DC Airports' Clear(R) Lanes Launch Today

March 19, 2008

WASHINGTON, March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Clear(R), the fast pass for airport security, officially opened lanes today at Reagan National and Dulles International airports, amidst record breaking traffic in a pre-launch test period. Clear provides its members with an unprecedented and inspired solution to the security bottlenecks that have become a routine aspect of flying. DC-area fliers can now have faster passage through airport security at both airports no matter where or which airline they fly.

Over 300 Clear members used the lanes in the first day of unannounced testing last Friday. "It was like serving food at a new restaurant before its lights were even on or its opening was even announced," said Clear CEO Steven Brill . "All of these people just showed up, some from DC, where we've already signed up about 3,500 people and others from among the more than 118,000 people who have signed up across the country and who've been waiting for Reagan and Dulles to get Clear. We were stunned by the demand but grateful that we were able to speed them through without a hitch. This is a great sign that the program is going to be an unprecedented success in the nation's Capital."

Clear members are pre-screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and, after application approval, are provided with a card that allows exclusive access to Clear's security lanes nationwide. The innovative, high-tech Clear card verifies a fingerprint or iris image selected by members during enrollment.

"Finally, we have a chance to see the registered traveler program in action," said Representative Dan Lungren , Ranking Member, Transportation Security Subcomittee of the House Homeland Security Committee. "I have always believed we could combine customer friendly innovation with a continued commitment to aviation security. This is one more step in that direction."

"I'm a member of Clear's Registered Traveler Program and appreciate the improvement it has on air travel," noted Representative Zoe Lofgren , member of the House Homeland Security Committee. "It helps free up my calendar by reducing the time I spend waiting in airport lines."

Said HR Crawford, Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors, "We support programs such as Clear and new technologies in the security screening field that can benefit the traveling public, and we're pleased to see the successful launch of the registered traveler program today at our Washington airports."

"Clear provides a fast and hassle-free experience to travelers -- both business and leisure -- in our nation's Capital," added Brill. "Our members report that having a Clear card means that they have breakfast with their kids, they fly again for short-haul flights, and they are less stressed when they travel for business. By launching this program, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has found a common sense solution to shorten the wait times for all travelers."

"New Registered Traveler lanes at Washington Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport bring the number of U.S. airports with Registered Traveler to 16," said Bill Connors , Executive Director and COO, National Business Traveler Association. "As the program continues to expand, the country will see increased benefits: business travelers participating in the program will save time and increase productivity; all security lines at participating airports and terminals will be shorter; and -- because registered travelers have already been pre-screened -- precious airport security resources can be used more effectively."

Clear enrollment stations are already operating at the American Express Travel Office at 15th and K Streets and in the Congressional Federal Credit Union in the Longworth House Office Building. And, next week, Clear will open an enrollment station in the Pentagon Federal Credit Union lobby for the convenience of Credit Union members there. Clear has also brought its enrollment kiosks onsite to area businesses and is scheduling new appointments to come onsite for area law firms, corporations, government offices and other businesses.

Clear's hotel partner, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, has actively promoted Clear to members of its Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty program since it formed a partnership with Clear over two years ago. Hyatt purchased memberships so that its Diamond and Platinum Gold Passport members receive a complimentary year of Clear. To redeem that promotion, Hyatt Gold Passport members can go to flyclear.com/hyatt to start enrollment.

All government employees (federal, state and local) receive 13 months for the price of 12 when enrolling in Clear. This discount will be available to all first responders, emergency workers, legislators and their staffs, and law enforcement officers, among others, at the local, state and federal levels. Since last year, Clear has also been providing free Clear cards to active duty military that choose to enroll in the program -- an offer that will continue and be available at all Clear enrollment locations.

Already, Clear has signed up over 3,500 DC-area residents (118,000 nationwide) at flyclear.com. Those customers, and other DC applicants, will now receive the time-saving, convenient benefits of their Clear card at their home airport.

Clear customers experience a level of predictability, convenience, and efficiency in air travel that's exclusive to membership. Though Clear members still proceed through metal detectors and X-ray machines operated and regulated by the government, Clear expedites the rest of the process through obsessive customer service -- assisting passengers with their bins, for example, a service which alone has made Clear lanes 30 percent faster than regular security lanes.

With Clear lanes already operating in airports in Cincinnati , Denver , Indianapolis , New York's LaGuardia and JFK, Newark , San Francisco , and others, today's opening of lanes in both Washington's Reagan and Dulles airports, will ensure that the annual fee of $100 plus a $28 TSA vetting fee is a small price to pay for less hassle travel from locations across the U.S.

About Clear

Clear, operated by Verified Identity Pass, Inc., has signed up over 118,000 travelers nationwide. Clear cards are accepted at 16 U.S. airports: Albany , Cincinnati , Denver , Indianapolis , Jacksonville , LaGuardia (Central Terminal B Checkpoint), Little Rock , New York JFK (Terminals 1, 4 and 7), Newark (Terminal B2), Orlando , Reno, San Francisco , San Jose , Washington, DC's Reagan and Dulles, and Westchester. Clear lanes will open later this month at Oakland International Airport. Clear members are pre-screened and provided with a high-tech card which allows them to access designated security lanes nationwide. Clear members pass through the security checkpoint faster, with more predictability and less hassle. The annual fee of $100 (plus a $28 TSA vetting fee) is charged once applicants are approved by the government. Applicants start their enrollment at flyclear.com and complete the process at an enrollment location where their fingerprints and iris images are captured and their identification is validated. Clear has been operational since July 19, 2005 . For more information, please visit: http://flyclear.com.

SOURCE Clear(R)

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