Clear Airport Security: How Fast Can Travelers Wish For It Before We See It?

By Greg Diener


We face lots of concern whenever we try to board a plane before we travel to our location. As Americans we have to constantly keep an eye on all of the risks involved at the airport from security breaches to potential terrorist threats. The issue of security has become such a hot-button issue that it raises the question if we can have clear airport security provided at our terminals.

Recently, in Myrtle Beach a woman was arrested at a security gate for having a loaded gun in her purse. The woman was not flying, but was given a gate pass to take her daughter when she tried to board the plane. This is a case where for once airport security did something correct and understood there was a risk before anybody's life was in danger. You have to wonder really what this woman was thinking carrying a loaded weapon at the airport while escorting her daughter? I can only think what would have happened had airline security not been successful to notice the woman's gun in the purse?

There have been some situations over the past summer on security not noticing certain threats. There was the case when a wandering jet-skier swam to shore and climbed the security fence at J.F.K. Airport in New York before being noticed while on the runway. We also had the situation where a murder suspect hijacked an empty airplane at a small Utah airport, again slipping through the cracks of security. It gives us more cause to concern on if we can be truly secure.

However, airport travelers need not be in fear of any potential issues when they try to board. New tools have been set up at security gates that could elude a problem at the security gate. CLEAR is one such application being offered at select airports that allow all frequent airline passengers, the chance to go through airline security quickly. It is done by giving your biometrical information for an annual fee your identification is then accumulated onto a card which is scanned at a kiosk. It is then followed by some quick tests to inspect your ID and instantly you are taken to the front of the line. While you still have to face some of the needed security checks the TSA provides, CLEAR is one of many programs being taken at airports around the globe to provide passenger safety.

I believe that security and airline passengers should work combined hand-in-hand to provide sensible answers to helping solve security matters at our airports. By acknowledging the threats that need to be stopped, we will help prevent havoc before it is started. Passengers need to have the ability to enjoy their flight as they go on their vacation and security should have the functions needed to shield every traveler.




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