TSA Clears Registered Traveler Provider For Takeoff

The Transportation Security Administration has accredited Verified Identity Pass to launch nationally its Clear program, which promises to speed travelers through airport security checkpoints, the company said today. Verified is the first company to gain TSA approval for its Registered Traveler program, paving the way for the company to implement plans to install and operate lanes next month at airports in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, San Jose and the British Airways' Terminal 7 at JFK.

A Clear spokesperson today said that about 32,000 travelers have enrolled in the Clear program thus far—the bulk for the fully operational pilot program at Orlando's airport, which the company said would expand beyond what TSA considers pilot mode. The company this fall began accepting online enrollments and installed onsite enrollment kiosks for the four new airport programs. Of those enrolled in the Clear program, nearly 5,000 have signed up for the upcoming installations, a Clear spokesperson said.

"The next step over the coming week or two involves TSA reviewing and approving the specific security plans and plans of operation at the five launching airports, a process that is underway and on track," said Verified Identity Pass founder and CEO Steven Brill.