In travel news for September 5, 2023 we talk about travelers using Clear will be required to provide identification in addition to biometric.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to enhance identity verification requirements for members of the Clear registered traveler program. This comes in the wake of some alarming security breaches that have even caught the attention of Congress.
Stricter ID Checks on the Way
The TSA has not yet revealed the timeline for these stricter ID checks but has mentioned that changes are imminent. For Clear, a Biometrics company that promises no-wait lines for ID checks at over 50 airports, this could be a significant hurdle. Their annual membership costs $189 and is marketed with the promise of speedy passage through security. The TSA had given Clear a heads-up in June, sharing proposed updates on how to handle identity checks.
New ID Authentication Technology
The TSA plans to use new ID authentication technology that verifies not just a passenger's identity but also their flight itinerary with only an ID. This means you won't need to show a boarding pass. As of now, this technology is present in 224 airports, covering a bit over half of the approximately 430 federalized airport facilities.
Clear's Workaround
Clear has said that it is in talks with TSA to digitally transmit all members' ID details to TSA’s next-generation hardware. This could potentially eliminate the need for travelers to show their physical IDs at the airport.
Increased Scrutiny Due to Security Lapses
Clear has come under increased scrutiny due to multiple security lapses that have been reported over the past year. These incidents led to calls from congressional leaders, urging that all flyers, including Clear members, should be required to present IDs at airport checkpoints effective immediately.
Past Security Breaches
Although the TSA has not commented on the specific security breaches, media outlets have reported at least three incidents in the past 13 months. One case involved a man successfully enrolling in Clear with someone else’s ID and being waived through a TSA checkpoint despite the technology detecting the discrepancy. The man was later found to be carrying ammunition in his carry-on bag. Other cases involved Clear employees guiding non-members through TSA checkpoints.
Clear’s Response and Congressional Push
In response to these security lapses, Clear fired the involved employees and their managers and has retrained the remaining staff. Congressional leaders are pushing for immediate action from the TSA to ensure that all travelers' identities are verified in real time to avoid any potential risks to the aviation system.
Closing Security Gaps
In a congressional hearing, a representative stated that closing any security gaps identified by TSA is a priority and steps will be taken to address them as quickly as possible.
If you are a Clear member or are considering joining, be prepared for stricter ID checks in the coming months. While the TSA is still not clear on the exact timing, travelers should remain vigilant and updated on the new rules. This not only applies to Clear registered travelers but is a heads-up for all flyers given the increasing focus on tightening Airport Security.
