News Archive

TimesUnion.com
August 1, 2007
"Registered Traveler Lane Opens Tomorrow at Airport." By Eric Anderson
A kiosk has been operating for several days, according to Steven Brill, CEO of Clear Registered Traveler, a unit of Verified Identity Pass Inc., which is administering the program at Albany International Airport…On weekday mornings, when lines can stretch across the pedestrian bridge to the airport parking garage, the registered traveler lane could save program participants considerable time, airport and company officials say.

The Modern Agent
July 31, 2007
"Clear Registered Travel Offers Gov’t Employees Discount."
Clear, which provides registered traveler lanes at U.S. airports, is giving all government employees a discount on Clear memberships. This discount will be available to all first responders, emergency workers, legislators and their staffs, and law enforcement officers, among others, at the local, state and federal levels.

The Orlando Sentinel
July 19, 2007
"OIA-tested program set to spread its wings, soar.
The 2-year-old Clear system is a success and will expand to other airports." By Jason Garcia
A registered-traveler system that began two years ago at Orlando International Airport is expanding into more airports across the country...Clear...will begin processing customers today at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Clear lanes will follow later this summer at airports in Albany and West Chester County, N.Y., and Little Rock, Ark., and likely in the fall at San Fransisco International Airport.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
July 16, 2007
"Plan aims to reduce airport security hassles " By Jim Tharpe
A program that promises to let paying passengers breeze through security gates without taking off their shoes — and possibly their overcoats — will be tested at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport by fall.

The Christian Science Monitor
July 10, 2007
"Airport security lines: detour ahead. Registered traveler programs, which speed preapproved fliers through checkpoints, are set to expand to 20 US airports in '08." By Alexandra Marks
The E-Z Pass of the air could be coming soon to an airport near you. The registered traveler program, conceived after 9/11 as a way to speed frequent fliers through airports' long and unpredictable security lines, is finally gaining national momentum.

Contra Costa Times
July 9, 2007
"New traveler program at SFO to 'Clear' busy security lines. System will allow users to zip through lines in 'under five minutes'"
By Mark Abramson
A new security system coming to San Francisco International Airport is not unlike the FasTrak system for crossing Bay Area bridges. The Clear Registered Traveler program, which will enable travelers to get into separate, speedier security screening lines, was approved 5-0 by the San Francisco Airport Commission on Tuesday.

Technology Review Published by MIT
July/August 2007
“Iris Scanning, Now at JFK..." By Bryant Urstadt
By promoting the development of accurate and convenient screening technology...Clear's registered traveler program may actually increase the efficiency of security checking for all travelers.

WCBSTV.com
June 21, 2007
"Airline Security ‘EZ Pass’ Earning Rave Reviews; JFK’s 6-Month-Old Program The Best-Kept Secret in Travel"
It's the new way to speed through… airport security… "Long lines, stress and worrying about missing your flight are all part of going through airport security"… Jill Belasco doesn't have that problem. Thanks to her $99 Clear Registered Traveler System ID card.

Reader’s Digest
May 18, 2007
“25 Products That Will Change Your Life”
How it changes life: Lets you skip the long lines at standard airport security. Ideal for business travelers or any frequent flier.

USA Today
May 1, 2007
“Trusted traveler programs grow” By Roger Yu
Today, only New York-based Verified Identity Pass, or VIP, is operating a full-fledged program that involves pre-screening of travelers..in five airporrts…at least four [airports] — Washington Dulles, Reagan Washington National, Denver and San Francisco — say they're shopping for partners to run their Registered Traveler programs.

MSNBC.com
May 16 2007
“Easy come, easy go; Speed through security, land the best seat, and other business travel tips” By Ryan Underwood
The future of airport security is here and it involves iris scans, prescreened passenger lists, and biometric wallet cards… The first of these, called Clear (flyclear.com).

Debonair Magazine
May 2007
"10 Original Father’s Day Gifts"  
For dads who travel frequently or just hate waiting in the security line at the airport, think about footing the bill for a Clear Card.

Real Simple Magazine
April 16, 2007
“Got a flightplan? How to lessen hassles of air travel”
Spring for a Verified Identity Pass. The card informs agents that you've been prescreened and affords you access to a Clear Lane solely for cardholders. It is accepted at five domestic airports, with more to come.

Daily Candy.com
March 21, 2007
"Clear Skies"
Today is the longest day of the year, so you've got time to kill. Hey, why not stand in an airport security line? That'll chew up four hours. Or you could enroll with Clear, a new airport service that prescreens travelers and gives them access to a special speedy security line…

Smart Money.com
March 20, 2007
"Three Ways to Cut Airport Security Lines" By Kelli Grant
NO ONE ENJOYS waiting in line to pass through airport security. But travelers who are in the know can often slash their wait times significantly. Here's how… you can apply for a Clear Registered Traveler pass…

Albany Times Union
March 19, 2007
"Airport Aims to Streamline Security" By Eric Anderson
The Albany County Airport said it will negotiate a contract with New York City-based Verified Identity Pass Inc. to install its Clear Registered Traveler program at the airport.

The New York Times
March 13, 2007
"Good Cop and Bad Cop on Security Program's Case" By Joe Sharkey

Crain's News York Business
March 4, 2007
"Fast-track airport security program hits NY radars" By Hilary Potkewitz
Market leader Verified expects to have its express lanes up and running in 20 airports by the end of the year.

Business 2.0
March, 2007
"Flying in the Fast Lane" By Saheli Datta
Services like Clear are springing up as the result of a Transportation Security Administration initiative called Registered Traveler, designed to help speed up the screening process in the wake of post-9/11 chaos. "This," said Clear Member Henry Morgan, "is the best thing to come along for the frequent traveler in years."

The Newark Star-Ledger
January 31, 2007
"Virgin Atlantic bringing traveler cards to Newark" By Susan Todd
Virgin Atlantic Airways will be the first carrier to offer passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport the benefits of the national registered traveler program. Any passenger with a biometric identity card will be able to go through expedited security in Terminal B, which also serves U.S. carriers, Delta, Northwest and Continental.

The Cincinnati Enquirer
January 26, 2007
"Hurried flyers buying speed pass" By Alexander Coolidge
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Thursday became the fifth U.S. airport to offer a speedy security screening process for subscribing customers. Airport officials hope the program will benefit even non-subscribers by helping whittle away CVG's peak average wait time of 14 minutes in the morning and evening rushes.

San Jose Mercury News
January 24, 2007
"Fast-Pass Lanes Arrive at Airport" By Michael Martinez
Fast-pass security lanes finally landed at Mineta San Jose International airport on Tuesday, making it the first airport on the West Coast to give fliers a quick route through busy security lines.

San Francisco Chronicle
January 24, 2007
"Clear sailing for some through airport security" By Michael Cabanatua
Travelers flying out of Mineta San Jose International can now bypass the often-lengthy lines at security checkpoints if they're willing to hand over $100 and submit to a background check.

The Indianapolis Star
January 19, 2007
"Fly By Those Lines" By Rob Schneider
The Indianapolis airport became the third airport in the country to offer Clear Registered Traveler. Patrick Dooley, director of the airport, said it wanted the Clear system because it's a step in improving customer experiences at the airport.

Associated Press
January 5, 2007
"Shoe scanners speed up airport security" By Stephen Majors
While thousands of travelers queued up daily at Orlando International Airport, yanking off their shoes and shoving them through X-ray machines, a select few got to avoid the hassle during the latter part of 2006 - and passengers at four other airports nationally will soon join them. These travelers, who paid a $100 fee and underwent a background check to be part of a test program, bypassed the line and stepped into what may be a glimpse of the future.

The Washington Post
January 2, 2007
"The Flight Pattern For 2007" By Del Quentin Wilber
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which runs Reagan National and Dulles International airports, said it is considering seeking proposals from private vendors to run Registered Traveler at the two airports. Officials at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport said they were also considering the program. The moves come as the TSA recently announced that it would allow the program to expand beyond the one airport, in Orlando, where it now operates.

The Wall Street Journal
December 13, 2006
"TSA Approves Scanner That Will Let Fliers Who Pay Keep Their Shoes On" By Laura Meckler
The U.S. government approved new technology that will automatically scan shoes and boots for bombs, and promises that travelers will soon be spared the trouble of scurrying through security in their socks... "We're comfortable with the level of the security that the shoe scanner provides," said Christopher White, a spokesman for the TSA.

The New York Times
December 5, 2006
"Registered Traveler Program Set to Go Beyond One Airport," by Joe Sharkey.
...the long-delayed Registered Traveler program is moving forward, with the single existing operator planning a succession of openings soon at four airports…. Verified Identity Pass Inc., which began the first Registered Traveler program at Orlando International Airport in July 2005, is planning to open its second site, in Terminal 7 at Kennedy International Airport, with a target date of December 19, said Steven Brill, the chief executive of the company, which markets its versions of the expedited security program under the name Clear.

Aviation Daily
November 29, 2006
"TSA Certifies Verified ID As RT Service Provider," by Benet Wilson.
Verified Identity Pass' Clear registered traveler program has become the first to be approved by the Transportation Security Administration as a service provider, moving the process one step closer to full implementation…Verified ID is already building RT lanes in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, San Jose and Terminal 7 at JFK Airport, said CEO Steven Brill. "We're also retrofitting Orlando to make it interoperable with other lanes," he said. "By the middle of [December], we will open one or two airport lanes, and the rest will open right after the beginning of the year. I'm guessing we'll have 18 airports and airline terminals in operation by the end of 2007."

Transportation Security Administration
November 28, 2006
"TSA Sets Fee for Registered Traveler Program."
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued its notice on the standard fee amount for the Registered Traveler (RT) Program in the Federal Register. The RT program is comprised of two fees, one for private industry and one for TSA. TSA's portion is $28 and will cover the cost of completing a security threat assessment for each applicant and program management expenses. "TSA appreciates private industry's enthusiasm for the Registered Traveler program," said Kip Hawley, TSA Administrator. "Now that the government deliverables are complete, TSA is set to support the program once airports are ready to initiate it."

The New York Times
November 28, 2006
"Registered Traveler," by Joe Sharkey.
Yesterday, another incremental step toward an expansion of the Registered Traveler program was announced. The operator of the Orlando program, Verified Identity Pass, said it had received formal notice from the Transportation Security Administration that it was approved as a provider for the program's "national rollout." Verified Identity, which operates under the brand name Clear, said it could now move to finish construction of its verification lanes at four airports that have already signed up: Kennedy International, San Jose, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati.

The Wall Street Journal
November 28, 2006
"Speedier Screening Plan Moves Forward," by Elizabeth Holmes
Quicker trips through security are on the horizon for frequent fliers now that Verified Identity Pass Inc. has officially been approved as a Registered Traveler Service Provider by the Transportation Security Administration. The program, with 32,000 members, is the first program to meet the TSA requirements.

US News and World Report
November 27, 2006
"An Airport E-ZPass?" by Angie C. Marek
..."Security never takes more than five minutes." That's the promise of Registered Traveler, a program run by private companies in a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration that aims to replicate and even improve on the Orlando pilot project, someday breezing travelers through fast-lane security screening at many airports. Its devotees say the combination of whiz-bang security technology and personalized service will make lines significantly faster for everyone and less of an intrusive hassle for members.

The New York Post
November 27, 2006
"A 'Lace'-Saving Step at Airports" by Geoff Earle.
Time-strapped travelers at JFK will be able to avoid peeling off their shoes at airport security under a program that is getting tolled out within weeks. Verified Identity Pass, a private company that charges passengers a fee to speed them through cumbersome airport security, is set to roll out the program at JFK by mid-December.

The Washington Post
November 25, 2006
"TSA Sets Price for a Faster Trip Through Airport Security."
The Transportation Security Administration said yesterday that it will charge $28 a year to process background checks on each airline passenger who joins a privately run traveler registry. Supporters say Registered Traveler will lead to a faster and easier trip through airport security for those who sign up and agree to submit personal information for background checks and fingerprints or other biometric information to be embedded on an identity card.

USA TODAY
October 25, 2006
"Traveler Program in Demand – Airports Press TSA on Delayed Passenger Plan" by Thomas Frank.
Ten of the USA's busiest airports have asked the federal government if they can start Registered Traveler programs that would give prescreened passengers a shortcut through security lines. These airports include: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington Reagan and Miami. For a complete list, visit www.usatoday.com.

The New York Times
October 8, 2006
"Speedy Lines for Trusted Fliers" Editorial.
The Orlando project claims registered travelers go through its lines and pass through airport screening machines in five minutes or less. Airport officials believe the program has reduced waiting times for regular passengers as well. For the future, Mr. Brill hopes to gain government approval for new screening technologies that would let his customers keep their shoes and jackets on, thus eliminating the annoying and time-consuming ritual of removing the items for X-ray screening.

The Wall Street Journal
October 3, 2006
"Frequent Fliers Get a Break" by Elizabeth Holmes.
Despite rising fees by the Transportation Security Administration, Clear - the registered-traveler program that expedites the security-screening process - announced last week that it will keep the annual price of its service below $100.

The Wall Street Journal
September 25, 2006
"TSA Backtracks, Projects $30 Fee For Airport Pass" by Laura Meckler.
The Transportation Security Administration now projects that it will charge $30 a year for each person who wants to participate in the "registered traveler" program. That is in addition to any fees that private companies operating the program charge.

WNBC News
September 18, 2006
Live at 5 Consumer Report by Roseanne Colletti.
WNBC presented and explained the concept of the registered traveler program, highlighting the Clear system, and interviewed travelers at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The Indianapolis Star
September 16, 2006
"Fliers line up for airport's 'fast lane' security plan" by J.K. Wall.
The federal Transportation Security Administration gave an initial OK last week for the Registered Traveler Program. Clear expects to make scans of enrollees' irises and fingerprints by mid-October and have its express security lanes running by early November.

San Jose Mercury News
September 15, 2006
"Air travelers can start applying for fast passes" by Mark Schwanhausser.
Travelers can begin applying to buy the long-awaited "registered traveler" pass, sort of a FasTrak for fliers passing through Mineta San Jose International and a handful of other airports.

The Cincinnati Enquirer
September 15, 2006
"Apply for faster travel screens; Local airport wants program up in Nov." by Alexander Coolidge.
Verified Identity Pass Inc. will allow frequent fliers to undergo background check and be elgible for a separate security line every time they fly at all participating airports. Officials estimate 35,000 to 40,000 travelers in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky will sign up in a year.

The New York Times
September 5, 2006
"Registered Traveler Program Appears Ready to Take Off" by Joe Sharkey.
The major benefit of membership is predictability. Travelers know they will move through the Clear checkpoint and through the T.S.A. security station in minutes, even when other lines are backed up.

International Herald Tribune
September 1, 2006
"British Airways to adopt N.Y. biometric screening" by Nicola Clark.
British Airways said Thursday that it would sponsor a new biometric screening system this autumn at Terminal 7 of John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, enabling potentially thousands of trans-Atlantic travelers to significantly shorten their wait at security checkpoints.

USA Today
August 31, 2006
"Chertoff Backs Air Traveler Registry - Program could ramp up this year; he says it will improve security" by Thomas Frank.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff strongly backed a program that would ease airport security for passengers who pass voluntary background checks to show they aren't terrorists. Chertoff told USA TODAY that checking air travelers' backgrounds, including phone numbers and travel histories, would improve security by allowing the department to focus on passengers with unknown backgrounds.

The New York Times
August 21, 2006
"Prescreening Draws Interest As Lines Grow at Terminals" by Abby Goodnough.
The Transportation Security Administration says it will extend to as many as 20 other airports by the end of the year.

CNBC News
August 17, 2006
Business News, live report by Phil Lebeau.
CNBC camped out for a full day at the Orlando Airport to watch the traffic through the Clear lanes. Reporter Phil Lebeau talked to Clear members who found that their experience with the system was easy and quick, usually taking no more than four to six minutes to pass through security. Those passengers interviewed agreed: it is worth the fee.

Orlando Sentinel
July 24, 2006
"New Scanner at Airport Shows Fancy Footwork" by Beth Kassab.
The early stages of a test of new equipment at one of Orlando International Airport's checkpoints has run smoothly so far, officials said. A machine that can detect weapons and explosives on a passenger's shoes and body made its debut in Orlando last week at the airport's Clear lane, a security checkpoint reserved for customers of a registered-traveler program that provides shorter lines in exchange for a yearly fee.

USA Today
May 19, 2006
"Fliers could keep their shoes on if new airport scanner is approved" by Tom Frank.
The ShoeScanner and Itemiser would first be used only in checkpoint lanes reserved for travelers who pass a background check and pay an annual fee to get faster security under a Registered Traveler program starting in June.

Associated Press
April 19, 2006
"TSA chief says registered traveler program "well on the way" by Curt Anderson.

Cincinnati Enquirer
April 18, 2006
"Registered Fliers May Avoid Long Lines. Fee could speed security screening." By James Pilcher
Under the program, those who pay the fee and undergo the background check would be allowed to use a special line. Verified would operate the fingerprint scanning machine at the checkpoint and assist passengers as they entered the screening process - which would be run by the TSA.

A program intended to let frequent air travelers avoid security delays if they pay a fee and clear a government background check is "well on its way" and could begin operating in some airports this summer, the head of the Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday.

Wall Street Journal
February 15, 2006
"GE Offers Boost To a Top Player In Travel Security" by Kathryn Kranhold and Laura Meckler.
GE's security business, which makes baggage-screening equipment, is expected to announce today that it will invest $16 million for a minority stake in Verified Identity Pass Inc. and provide screening technology to the New York company.

USA Today
January 20, 2006
"Faster Checks of Fliers to Start: TSA sets date to begin program for 'trusted travelers'" by Thomas Frank
Washington – Air travelers who pass extensive background checks will soon be able to avoid security hassles such as removing suit jackets and shoes at checkpoints, the nation's aviation-security chief said Thursday.

Business Travel News
January 24, 2006
"The 25 Most Influential Executives"
...In a December 2002 column published in Newsweek, Steven Brill, the media mogul who founded Court TV, outlines an idea for a privately issued and government-backed smart card that would speed prescreened travelers through airport security.

Associated Press
November 4, 2005
"U.S. Plans 'Registered Traveler' Program" by Leslie Miller
Washington – The government plans to offer airline passengers nationwide the chance to avoid extra security checks by paying a fee and agreeing to a background check. Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley, who announced the plan to congress on Thursday, said his agency also is studying other ways to reduce security delays.

USA Today
November 4, 2005
"Starting in June, Some Fliers Can Skip Long Security Lines" by Thomas Frank
A program that speeds pre-screened travelers through security will begin June 20, launching what airports hope will be a new era of checkpoint screening. Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley announced the start date Thursday at a congessional hearing.

Boston Globe
October 9, 2005
"Orlando Participants Praise Registered Traveler Program" by Bruce Mohl
...Zane and Brandes are just two of close to 9,000 travelers in Orlando who have signed up...Both Zane and Brandes say the program has helped them get to flights they would have otherwise missed.

www.traveldailynews.com
September 29, 2005
"As pilot expires, Business Travel Association backs permanent registered traveler program" by Theodore Koumelis
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA), the voice of the corporate travel industry, is urging the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to continue working toward a national Registered Traveler program...

Wall Street Journal
September 28, 2005
"Air Security: Shorter Waits For More Fliers?" by Laura Meckler
The federal government is poised to launch a major expansion of the Registered Traveler Program, in which fliers who submit to iris scans, fingerprints and background checks - and pay an annual fee - can speed through airport security.

New York Times
September 13, 2005
"A $79.95 Opportunity To Breeze Through Security" by Joe Sharkey
...Clear Registered Traveler Program could soon have many members paying $79.95 each year to obtain an identity card that allows them to pass through airport checkpoints without being treated like a prisoner being hustled to the cellblock.

USA Today
August 15, 2005
"Biometric IDs Could See Massive Growth" by Thomas Frank
...the pressure is increasing with the start of Registered Traveler at Orlando International Airport and TSA's vow to let airports take charge of the program and contractors operate it. Last month, Orlando became the first airport to run its own Registered Traveler program. That's the likely model for the future...

USA Today
July 20, 2005
"Companies Get OK to Run Security Screening" by Thomas Frank
Justin Oberman, U.S. Transportation Security Administration assistant administrator, said the Registered Traveler program will "move a lot faster" with companies - not the government - running it.

Orlando Sentinel
July 20, 2005
"Fliers Go To Head of Security Line" by Jerry W. Jackson
Subscribers to the Verified Identity Pass Inc. system, known as the Clear registered traveler program, in essence go to the head of the line staffed by the Transportation Security Administration.

Aviation Daily
July 18, 2005
"Strong Volumes Expected As Orlando RT Program Opens" by Angela Kim
Verified Id Pass, Inc. estimates between 20% and 30% of travelers on any given weekday morning in Orlando will be expedited using RT after it's launched tomorrow.

TIME Magazine
July 4, 2005
"Selling Security Clearance"
In hopes of speeding things up, more than 1,000 travelers at Orlando International Airport signed up within 24 hours of last week's rollout of Clear Card.

Orlando Sentinel
June 22, 2005
"Pass Lets Fliers Whisk Through Security" by Jerry W. Jackson
Frequent fliers lined up Tuesday to get fast-track treatment at Orlando International Airport.

Wall Street Journal
June 2, 2005
"Paying Extra for Faster Airport Security" by Avery Johnson
Orlando International Airport chooses Verified Identity Pass to operate first private sector known traveler program. Enrollments for program will launch on June 21.

Orlando Sentinel
June 2, 2005
"Fliers Soon Can Breeze Through Security" by Sarah Hale Meitner
Later this month, Orlando International Airport passengers will be able to enroll in a registered traveler program that will save time at the security gates.

Orlando Business Journal
June 2, 2005
"Orlando International Selects Traveler Program Provider"
Orlando International Airport has selected the Verified Identity Pass Inc.-Lockheed Martin Corp. team to design and manage the pilot program known as the Private Sector Known Traveler Program.

USA Today
May 31, 2005
"Security program spreads to Orlando"
Private vendor to register fliers for faster screening.

Airport Security Report
March 23, 2005
"Registered Traveler Poised to Expand from Public to Private Sector"
Verified Identity Pass will bid on Orlando Airport's RFP to create the first Private Sector Known Traveler Program.

Homeland Security & Defense
February 24, 2005
"Lockheed Martin Teams with ID Company"
Lockheed Martin Corp., of Bethesda, Md., will become the lead systems integrator for New York-based Verified Identity Pass, Inc.

The Washington Post
February 5, 2005
"Program for Registered Fliers Slow to Expand", by Sara Kehaulani Goo
Airport and airline groups are eager for the Transportation Security Administration to expand the Registered Traveler Program and develop uniform technological standards.

The Boston Globe
January 23, 2005
"Optional Tolls Could Speed Way Through Airport Security Checks" by Bruce Mohl
The Transportation Security Administration will allow a private company under federal supervision to operate a Registered Traveler Program at the Orlando International Airport.

The Wall Street Journal
January 12, 2005
"Effort to Speed Airport Security is Going Private: Move Aims to Expand Program That Reregisters People Who Travel Frequently", by Amy Schatz
Private sector Registered Traveler pilot program to launch at the Orlando International Airport. Brill and other business owners argue that the private sector is better equipped than the government to market and expand such a program.