A program that lets Americans save time in airport security lines is opening to foreign travelers from four countries.
Clear, a NYSE-listed identity company, announced Friday that travelers from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can apply for Clear+ memberships.
More countries will likely be announced later this year, the company said.
Clear+ members have their identities verified in via separate lanes at 59 U.S. airports. Verifications are performed using eye, finger or facial biometrics, rather than manual analysis.
Candy Buchanan, a Clear+ member based in California, said the lanes are shorter and her identity is verified “within seconds.”
Travelers can enroll themselves online, or in person at an airport that uses the program, the company said.
Individual memberships are $209 per year. Family members under 18 years old can accompany adult members in Clear+ lanes.
Other ‘trusted traveler programs’
Buchanan uses her membership with another U.S. program, TSA PreCheck, which collectively allow her to clear airport security within minutes, she said.
TSA PreCheck cuts security line times by letting passengers wear their shoes, belts and jackets, and keep liquids and electronics in their carry-on luggage during the security check process. However, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced in July it was ending a roughly 20-year old policy requiring travelers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings.
The TSA Precheck program is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents.
Global Entry allows expedited entry through U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities. It is available to U.S. citizens, Mexican nationals and citizens of 19 countries and territories, including Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Other “trusted traveler programs” include Nexus — which is open to American, Canadian citizens and Mexican nationals — and Sentri, which expedites entry at U.S. airports and land borders.
