In recent years, Claro Plus has proven to be invaluable in saving time at the airport. The expedited security program can help you quickly pass the Transportation Security Administration inspection process at 58 U.S. airports, especially when combined with TSA Precheck.
Clear members can use a separate, usually shorter, security lane and verify their identity using a fingerprint or iris scan. It’s definitely better than searching your luggage for your ID (although Clear users are subject to TSA-mandated random ID checks) and then waiting in a long line for a TSA agent to verify your identity.
Related: Clear launches new paid option for curb-to-door service
But, as Clear’s popularity has grownLines that were once super short have also become shorter. With more than 20 million members nationwide, the company constantly strives to improve the efficiency of its identity verification procedures.
Starting November 25, Clear will bring its latest, fastest technology to 12 airports. The company’s new EnVe Pods will allow Clear users to verify their identity using facial biometric technology (instead of an eye or fingerprint scan) for up to five times faster verification.
Related: Clear launches new app-based lane
Dubbed Clear’s “lane of the future,” EnVe Pods (short for “enrollment and verification”) combine high-resolution wide-angle cameras with Clear’s NextGen Identity+ to reduce the number of steps for Clear members and staff. This will lead to faster verification and therefore less time waiting in line.
Claro launched a Video that demonstrates how the technology works.. In the video, a woman passes through the verification screen and barely misses a step as she passes through the checkpoint.
Clear has been paving the way for this technology since August 2023, when the company announced it would begin updating Clear users in preparation for NextGen Identity+, an update mandated by the TSA to reduce security vulnerabilities.
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“At Clear, we’re passionate about helping members win the day’s travel from home to the gate and back again,” said Clear CEO Caryn Seidman Becker. “Clear’s way of the future is here with our new EnVe Pods that offer 5x faster verification. Clear Plus members will now enjoy a faster and more predictable experience nationwide,” he added.
Currently, cleared lanes at these 12 airports are using the new EnVe Pods:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Clear will continue to deploy EnVe Pods across its network through 2025. Once the rollout is complete, the original Clear Pods will be phased out and members will no longer be able to verify their identity with their eyes or fingers.
Clear members do not need to do anything else to use EnVe Pods as they are deployed. If you’ve already upgraded to NextGen Identity+, you’re ready to go.
The TSA expects to screen 18.3 million passengers between Tuesday, November 26 and Monday, December 2, making it the Busiest Thanksgiving travel period on record. On Sunday, December 1 alone, the TSA expects more than 3 million passengers to pass through its checkpoints. If their predictions are correct, December 1 will win the title of busiest day for air travel in the US.
There’s no better time to make sure you’re using all the tools at your disposal to speed up the airport security process. Fortunately, if you pass through a participating airport, you can sign up and start using Clear the same day.
An annual Clear membership costs $199, but there are several credit cards that will reimburse you up to the full $199 fee amount. These include:
American Express Green and Centurion card information has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
There are a few other ways to save, including with cards that will partially reduce the cost of your membership, through discounts for members of select frequent flyer programs and with discounts for students and families. TPG readers can also request a Clear two-month free trial.
Click here to read our full guide on how to save with a Clear membership.
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