CLEAR shuts down

[WhoME]

Originally Posted by MiamiBeach

Maybe I am missing something, but why is all that personal information needed to simply skip to the front of the security line? It seems like anyone who pays the fee should just be able to skip the line without having to go through background checks, iris scans, etc.

Here is some thoughtful analysis of this question, from a security point of view; he basically agrees with you. However, no matter how good an idea it might be, it CLEARly wasn't a good business model.

[JonNYC]

Talk of reanimation. I'd certainly welcome it, personally.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busin...,6999616.story

But now at least three companies, including FLO Corp., which ran a separate registered traveler program in Reno, Nev., are bidding to buy Clear's customer lists and re-establish the service.

.."I think there's a very good chance it is going to happen," Argenbright said. But, he added, "I'm not sure any of us know what this program is going to look like."

http://washingtontechnology.com/arti...-traveler.aspx

Meanwhile, an investment group wants to bring the program back to life. Alison Townley, principal of the investment firm of Henry Inc., said at the hearing that the company has signed a letter of intent with former Registered Traveler operator Verified Identity Pass Inc. and Morgan Stanley, Verified’s senior lender, to purchase certain assets and liabilities associated with the program.

Also at the hearing, Fred Fischer, managing partner for FLO Corp., another operator of Registered Traveler who also suspended operations after Verified shut down, said his company has obtained financing for 1,000 enrollment locations and intends to revive Registered Traveler in 30 days.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/artic...y_be_re vived

Subscribers to the Clear service, some of whom had signed up for two years or more of service just before VIP went out of business, will be offered a chance to continue their subscriptions after the deal goes through.

Alison Townley, principal at Henry Inc., said the plan is to restart Clear "as soon as possible." Testifying at a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing on the future of the registered traveler program, Townley said her company is in talks with the TSA, the Department of Homeland Security and airport authorities to restart the program by the end of the year.

About 90% of Clear's customers have already indicated that they will continue the service if it is re-started, Townley told lawmakers.

While many were frustrated with its abrupt closure this summer, a vast majority of Clear's customers want the service back, Townley said. All Clear customers will be able to use their subscriptions at no additional cost under the new management, she said.

[MiamiBeach]

Airport security speedup program to relaunch

The Clear program, which allowed members to breeze through airport security before it abruptly shut down last year, is expected to be up and running again by the fall.

The company was taken over by Alclear LLC, whose board includes Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Alclear bought Clear's former owner, Verified Identity Pass, which filed for bankruptcy.

...

Alclear said in a statement Tuesday that the subscription terms of nearly 160,000 previous members will be honored. Enrollment for new members will start this summer. It did not say how many airports will have the new version of the service.

A Clear membership will cost $179 for unlimited use.

...

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Airpor...html?x=0&.v=10

[JonNYC]

bring it!!

[MiamiBeach]

From the USA Today:

Registered Traveler program iQueue opens in Indianapolis

Indianapolis International will be the first U.S. airport to restore the Registered Traveler program, which expedites airport security for pre-screened members. Customers can start signing up for the new program — called iQueue and run by Cogent — now, but the company has yet to name a start date.

The company that operated the program previously, Verified Identity Pass, ceased operations last year, leaving its members with no service. IQueue says it will provide former members of the defunct CLEAR program six months of complimentary membership as credit for the time remaining on their previous plans.

Registered Traveler customers have their biometric data recorded and stored on a membership card. Airport screeners verify their identity and give them front-of-the-line privileges at security checkpoints.

A one-year membership in iQueue costs $149, with discounts for early enrollment and multiyear and family plans. Get more information or sign up at flyiqueue.com.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/fligh...kin10_ST_N.htm

[SNA_Flyer]

Until these programs actually offer something more tangible than front of line privileges, I think they will have a hard time making money.

With background checking and fingerprinting, I'd expect to be trusted at the same level as an airline/SIDA-badged employee and be allowed to keep my shoes on and bring liquids through.

[JonNYC]

They say they're "back"
http://flyclear.com/

CLEAR is back and under new ownership. We are transforming the CLEAR service, and with it your travel experience. For those of you who are not familiar with CLEAR please click here to learn more about us.
*
For our existing members, we appreciate your patience and loyalty. It is important for you to know that we will honor your remaining membership terms. The new CLEAR is a customer centric company - we want to rebuild it with you and for you.
*
Please click here to provide us with your current information and we will keep you up to date on the details of our progress.
*
The new CLEAR team is excited to exceed your expectations.
*
Caryn Seidman-Becker
Chief Executive Officer

A: As the new owners of CLEAR, we will honor your remaining membership term*as of June 2009 (for example if you had 3 months remaining, you will receive 3 months free membership)*– please hold on to your CLEAR card.* Unfortunately we are not able to offer you a cash refund.
*
Q: When will my membership resume?
A: Your free membership will begin upon your first use of the card or when we open in your home market, whichever is sooner.
*
Q: How do I join CLEAR?
A: In the near future, we will begin accepting pre-enrollments online.* We are working hard to sign airport agreements in order to bring back the CLEAR service in as many markets as possible.* As we open new markets, we will also have enrollment locations at the airport and conveniently located to where you work and live.
*
Q: Should I throw away my card?
A: Please do not throw the card away.*Existing cards will work in our new lanes. Issuing replacement cards takes time and might delay your ability to use the new CLEAR service.

http://flyclear.com/clear-faqs.html

Makes me pretty happy if they stick to it as i think my card was good till like Nov '13!

[JKearns]

I wonder how good their record keeping was? I had just signed up for a 3 year extension and bang! 2 months later they shut down. The tricky part is that I disputed the charge with Amex and they gave me a full refund 2 months after that.

I'm not really sure what I am or am not entitled to at this point....

[JonNYC]

Originally Posted by JKearns

I wonder how good their record keeping was? I had just signed up for a 3 year extension and bang! 2 months later they shut down. The tricky part is that I disputed the charge with Amex and they gave me a full refund 2 months after that.

I'm not really sure what I am or am not entitled to at this point....

If they gave you a full refund of the amount you paid for the 3-year extension, then, clearly, nothing. But you have the $$ (if I'm reading right) so you did very well.