- California Aims to Ban Clear for Equity in Airport Security.
- California is considering a bill to ban the use of Clear, a service that allows travelers to pay to skip TSA lines, due to concerns over equity and the potential for creating a “haves vs. have nots” situation at airports.
- The bill, SB-1372, sponsored by Senator Josh Newman, aims to prevent Clear from operating in general security lines at California airports, suggesting a move towards dedicated security lanes for Clear passengers.
- Clear, founded in 2010, charges $189 per year for its service, which allows members to bypass TSA checkpoints and be escorted through security, affecting over 50 airports across the U.S.
- The bill has garnered support from both sides of the aisle and from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA’s local chapter, AFGE Local 1230.
California lawmakers are addressing a perceived equity issue with the use of Clear, a service that enables travelers to pay to bypass TSA lines. Senator Josh Newman, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the frustration of seeing wealthier individuals using Clear services to skip ahead of those who have been waiting in line. This situation has been described as creating a “haves vs. have nots” dynamic at airports.
The proposed bill, SB-1372, aims to prevent Clear from operating in general security lines at California airports. Instead, it suggests moving Clear to its own dedicated security lane. This move is intended to ensure that general passengers are not cut in front of by Clear subscribers, addressing concerns about the service’s impact on the airport experience for average travelers.
Clear has been operating in over 50 airports across the U.S., charging $189 per year for its service. This fee allows members to bypass TSA checkpoints and be escorted through security, a service that has been utilized by nearly 1 million Californians. The company has also partnered with nine airports in California, contributing over $13 million in annual revenue to the state.
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The bill has received support from both sides of the political aisle and from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA’s local chapter, AFGE Local 1230. However, there are concerns about the bill’s potential impact on air carrier operating costs in California and the revenue generated by Clear for the state. Six airlines, including Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue, and Hawaiian, have expressed concerns that the bill’s passage could lead to increased fares or decreased service options.
If the bill passes as drafted, it would go into effect next January. The legislation aims to create a more consistent and equitable experience at the airport for all travelers by distinguishing between TSA-run security lines and Clear lines. This distinction is intended to prevent the situation where Clear subscribers are given priority over those waiting in general security lines, which has been a point of frustration for many travelers.
