Clear Registered Traveler in Denver
 The kiosk at the Hyatt allows customers to complete the Clear enrollment process, as it takes a scan of a customer's finger and iris. The images — along with an application filled out online prior to the scans — are then sent to the Transportation Security Administration for a threat assessment and ultimate approval. |
Travelers looking for the fast lane at Denver International Airport can actually start at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center.
The Denver Tech Center hotel has installed a kiosk from Clear, a New York-based company that provides an airport-security fast-pass program.
Customers pay an annual $99 fee to Clear to go through a special security lane at 11 airports nationwide. The concierge-type service lane is expected to be in operation at DIA in January and promises to help Clear members get through a special security line faster than a basic security line.
"Denver is our 12th airport. We've been coveting Denver for a long time," said Steven Brill, Clear's chief executive. "Our goal is, you give us $100 a year, and we give you a better service experience going through security."
Among the airports with the Clear system in place are Orlando, Fla.; San Francisco; Newark, N.J.; Cincinnati; and New York's John F. Kennedy at select terminals.
Clear has 80,000 people enrolled in its program.
The kiosk at the Hyatt allows customers to complete the Clear enrollment process, as it takes a scan of a customer's finger and iris. The images — along with an application filled out online prior to the scans — are then sent to the Transportation Security Administration for a threat assessment and ultimate approval.
Within a few weeks, Clear sends customers a card with their biometric embedded in it. The card is then presented at different verification kiosks at airports that have special Clear security lines. The kiosks check the biometric markers of the person standing there against the one on the card.
While Clear cardholders still have to take off their shoes and go through all the same security steps as non-cardholders, the company is "future-proofing" its service. Clear is working on installing special scanners that would eliminate the need for passengers to take off their shoes and outer garments or remove notebooks from bags, Brill said.
The privately held company was founded more than three years ago and has received financial backing from General Electric, Lockheed Martin, Lehman Brothers and private investors, Brill said.
On its first day at the Hyatt, about 30 people came to the kiosk to complete the enrollment process, local Hyatt officials said. Other Clear kiosks are expected to be installed at DIA and the Grand Hyatt Denver over the next few weeks.
Posted by staff at December 4, 2007 03:21 PM