Clear sailing in Orlando

Orlando International Airport’s (MCO) Clear Registered Traveler Program has signed up its 20,000th member. So far, Verified Identity Pass, the company that runs the trusted traveler initiative at MCO, says they have processed 100,000 passengers at the airport since July 2005.

The advantage to signing up is that travelers move faster, often far faster, through airport security than those who have not joined the program. One traveler, Robert Schwartz, says Clear’s benefits are quite clear: “I can sleep two hours later every time I fly. I print my boarding pass online and it takes me five minutes to get from the parking lot to my gate.”

There is a price to be paid for such expedited passage. Clear members must pay a fee, pass a background check, and have biometric data registered.

Clear says it does not track members' movements, and that data are kept strictly private.

When the Transportation Security Administration gives the green light, look for Clear to start operations at Norman Y. Mineta San José International (SJC), and Indianapolis International (IND). There’s a Canadian version of the system in the works too. It will be emplaced at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Big money obviously thinks there’s a demand for the service. In February, General Electric made a $16 million investment to become a partner in Verified Identity Pass.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler