CLEAR has faced a number of challenges in recent months, particularly when it’s come to data security and scrutiny by the TSA and Congress. Several incidents of people getting through security via the CLEAR lanes resulted in the TSA mandating passengers undergo additional identification checks by the TSA.
Starting in May, Sharon and I noticed increased “random” ID checks when using CLEAR. We each were flagged for additional screening on every trip between May and July. It got to the point where we kept our ID out because there was a good chance we’d need to show it to the TSA agent.
I found it puzzling that Congress suggested requiring everyone who used CLEAR to show ID through TSA. If the service was effective, wouldn’t it suffice to only check everyone’s ID once? Also, if there were doubts about its reliability, why did CLEAR continue to operate?
As it turns out, the TSA has altered the plan for CLEAR.
In a letter to the company last week, the TSA said it would require that a smaller proportion of Clear members undergo additional identity vetting, according to two people Thursday who have seen the letter but weren’t permitted to speak publicly about it.
I’m not sure if this has anything to do with our experience on our most recent trip, but things seemed to be back to normal at the CLEAR lanes.
The agents took us to the kiosk, where we verified our identity. I used the eye scanner and Sharon usually used her fingers. (While some airports have machines that lower down to her height, they’re not always available at every terminal.) At both Orlando and San Antonio airports, we were able to go through the TSA checkpoint without showing ID.
I wonder if things have returned to normal. It’s hard to tell, but I plan to continue carrying my ID for the next few trips, just to be sure that the “random” checks are no longer the norm.
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