For faster-track security to make a dent in security transit times nationwide, it’s going to have to penetrate smaller markets, the mid-size cities without major airline hubs. That’s why the opening of a Registered Traveler lane at Albany International Airport (ALB) in upstate New York is so noteworthy.
Clear runs the operation, and the lane is open from 4:30am to 7pm daily. While, at this stage of the game, you have to shed shoes, coats and such to clear security, secondary screening is less likely. The premise is that you’re a known entity because you’ve registered biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan) with the government, and passed a background check.
Sign up for Clear by paying an annual fee of $99.95. Then pass muster and you get a Clear card. It’s good not just at Albany, but at Registered Traveler lanes at a growing number of North American airports including Orlando (MCO), New York Kennedy (JFK), San Jose (SJC), Cincinnati (CVG), Newark (EWR), and Indianapolis (IND).
Look for Clear to launch faster-track lanes at Little Rock (LIT) and Westchester County (HPN) later this month, and at busy New York LaGuardia and San Francisco International (SFO) in September.
Clear has been in operation a little over two years and has signed up 53,000 registered travelers.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler
