CLEAR introduces EnVe Pods to enhance airport security experience

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CLEAR introduces EnVe Pods to enhance airport security experience

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Caryn Seidman Becker CEO of Alclear | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

May 11, 2025

The CLEAR Plus program, known for expediting airport experiences across the United States, has introduced a new facial recognition technology designed to streamline identity checks. The program, priced at $199.95 annually and available in various non-airport locations like stadiums and entertainment venues, boasts over 17 million members.

CLEAR has launched "EnVe Pods," a new feature aimed at accelerating the identity verification process up to five times faster than before. These pods will be implemented at all CLEAR Plus-compatible airports by year-end. They utilize advanced cameras to scan travelers' faces instead of relying on eye or fingerprint scans.

"EnVe Pods," which stands for "Enrollment" and "Verification," use high-resolution cameras that allow passengers to be identified seamlessly. The company describes this as part of its "Lane To The Future" concept. Introduced in late 2024, these machines are set to be deployed at all 59 CLEAR Plus airports nationwide.

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The EnVe Pods operate with NextGen Identity+, touted by CLEAR as its "new standard for identity." This system was announced in late 2023, requiring members to update their membership through a one-time identity check at a CLEAR kiosk.

Recently recognized for their design, the EnVe Pods won awards in the Innovative Design and Interior Design Elements categories at the Red Dot Design Awards. The pods feature a sleek design with light indicators that facilitate easy recognition of successful verifications by both passengers and staff. Additionally, they comply with ADA standards, ensuring accessibility for all travelers.

Currently, passengers using CLEAR Plus must stop at a pod to scan eyes or fingerprints; however, some have reported delays due to slow iris scanning processes. The introduction of facial scanning aims to eliminate these queues entirely.

Despite its cost compared to TSA PreCheck's $76.95 fee for five years, CLEAR Plus claims an average annual time saving of four hours per member—especially beneficial for frequent travelers.

CLEAR also offers compatibility with TSA PreCheck as an accredited enrollment partner since last year. This partnership allows travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck through CLEAR kiosks without needing separate appointments.

For those not opting into these programs, alternative strategies exist for improving airport experiences such as fast-track options offered by some airports and airlines or using airline apps for efficient check-ins.

Overall, while programs like CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck offer expedited services that many find valuable despite costs involved; they remain key solutions alongside other travel tips for enhancing airport efficiency.

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