OAK and Clear to Offer Express Passenger Security Lanes
-- Enrollment stations to open in February with operations to begin soon after --
OAKLAND BOARD OF PORT COMMISSIONERS SELECTS CLEAR TO PROVIDE EXPRESS SECURITY LANES FOR OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TRAVELERS
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners yesterday approved an ordinance selecting Clear to provide express passenger security lane services at Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland. The ordinance allows the airport to move forward with allocating space to Clear at the passenger screening checkpoints in Terminals 1 and 2 so that it can open registered traveler enrollment stations next month and express lanes soon after.
"The Port of Oakland's goals and priorities for Oakland International Airport continue to be greater security, comfort and convenience to our passengers," said Anthony Batarse, president for the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners. "By bringing Clear's registered traveler services to Oakland passengers, we continue to meet and exceed these important security and customer service standards."
Verified Identity Pass, Inc., operator of Clear, is approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide registered traveler services. OAK travelers who successfully complete the enrollment process will receive a Clear identity card which expedites them through special security lanes. Passengers and their carry-on bags still undergo screening at the checkpoints.
Customers enrolled in the Registered Traveler program can use express security lane services at all participating airports nationwide, at no additional cost.
Applicants start their enrollment via Clear's website flyclear.com. The process is completed at OAK's enrollment station where their photograph, fingerprints and iris images are captured, and two pieces of approved government-issued identification, such as a driver's license and passport, are verified. An annual cost of $100, plus a $28 TSA pre-screening fee, is charged once applicants are approved by the federal government.
"We are pleased to partner with Clear to bring this important service to our customers," said Steve Grossman, Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland. "Oakland International Airport's frequent travelers will benefit by enrolling with Clear because they will enjoy more predictability and less stress at the passenger screening checkpoints."
Customer surveys and analysis of passenger feedback show that passengers want express passenger security lanes to be offered at Oakland International, and the airport is responding accordingly by selecting Clear to provide the Registered Traveler program.
"We're delighted to be chosen by the Port of Oakland through its competitive process," said Steven Brill, Clear's CEO. "Travelers in the Bay Area will be thrilled to have Oakland International Airport on board and will be able to use their Clear cards soon at all three Bay Area airports."
Clear cards are currently accepted in 13 airports across the country.
About the Port of Oakland/Oakland International Airport
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 19 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the 4th busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport offers more than 200 daily nonstop flights to over 40 domestic and international destinations; and the Port's commercial real estate includes Jack London Square, Oakland's premier entertainment spot along the waterfront. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. For more information, visit portofoakland.com and oaklandairport.com.
About Clear
Clear, operated by Verified Identity Pass, Inc., has signed up over 90,000 travelers nationwide. Clear cards are accepted at 13 U.S. airports (Albany, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, LaGuardia, Little Rock, New York JFK, Newark, Orlando, Reno, San Francisco, San José, and Westchester). Clear lanes will open later this month at the Denver International Airport. Washington, DC's Reagan National and Dulles Airports, and Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport have announced plans to launch fast pass programs this winter. 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. Clear has been operational since July 19, 2005. For more information, visit flyclear.com.
