Clear Registered Traveler Program

Being a consultant I do a lot of traveling for work and sometimes it requires me to take an airplane which I really enjoy.

However I dread the waiting at airport security checks which can take up to 2 hours depending on which airport and time of day my flight is scheduled.

You might be asking yourself “what are some things that geeks would like in a traveling experience to make it more enjoyable?”

I’ve asked myself this question almost every time I get ready for a flight.

Here are my top 2 answers:

1. Being able to get through airport security faster and with less hassle.
2. Enjoy a more consistent and stress-free airport experience.

Well thanks to modern technology and the folks at Fly Clear, there’s now a new solution to the long waits in these lines in the form of a handy membership card loaded with all kinds of personal information.

Travelers who join the Clear Registered Traveler program are pre-screened for security and provided with a biometric card which will allow them to pass through security faster, with more predictability and less hassle.

According to the Fly Clear, website Clear members enjoy the following benefits:

• Fast passage through airport security.
• Access to a designated Clear security lane staffed by professional, courteous Clear attendants.
• Extraordinary customer service.
• Fewer missed flights.
• A stress-free, predictable airport experience.

So what’s the catch? Yes, there is always a catch but if you call in the next 5 minutes…

To join this little club, you need to submit to a “Security Threat Assessment” which includes an extensive background check through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including registering biometric information such as iris scans and multiple finger prints… did someone say big brother?

Evil politicians, would you like to track me worldwide so I can never escape your malevolent grasp? Would you like to know if I wear boxers or briefs? Here you go! Not.

That’s been the universal fear for quite some years now and there’s a good reason… but “why?” you might be asking yourself?

Even though in theory this is a great idea, I don’t like handing over such personal information, especially with all the breaches of security going on, including but not limited to laptop theft, identity theft and violations of privacy just to name a few.

Some people would say that I’m just being over protective and that I have too many conspiracy theories running around my head and that the government isn’t legally permitted to track you (I know, I know. I don’t believe that stops them either).

I’m not the droid you’re looking for… move along…

For now this “Clear” service is only available in the following airports:

• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG)
• Indianapolis (IND)
• New York JFK Terminal 7 (JFK)
• Orlando (MCO)
• San Jose (SJC)

I’m not saying that I wouldn’t ever use this system because again, in theory it’s a good idea but until they iron out the kinks and get a handle on protecting my personal information, I’m not going to just hand it over.

Of course I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments and/or suggestions on this, so feel free to comment away.

Last, I almost forgot about the fee structure for this magical service! Yes, no free lunches from the TSA.

*insert big deep announcer voice

Clear is available for $99.95 USD per year (includes a $28.00 TSA vetting fee). Lock in these prices by purchasing a two-year membership for $199.90 or a three-year membership for $299.85. Your Clear card will work at any US airport with a registered traveler program at no additional cost.