Navigating Safety Concerns with CLEAR: What You Need to Know

Hey there, fellow travelers!

We're diving into a topic that's been making headlines lately: the safety concerns surrounding CLEAR. While we all love the convenience of breezing through checkpoints, recent incidents have raised eyebrows and prompted lawmakers to question the company's security processes.

So, let's break down what's been happening and what it means for your travel plans.

Wait, Remind me what Clear is?

Clear is a membership service that utilizes biometric data to expedite the security process at airports, stadiums, and large venues across the U.S., offering members dedicated lanes, streamlined security checks, and various ways to save on membership fees, aiming to enhance the overall travel experience by reducing wait times and stress. For a full breakdown on what clear is and how to get access, check out my full blog post here.

Two Incidents Spark Concern

Imagine finding a discarded boarding pass in the trash and using it to pass through airport security without displaying any ID. Well this really happened.  In another twist, a passenger who breezed through with Clear discovered their boarding pass was for a different airport, the outlet revealed. In not one, but two separate incidents, passengers were escorted through TSA security checkpoints by CLEAR employees without proper identity verification.

This has everyone from travelers to lawmakers giving CLEAR the side eye.

Lawmakers Weigh In

Lawmakers have not taken these incidents lightly. They're calling for increased scrutiny and changes in the way TSA handles CLEAR passengers. Rep. Bennie Thompson expressed serious concerns about what he termed "lax security controls" at CLEAR. He emphasized that the security of our aviation system should not be compromised for the sake of convenience. Despite the company's efforts, lawmakers are pushing for more robust measures. Lawmakers have proposed that all CLEAR passengers should present their IDs to a TSA agent, impacting the company's current business model of biometric scans.

Company's Response and Action

CLEAR spokesperson Annabel Walsh reassured travelers that security is their top priority, and they maintain a zero-tolerance policy for lapses. She explained that the incidents were isolated and attributed them to employees not following strict protocols. Following these incidents, CLEAR took immediate action by firing responsible employees and managers. They also initiated retraining for all employees on the verification process. CLEAR vowed to collaborate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA to implement new industry-wide digital identity standards.

Conclusion

Travelers, while the convenience CLEAR offers is undeniably appealing, the recent incidents have underscored the importance of maintaining rigorous security measures. As lawmakers and companies work together to enhance the safety of our aviation system, it's essential for us, as passengers, to stay informed and be proactive in ensuring our own security. Remember, we all want to reach our destinations safely, so let's advocate for measures that prioritize both convenience and safety.

Happy and secure travels!