Clear® : FastPass for Airport Security

Update: Clear shut down. What a shame.

When I was at Orlando recently for one of my client's Internet marketing conferences, we spent the day at Universal Studios, and of course got a Fast Pass to zip through the hundreds of people waiting in line. Some of the best money ever spent.

Arriving in the lines at the Orlando airport, I wished that there was a Fast Pass for Airline security. There I noticed info about Clear®, but didn't have a chance to investigate further. I've now signed up: it turns out that it lets you skip the security lines, by using a verified ID system (biometrics). I filled out the form online (only costs $128 a year) and had my fingerprints scanned at White Plains airport (they have it running at Orlando, White Plains, and dozens of others). A gentleman skipping the airline security via Clear® told me it was definatlely worth the money. Meanwhile, I had to wait in the regular line. I'm looking forward to receiving my card soon so I can Fast Pass the lanes.

In the meantime, I talked with Cindy Rosenthal, Public Relations for Clear®. She explained that the CEO, Steven Brill, had the idea for the system while writing his book on post 9/11 security. He wrote a Newsweek article about it; and then decided to just do it himself.

A serial entrepreneur, he already founded Court TV and a number of magazines, so had the funds and wherewithal to make it work. Cindy explained that it's also funded by Lockheed Martin, and GE Security. She said she didn't know about any IPO plans.

Here's some upcoming developments: keep your shoes on and their working on keeping laptops in their bags. They're also sponsoring a $500,000 contest for any new invention

Details available on the Clear website