Abruptly, the frequent traveler’s option to get an in-depth background check and then get priority handling from the TSA has come to a halt. The company, Verified Identity Pass, promised to speed passengers past the long lines and through security expeditiously for an annual fee. Former customers are wondering what happened to the money they paid and, more importantly, the personal information they provided the company.
According to Verified Identity Pass, Inc. representatives they were unable to negotiate a deal with their creditors. All of its “Clear” fast-lane security check services have stopped operation. More than 250,000 customers have been left in the lurch and it appears that none of those customers will receive refunds of their membership fees which ranged from $178 to $199 per year. The website’s terse statement was “At the present time, because of its financial condition, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. cannot issue refunds.”
Some members received an email indicating that their passes were no longer valid, but most found out they no longer had priority handling when they showed up at the airport and found the “Clear” lanes cordoned off. Those former members who took advantage of multi-year discounts are especially perturbed. Most airports have had their “Clear” screening machines dismantled and evidence of “Clear” having ever existed has completely disappeared.
Steven Brill founded “Clear” in 2003. He is most famous for his media ventures such as CourtTV and American Lawyer magazine. “Clear” was the implementation of the TSA’s Registered Traveler program which was intended to shrink long security lines in the wake of September 11, 2001. Roughly 20 airports had “Clear” installations.
Naturally the TSA has distanced itself from everything associated with “Clear” in a statement made shortly after “Clear” ceased operations. “The Clear program was a market-driven, private sector venture, offered in partnership with airports and airlines in certain locations.”
Sadly, even the most well healed airline passengers must now return to the long lines and the equality of security abuse.
