United Airlines to Partner with Clear to Speed Travelers Through Security Checkpoints

United Airlines announced it will offer members of its MileagePlus frequent-flyer program access to ClearLanes, as they are called, at major airports.

The two companies simultaneously announced that United was taking a stake in the company, although neither would release the size of the investment. Delta Air Lines also holds a stake in Clear.

Operated by Clear, the service promises no more than a five-minute wait at a security checkpoint. Clear uses biometrics including fingerprint and iris identification technology to confirm a traveler’s identity at the entrance to the checkpoint.

Clear, meanwhile, will install ClearLanes to United’s hubs at Newark Liberty International and Houston George Bush Intercontinental airports before fall. Clear is already working with the City of Chicago to bring ClearLanes to O’Hare International Airport and the company already offers ClearLanes at United’s hubs in Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles.

United MileagePlus Global Services and Premier 1K members will be offered Clear memberships at no charge, while Premium Platinum, Gold, and Silver members as well as many United credit card holders will receive a discounted membership rate of $109 per year.  Other MileagePlus members will be offered the service at $119 per year.  The standard cost of a Clear membership is $179.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)