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SEATAC, Wash. - Clear, the secure identity company, announced Tuesday the launch of its biometric eGates at several major U.S. airports ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games.
Included in the eGate debut is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, alongside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Keep reading to learn more about the biometric eGates and how they will improve the travel experience at Sea-Tac Airport.
What is Clear?
The backstory:
Clear is a secure identity platform that provides biometric ID verification for faster airport security and access to venues.
At SeaTac Airport, travelers must first enroll in the Clear+ program — online or at the airport — which allows them to utilize dedicated Clear lanes at select security checkpoints.
A Clear+ membership can be used in conjunction with TSA Precheck for a faster security experience.
How do eGates enhance the airport experience?
With eGates, travelers simply scan their boarding pass when they enter the Clear+ Lane and walk straight up to the eGate, where they will verify with Clear's face-first technology. Then, travelers go directly to bag screening, with no need to stop at a Clear Pod or TSA podium.
Which places in Seattle use Clear?
Local perspective:
Three major places in Seattle use Clear: SeaTac Airport at select security checkpoints; Lumen Field for faster entry and age verification for alcohol purchases; and T-Mobile Park for purchases with a fingerprint.
The new Clear eGates will conduct real-time biometric verification, which will match a traveler’s facial image with their identity document and boarding pass.
Dig deeper:
An important element to note is that TSA still has complete operational control at airports enabled with eGates. TSA will still trigger gate access, conduct security vetting and enforce government security requirements.
Clear will use some traveler data, but transmit only limited data, including live photos.
Clear does not have access to watchlists, cannot override TSA gate decisions
Clear does not have access to watchlists and cannot override TSA gate decisions or manually open gates.
After identity and clearance are confirmed, passengers with a Clear+ membership can bypass the TSA podium, while still undergoing all security screening and physical screening.
"This partnership with TSA is a powerful example of how public and private sectors can work together to enhance security and improve the aviation ecosystem," Becker said.
How much are these new eGates costing taxpayers?
Clear is investing in this technology at no cost to taxpayers, with the goal of modernizing security checkpoints through unlocking a safer and overall better travel experience for travelers, Becker said.
The Source: Information in this story came from a Clear news release.
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