TSA Greenlights Registered Traveler Enrollment

The Transportation Security Administration gave applicants the go-ahead to begin online registrations for membership in Registered Traveler programs to be launched this fall at airports in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, San Jose and at New York JFK's Terminal 7.

Steven Brill, founder and CEO of Verified Identity Pass, which has forged contracts to operate its Clear program at the four airports, said he expects to begin onsite enrollment—where biometric information and biographic information is collected—in the next two to three weeks and by November to launch the lanes that promise expedited security clearance for prescreened travelers. The airports join Orlando International, which has been operating the program's pilot for the past year.

Despite news reports that said annual membership could cost upwards of $200 in light of potential fees TSA could charge for background checks and screener usage, Brill said the company is holding firmly to its cost of entry. "We'll pass on the one cost we've always said we'll pass on, which is the vetting fee," Brill said today. "We're telling members today that if you sign up, we're charging you $79 plus the $27 vetting charge, and we're sticking to that promise."

With TSA initially envisioning the beginning of a nationwide rollout in June, the program was off to a slower-than-anticipated start. TSA said it has put a cap on the number of airport entrants at 20 for 2006, and envisions the commencement of a fuller, nationwide rollout next year.