Clear, the registered travel program, is set to enhance airport security by implementing facial recognition technology across its lanes during 2024. This initiative, named NextGen Identity+, will replace Clear's existing biometric identification system that currently uses iris and fingerprint scans. The transition to facial recognition comes amid political scrutiny following three security breaches involving Clear.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced plans to require Clear members to present identification at airport checkpoints equipped with new ID authentication technology. This technology verifies a passenger's identity and flight itinerary using only an ID, potentially impacting Clear's service, which offers $189 annual memberships promising expedited ID checks.
Clear, in response, stated it had been working with the TSA since 2020 to develop a solution that digitally transmits members' identifying information to TSA hardware. NextGen Identity+ is the culmination of this collaboration. The new system will validate identity documents directly from the issuing source, aiming to provide a quicker experience by eliminating the need for members to stop at a kiosk for ID checks. Clear's website indicates that this technology will allow members to move through Clear lanes without interruption.
For the nearly 19 million existing Clear members, transitioning to the new system will involve a one-time identity authentication. Starting November 30, members will be prompted via email to check in with a Clear staffer during their next flight. They will need to present a state ID, driver's license, or passport and have an updated photo taken at a Clear enrollment kiosk. This conversion process will be offered free of charge.
