CLEAR Card (aka Verified Identity Pass)
It’s been about 6 months since I got my CLEAR card (www.flyclear.com) and it’s truly the best thing to happen to air trvel since online check-in.
The application process took over a month (I’m an immigrant, so that might have contributed to the delay. An American co-worker got hers a couple of weeks faster).
To apply for the card ($90/year) you have to show two forms of government ID, fill out a form on their computer, provide your fingerprints and have your irises scanned.
Your card, when it arrives, has a smart chip. The chip stores your biometric information, so even if someone else tries to use it, they can’t – they’d need your fingers or eyes.
To check in at the airport (Orlando only right now) you BYPASS THE REGULAR SECURITY LINE and go to the CLEAR line. Actually, I have never seen a line there. I’ve only ever seen one other traveler being verified at the same time as me, and there are two kiosks in the CLEAR area, so I still didn’t have to wait. Afer you’re verified,you cut in the line to the X-ray machine, ahead of the regular passengers who have waited who knows how long.
Longest time to get to an X-ray machine, in my experience: 90 seconds, from walking to the kiosk to loading my bags on the security conveyor.
This thing is the greatest idea ever.
Happy Flying,
-Dean