Albany Int'l Vendor Wants to Let Fliers Keep Shoes On

One of the vendors seeking to operate the registered traveler program at Albany International Airport says it has cut its prices and hopes to use advanced equipment that will allow passengers to keep their shoes and coats on as they pass through its security checkpoint.

Verified Identity Pass Inc. is one of two companies that submitted proposals to the Albany County Airport Authority before Wednesday's deadline. The other is Saflink Corp.

Verified operates the Clear Registered Traveler program at Orlando International Airport and seeks to roll it out at other airports that are part of a pilot program of the Transportation Security Administration. A company spokeswoman, Cindy Rosenthal, said Verified has reduced its yearly fee to $69.95 per registered traveler, which, with the $30 screening fee that TSA will charge, will keep the total price under $100 a year.

An official for Saflink on Tuesday said the company hasn't yet set its price, but it will be competitive with Verified.

One partner in Verified is GE Security, which has developed advanced scanners that will permit passengers to leave their shoes and coats on when passing through security.

"We have equipment just on the cusp of being approved," Rosenthal said.

Verified has the only operating registered traveler program in the country in Orlando. About 30,000 people have enrolled there, Rosenthal said.

Albany airport officials will review the proposals from Saflink and Verified and likely make a decision at the airport authority's November board meeting.

News stories provided by third parties are not edited by "Site Publication" staff. For suggestions and comments, please click the Contact link at the bottom of this page.