Clear introduces biometric e-gates with TSA partnership at six US airports

According to Clear, these e-gates are designed to help manage an expected surge in air travelers for the 2026 World Cup and upcoming "America 250" celebrations. They also address a general increase in domestic travel.

Travelers enrolled in Clear Plus can use these gates across all participating airports. The system integrates with TSA’s security protocols by verifying identities and screening statuses in real time. After verification at the e-gate, travelers proceed directly to physical screening without stopping at a TSA podium.

The TSA maintains full operational control over the process, including gate access and security vetting.

Future plans for the e-gates include expanded biometric scanning capabilities that could further automate identity checks. For now, they provide expedited access to luggage screening for most users.

A spokesperson for Clear described this development as "a major leap forward in modernizing and streamlining airport checkpoints, at zero cost to taxpayers."

The pilot program is set to expand to three additional airports later this month and aims to reach more than 30 locations within about a year.

"With more than 20 million international visitors expected to fly to the U.S. for the tournament — and domestic travel surging through U.S. host cities — checkpoint infrastructure will face unprecedented pressure," Clear stated.