In 2009, CLEAR, a service that once allowed members fast access through security checkpoints at certain airports, closed without notice (but with its clients’ payments); now, new owners are mounting a comeback. The company once provided security screening that expedited transit for its roughly 200,000 patrons by providing them with special kiosks at about 20 major U.S. airports. Those patrons had paid up to $199 per year and more than $500 for three-year memberships. The money and services were lost when the company folded, and questions were raised about the personal security information CLEAR had gathered from its members. The new management says it “will honor prior management’s obligation” and reinstate customers’ remaining membership terms.
With CLEAR, members used kiosks that matched retinal-scan and fingerprint-identification technology with personal security information. Patrons avoided the shoeless shuffle and long lines associated with traditional security screening. The new owners are offering that service again and promise a “transparent” ownership style.
