Clear Lanes Exceed 100,000 Trips at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in First Five Months of Operation

March 12, 2009

New Atlanta Airport Clear Lane Configuration Makes Trip Even Faster, Smoother for Members; Clear and Delta Open Additional Clear Lane at JFK

ATLANTA , March 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Clear(R), the leader in airport security fast lanes, today announced that the number of trips through the Atlanta Clear Lanes since the service began five months ago has exceeded 100,000. Clear launched its Atlanta operations in October and the lanes have seen strong growth in both enrollments and processing at the security checkpoint. Today, the Atlanta Clear lanes process more fliers than any other Clear location - a trend that is expected to continue.

A new configuration to the Atlanta Clear operation allows members to receive enhanced services including heavily-staffed, Clear-designated lanes where Clear Concierges help cardholders with their belongings - both before and after they pass through security - so they move even faster and more directly through security. This, in turn, helps all passengers move more quickly due to the volume of passengers handled swiftly at the Clear lanes.

And, Clear announced today that it has opened an additional lane at New York's JFK International Airport at Delta's Terminal 3. In addition to these lanes and those at the Atlanta Airport, Clear's network of fast lanes now includes Boston , Denver , Washington, D.C.'s Reagan and Dulles, Indianapolis , New York's LaGuardia, Orlando , Salt Lake City , and the Bay Area's San Francisco , San Jose and Oakland Airports, among others. The Clear lanes have been used nearly two and a half million times nationwide since the service originated in July 2005 .

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said, "I am delighted to see that Clear has achieved such widespread acceptance and use at Hartsfield - Jackson and I am thrilled that our many Atlanta -area customers can use this innovative technology as they travel though the busiest airport in the world."

"Our infrastructure investments have successfully shortened lines and lessened wait-times for all travelers," said Hartsfield-Jackson General Manager Ben DeCosta . "With Clear in place, our customers have another choice to better navigate the security screening process."

Clear's SVP of Corporate Development Allison Beer said, "We always expected the Atlanta Clear operation to be our largest, given the Airport's ranking as the nation's busiest, but the rapid growth we've seen in just four short months of operation is tremendous. And, now, due to the help and dedication of the Airport staff and Transportation Security Administration officials who've worked with us, we're able to deliver a new configuration of our service, which includes designated checkpoint lanes and heavy Clear concierge staffing to direct and assist members both before security and after they pass through the checkpoint. Members report to us that the Clear lanes have allowed them to reclaim time lost waiting in airport security lines, to reduce stress levels, and to increase predictability in their travel experience."

"We're pleased our customers value this convenient, additional service offering designed to make the travel experience even faster and easier," said Bob Soukup , Delta's managing director of Loyalty Programs.

Atlanta resident Carmen-Nadia Pratt , a division sales manager for Avon Products said, "I signed up for Clear as soon as it became available. I enjoy the speed with which I am processed, the friendly and courteous staff, and the ease of the system. This is a way to improve the quality of traveling and it has improved the quality of my life. I hope that Clear will expand to many more airports so that everyone can experience this great service."

Craig Jeffery , Managing Director of Strategic Treasurer, which is a consulting firm based in Atlanta, GA said, "As a very frequent traveler with access to airport express lanes, I was initially skeptical about whether Clear would make my time through airport security faster. Much to my surprise it has made a substantial difference particularly at busy times. Clear reduces stress and frees up time for things more important than standing in line. Having friendly faces who focus on moving you through the process as quickly and gracefully as possible is a welcome relief that is well worth the membership fee."

Clear now has more than 250,000 sign-ups nationwide and the service - which involves an annual subscription fee - has a nearly 90% membership renewal rate. Two of the most heavily-traveled airports in the US - Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale International Airports - are among those planning to launch fast pass programs soon.

Clear recently launched a newly-designed website allowing access to greater features for members and applicants:

-- Family Membership Plans - offering significant savings on multiple memberships at: http://www.flyclear.com/apply/apply_familyplan.html (Children under 12 travel free when accompanied by a Clear member.) -- Multi-year Memberships - providing major savings on enrollments up to ten years at: http://www.flyclear.com/apply/apply_specialoffers.html -- Partnerships - special offers through Delta Air Lines, American Express Corporate Card, Marriott Hotels and Resorts and Hyatt Hotels at: http://www.flyclear.com/apply/apply_specialoffers.html -- Group Enrollments - allowing volume discounts for corporate enrollments at: http://www.flyclear.com/business/business_mobiles.html

Clear also performs bulk, in-office membership enrollments. Last year, Clear conducted over 100 on-site enrollment days at corporate offices, law firms and government offices. http://www.flyclear.com/business/business_mobiles.html

About Clear

Clear, operated by Verified Identity Pass, Inc., has signed up more than 250,000 travelers nationwide and has processed more than two million fliers through the Clear lanes. Clear cards are accepted at 20 U.S. airports: Albany , Atlanta , Boston's Logan (Terminal A), Cincinnati , Denver , Indianapolis , Jacksonville , LaGuardia (Central Terminal B and Terminal D), Little Rock , New York JFK (Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7), Newark (Terminal B1 and B2), Oakland , Orlando , Reno , Salt Lake City , San Francisco , San Jose , Washington, D.C.'s Reagan and Dulles, and Westchester . Clear members have their identities authenticated and are provided with a high-tech card which allows them to access designated security lanes nationwide for an annual fee of $199. Clear members pass through the security checkpoint faster, with more predictability and less hassle. Applicants start their enrollment at flyclear.com and complete the process at a Clear enrollment location where their fingerprints and iris images are captured and their identification is validated. Clear's registered traveler program has been operational since July 19, 2005 . For more information, please visit: http://www.flyclear.com.

Additional Member Testimonials

Leighton Condell , an Atlanta resident and professional MC/host at major sporting and entertainment events around the country said, "I travel 35 weekends a year and I've used my Clear card in Oakland , Orlando , Washington, D.C. , and NY, among others. Just the other day, I flew out of Atlanta with two of my sales reps - one had a premium card from an airline and one had no card at all. I got through the Clear Atlanta lanes in five minutes and had to wait 15 minutes for the rep with the Medallion card and 45 minutes for the rep with no card. I will now be buying them Clear cards. I can't be without it!"

Condell added, "Recently, my Clear card came to my rescue again, while I was performing as the pre-game host for the Atlanta Falcons on the last day of the regular season. Since I have to spend time packing my equipment before going into the game, which was sold out, I told my assistant to go ahead into the stadium because the lines were extremely long and I didn't want him to miss the beginning of the game. After packing up, I went straight to the Clear lane at the Dome. Not only did I not have to wait in a long line, but I actually beat my buddy into the seats! My Clear card saves me more time than I could have ever imagined!"

William B. Fillman , Vice President, TAIT Radio North America said, "I purchased my Clear card in 2006 when I was traveling almost weekly between Atlanta and Orlando . Clear whisked me through the Orlando airport and I always wished Atlanta had Clear. My wish has been granted! The Clear lanes at ATL are a time-saving benefit of Clear membership and a stress reliever when my travel schedule is compressed for time. The Clear lanes attendants always have a smile ready for me and always are purposeful to speed me through security. I use Clear in Atlanta and other cities almost every week and am happy to report that the value I receive greatly outweighs the membership cost."

Atlanta resident Monica Ricci said, "I am a time management and organizing expert, who does television appearances for my clients, often requiring me to be in ten cities in eleven days. I often nearly miss my flights because of the tight scheduling. When I fly out of cities that offer Clear lanes, I never worry about getting to the next city. And, when flying out of my home airport of Atlanta , I no longer have to leave my house three hours before my flight in anticipation of long security lines because there is never a wait at the Clear lane! It's amazing to be able to bypass a line that would have taken 90 minutes to get through. Another benefit of Clear is that when I do arrive early at the airport, I can sometimes get on earlier flights, simply because I get through the security line so quickly. Clear is a great business investment for anyone who travels frequently, appreciates efficiency, and strives to make good use of their most valuable resource: TIME."

Roger Palmer , National Director of Georgia's Reach Out Youth Solutions said, "Flying can be a great way to travel but waiting in the long lines just to get through security can be a major hassle. Since Clear has arrived at the Atlanta International Airport, I have absolutely loved using its service. Now when everyone else is waiting in line I simply go to the Clear lane. I am always greeted with a smile from a friendly attendant, and in a few short minutes I am through security and on my way to my gate within 5 to 10 minutes. Clear definitely quickens the process and makes air travel just a little more enjoyable. The annual fee is nothing compared to what I get in return."

Frequent flyer Eric Huguelet , owner of a television news consulting service said, "Clear has done a great job of streamlining the security process at Hartsfield - Jackson . From the launch to the present, the service has gotten better with each refinement, and the personnel are a pleasant and huge change from the norm. All who travel a great deal know that a pleasant smile and a helping hand are all it takes to relieve some of the stress of getting through airports. Clear has got it right."

SOURCE Clear