAR. With this announcement, CLEAR stays and I look forward to it helping me to speed through the airport.
(H/T: View from the Wing.)
(Kiosk Image Credit: CLEAR.)
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