United Airlines adds biometric clearance for passengers with Clear partnership

United Airlines wants to help its passengers get through security faster. United said Monday that it is taking an equity stake in Clear, a technology company that uses fingerprints and iris scans to verify a travellers’ identity at security checks. Clear operates at 31 airports in addition to stadiums, arenas and some Hertz rental car locations. United’s investment will help Clear expand into some of the airline’s largest hubs. Clear will launch at Newark Liberty International and expand at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental later this summer. The company also is seeking approval from the city of Chicago to open lanes at O’Hare International. Clear charges most members US$179 annually, but United said it would enrol its top-tier frequent fliers free of charge and offer a discount to other members of its loyalty program. <br/>