Tampa International Airport announced last week that the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved a contract last week to bring CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates to the four Airside terminals.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s expected to launch in the fall. Meeting documents show the contract should go into effect Oct. 1.<\/p>\n
CLEAR is a secure identity company where members can enter dedicated lanes to move through the eGate. According to a news release, this gate verifies identity in seconds. It does this by matching a traveler\u2019s face to their ID and boarding pass before they even move to physical screening.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:\u00a0Tampa International Airport will shift security screening to a private contractor<\/a><\/p>\n The company has over 43 million members and operations at 62 airports, according to the release. And Tampa International said this partnership will allow travelers to move through screening faster.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a convenience that many of our passengers have long requested, and we\u2019re excited to partner with CLEAR to provide a faster, more seamless airport experience,\u201d Airport CEO Michael Stephens said in the prepared statement. \u201cBy giving travelers another efficient way to move through security, we\u2019re continuing our commitment to delivering the exceptional service and convenience that have become hallmarks of America\u2019s Favorite Airport.\u201d<\/p>\n According to CLEAR\u2019s website, members get $500 plus in partner offers like personalized curb-to-gate service, discounts on luggage shipments, travel documents and more. Someone can enroll either in person \u2014 no appointment needed \u2014 or\u00a0online<\/a>.<\/p>\n The company said a standard CLEAR+ membership costs $219 annually, but that some travel credit cards offer statement credit to help offset some of this cost.<\/p>\n This news also comes on the heels of Tampa International announcing it will be among the first airports in the country under the new Transportation Security Administration\u2019s\u00a0Gold+\u00a0<\/a>program.<\/p>\n This means that starting May 31, TSA officers will no longer be federal employees and instead, screening will be handled by a private company.<\/p>\n