Route Development
CLEAR Expands Biometric Enrollment to 40 More Countries for Travel
CLEAR extends CLEAR+ biometric enrollment to 40 countries, enhancing airport security and efficiency ahead of major 2026 travel events.
The expansion of CLEAR+ enrollment to international travelers marks a pivotal development in the landscape of airport security and travel technology. With the inclusion of visitors from 40 additional countries, CLEAR, a prominent secure identity company, is extending its biometric verification services beyond its traditional U.S. and select international base. This move, announced in October 2025, aligns with the rising demand for efficient, contactless, and secure travel experiences amid surging international travel volumes and major upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup 2026.
As Airports face increasing pressure to process higher passenger volumes while maintaining stringent security standards, biometric-based solutions such as CLEAR+ are gaining traction. This expansion is not only a response to immediate operational needs but also a reflection of broader industry shifts toward automation, public-private partnerships, and the integration of advanced technology in travel infrastructure. The implications of this initiative extend from financial growth opportunities to regulatory, privacy, and societal considerations, setting the stage for a new era in global airport operations.
CLEAR was established in 2003 in the wake of the September 11 attacks, aiming to streamline and secure the airport screening process through biometric verification. After a temporary closure in 2009, CLEAR relaunched in 2010 under new leadership and rapidly expanded its airport presence. By going public in 2019 (NYSE: YOU), the company cemented its role as a leader in secure identity services, now serving over 7.6 million CLEAR+ members at 60 airports and more than 33 million members across its platform.
The company’s model builds on the U.S. government’s trusted traveler programs, such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which offer expedited screening for pre-approved travelers. These programs, however, require multi-year commitments and more extensive background checks. CLEAR+ differentiates itself with an annual membership model ($209 per year) and faster, more flexible enrollment, often enhanced through airline and credit card partnerships.
The interplay between public and private programs illustrates the evolving nature of airport security, where government oversight and private innovation increasingly intersect to deliver both security and convenience. CLEAR’s integration with TSA PreCheck and Global Entry exemplifies this synergy, providing travelers with layered benefits while maintaining federal security protocols.
“CLEAR’s ability to partner with government agencies while investing in technology at no cost to taxpayers highlights a new model for airport security modernization.”
CLEAR’s Financial-Results underscore the strong demand for biometric verification services. In Q2 2025, the company reported $219.5 million in revenue (a 17.5% year-over-year increase), $222.9 million in bookings, and $42.6 million in operating income. The company’s robust free cash flow ($117.9 million) and shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases reflect operational efficiency and confidence in sustained growth.
The company’s infrastructure, over 150 security lanes at 60 airports, provides a scalable foundation for expansion. This extensive network not only supports domestic travelers but is now being leveraged to accommodate the influx of international members. The rollout of eGates, automated security checkpoints using facial recognition, further enhances throughput and operational leverage, especially during peak events and travel surges.
These technology deployments are part of a broader public-private partnership approach, with CLEAR investing in hardware and integration while TSA retains operational control. This model enables rapid innovation and capacity expansion without direct taxpayer funding, addressing both government budget constraints and the need for modernization. The October 2025 announcement brings travelers from 40 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas into the CLEAR+ ecosystem. This builds on previous eligibility for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, and includes major markets such as Germany, France, South Korea, and Singapore. The expansion targets high-value travel corridors and aligns with anticipated spikes in international arrivals for events like the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary.
International visitors can initiate enrollment online using their passports and complete the process at any CLEAR airport location. Once enrolled, they gain access to CLEAR’s nationwide network, enabling consistent, expedited processing regardless of their U.S. entry point. This hybrid approach balances convenience with security, ensuring proper biometric verification under controlled conditions.
The timing is strategic: international visitor spending in the U.S. reached $126.9 billion in the first half of 2025, up 2.2% from the previous year and 3.5% above pre-pandemic levels. With over 20 million international visitors expected for the World Cup alone, CLEAR’s expanded eligibility positions it to capture a significant share of this growing market while alleviating congestion at airport checkpoints.
“By expanding to 40 more countries, CLEAR is not only tapping into new revenue streams but also helping U.S. airports manage historic surges in international travel.”
CLEAR’s eGate pilot program, launched in Partnerships with TSA at Atlanta, Washington Reagan, and Seattle-Tacoma airports, represents a leap forward in automated security processing. Using facial recognition, the system matches live images to stored biometric data, allowing travelers to bypass manual document checks. The process typically takes three to six seconds, significantly reducing wait times and increasing throughput.
The partnership framework ensures that TSA retains full operational control, CLEAR cannot override gate decisions or access sensitive government databases. Only essential data (live photos, boarding passes, ID photos) is transmitted, and members have control over their personal information, including the right to deletion. This architecture addresses privacy and security concerns while delivering operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, the scalability of eGate technology, especially as the U.S. prepares for the World Cup and other major events, offers the potential for nationwide deployment. The model demonstrates how private sector investment can supplement public funding, accelerating modernization while maintaining government oversight.
The global airport biometric services market is experiencing rapid expansion, valued at approximately $26.1 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $131.3 billion by 2033. Facial recognition is the dominant technology, expected to account for over 46% of market share by the mid-2030s. North America leads the market, with over 63% share, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region due to rising air traffic and infrastructure investments.
In the U.S., TSA’s $25 billion modernization pipeline includes significant investments in CT scanners and biometric systems, with over 1,000 CT scanners already deployed at 278 airports. Budget constraints have led to increased reliance on private sector partnerships, CLEAR’s collaboration with TSA on eGates is a prime example of this trend, providing innovation without direct government expenditure. CLEAR’s position is further strengthened by its integration with government trusted traveler programs and its extensive infrastructure. While European and Asian airports have adopted biometric systems, the unique combination of private membership services and federal integration in the U.S. gives CLEAR a distinct competitive advantage domestically and potentially in other markets with compatible regulatory frameworks.
Operating at the intersection of federal aviation security, immigration, and privacy regulations, CLEAR must ensure compliance with a complex web of requirements. TSA retains authority over all screening procedures, and recent audits of TSA’s use of facial recognition underscore ongoing government scrutiny of biometric deployments. CLEAR’s systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with federal protocols, maintaining security effectiveness while delivering efficiency.
Internationally, the expansion to travelers from EU countries brings GDPR compliance obligations, including explicit consent, privacy notices, and data subject rights. U.S. state-level laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act add additional layers of privacy protection and potential liability. CLEAR’s commitment to member control over data and non-sale of personal information addresses these requirements and public concerns.
Coordination with international aviation standards and bilateral agreements is also necessary to ensure interoperability and compliance. The trend toward global standardization of biometric verification creates both opportunities for expansion and challenges in adapting to diverse regulatory landscapes.
“CLEAR’s privacy framework, emphasizing member control and transparency, is central to building trust as biometric systems become more pervasive in travel.”
The expansion of CLEAR+ to 40 additional countries is a landmark in the evolution of airport security and the digital identity ecosystem. It demonstrates how private sector innovation, when aligned with government objectives and regulatory frameworks, can deliver tangible benefits in efficiency, security, and traveler experience. With the global biometric services market poised for significant growth and major international events on the horizon, CLEAR is well-positioned to shape the future of secure, seamless travel.
Looking forward, the success of this initiative will likely influence policy debates on the role of public-private partnerships in security, the balance between convenience and privacy, and the broader adoption of biometric technology in travel and beyond. As the world becomes more interconnected, solutions that combine security, efficiency, and respect for individual rights will be critical to the next generation of global mobility. Who is eligible for CLEAR+ following the expansion? How do international travelers enroll in CLEAR+? How does CLEAR+ differ from TSA PreCheck or Global Entry? What privacy protections does CLEAR offer? What is the cost of CLEAR+ membership?
Introduction
Historical Context and Industry Foundations
CLEAR’s Evolution and the Rise of Trusted Traveler Programs
Financial Performance and Infrastructure Growth
International Expansion and Market Dynamics
Scope and Strategic Rationale of the 40-Country Expansion
Technology Innovation: eGates and Biometric Integration
Market Trends, Regulatory Environment, and Industry Impact
Biometric Market Growth and Competitive Landscape
Regulatory and Privacy Considerations
Conclusion
Newly added countries include:
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
FAQ
Travelers from 40 additional countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, in addition to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, can now enroll in CLEAR+.
Eligible travelers can start enrollment online using their passport and complete the process at any CLEAR airport location in the U.S.
CLEAR+ is a private service offering biometric identity verification and expedited document check, while TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are government programs focused on expedited screening. CLEAR+ can be used alongside these programs for additional convenience.
CLEAR commits to not selling member data and allows members to request deletion of their biometric information at any time. Only essential data is transmitted for verification, and TSA retains operational control over security processes.
The standard annual price for CLEAR+ is $209, with potential discounts available through airline and credit card partnerships.
Sources
Photo Credit: Clear+
Route Development
Heathrow Ends 100ml Liquid Limit with £1 Billion Security Upgrade
Heathrow Airport completes £1 billion upgrade with CT scanners, allowing liquids up to 2L and laptops in bags for departures.
Heathrow Airport has officially announced the completion of a massive security upgrade across all four of its terminals, marking the end of the restrictive 100ml liquid limit for departing passengers. According to an official press release issued on January 23, 2026, the airport has finalized a £1 billion investment to install next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, positioning itself as the largest airport in the world to fully deploy this technology across its entire operation.
The upgrade fundamentally changes the pre-flight experience for millions of travelers. Under the new regulations, passengers departing from Heathrow can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage. Additionally, large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets no longer need to be removed from bags during screening. The airport states that this move will not only streamline the security process but also significantly reduce single-use plastic waste.
The core of this upgrade involves the installation of advanced CT scanners, similar to technology used in medical environments. These machines generate detailed 3D images of cabin baggage, allowing security officers to rotate and analyze the contents on-screen without requiring passengers to physically separate items.
In its announcement, Heathrow confirmed that the requirement to place liquids in clear plastic bags has been eliminated. This operational shift is expected to have a substantial environmental impact. The airport estimates that removing the plastic bag mandate will save approximately 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.
Data released by the airport suggests the new technology is already delivering performance improvements. Heathrow reported that in 2025, it was named “Europe’s most punctual hub airport.” During that period, more than 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes for security screening. Furthermore, the airport noted that its baggage load rate improved to over 98% in 2025, indicating a reduction in missed bags.
Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow, highlighted the significance of the milestone in a statement included in the press release:
“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey, and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.”
While the completion of this project is a major achievement for UK aviation infrastructure, it comes after significant industry-wide delays. The UK government originally set a deadline of June 2024 for major airports to install this technology. Like Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, Heathrow faced logistical hurdles, including supply chain issues and the need to reinforce floors to support the heavy scanners, that pushed the completion date to January 2026.
Travelers must remain vigilant regarding the limitations of this new rule. The ability to carry liquids up to 2 liters applies only to passengers departing from Heathrow. Many international destinations, as well as other airports within the UK and EU, may not have completed their upgrades. Passengers transferring through other hubs or returning to Heathrow from airports without CT scanners will still be subject to the traditional 100ml liquid limit. Consequently, purchasing large liquids duty-free or packing full-sized toiletries in carry-on luggage could result in confiscation at the return airport or a connecting security checkpoint. We recommend checking the specific security regulations of all airports on your itinerary before packing.
Do I still need to put liquids in a plastic bag at Heathrow? What is the new liquid limit? Do I need to take my laptop out of my bag? Does this apply to my return flight?
Heathrow Scraps 100ml Liquid Limit Following £1 Billion Security Overhaul
Next-Generation Security Technology
Operational Efficiency Gains
AirPro News Analysis: Context and Traveler Advisory
The “One-Way” Rule Caveat
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The requirement to use clear plastic bags for liquids has been eliminated for departures from Heathrow.
Passengers can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage.
No. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can remain inside your cabin baggage during the screening process.
Not necessarily. These rules apply to departures from Heathrow. You must check the rules of the airport you are flying back from, as many still enforce the 100ml limit.
Sources
Photo Credit: Heathrow Airport
Route Development
San Francisco International Airport Opens New Operations Center with Digital Twin
SFO unveils a $250M Airport Integrated Operations Center featuring digital twin technology to centralize and enhance airport management.
This article is based on an official press release from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has officially opened its new Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC), a centralized hub designed to unify critical airport functions under one roof. According to an official announcement from the airport, the facility began full operations with a celebration on January 22, 2026. The 22,000-square-foot center represents a significant shift in how the airport manages its daily logistics, moving from decentralized departments to a collaborative, technology-driven model.
Located within the newly constructed Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a secure building linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, the AIOC serves as the operational “brain” of the airport. SFO officials state that the facility brings together security, dispatch, facilities, and airline coordinators into a single workspace, enabling faster response times and better coordination during both routine operations and emergencies.
The AIOC is a primary component of the Courtyard 3 Connector project, which SFO reports has an estimated value of $250 million. The project was delivered by a design-build team led by general contractor Hensel Phelps, with architectural design by HOK and MEI Architects. The facility features 67 workstations designed to foster cross-functional collaboration, breaking down the traditional silos that often exist between different airport departments.
Beyond housing the operations center, the C3C building provides a secure post-security walkway for passengers moving between terminals. This dual-purpose design improves passenger flow while simultaneously upgrading the airport’s operational infrastructure. In line with SFO’s sustainability goals, the building is “Net Zero Energy ready” and is targeting LEED Gold certification.
A key feature of the new center is its integration of “digital twin” technology. Developed in partnership with Esri, this system creates a real-time 3D digital replica of the entire airport complex. According to the project details, this system allows staff to monitor a wide array of operational metrics, including:
The system utilizes color-coded alerts to notify staff of potential issues before they escalate. For example, the system can flag delays or early arrivals, allowing the integrated teams to reallocate resources proactively. In the event of a crisis, such as a security breach or natural disaster, the AIOC converts into a command post to coordinate a unified response among all agencies.
Mike Nakornkhet, the Airport Director at SFO, emphasized the strategic importance of the new facility in the official release:
“The AIOC is all about running the very best airport operation to deliver a consistent and seamless airport experience for our guests. Utilising a wealth of emerging technologies and historical data, the AIOC’s primary purpose is to ensure teams have the capacity to proactively monitor conditions, activate contingency plans and deploy resources.”
The opening of SFO’s AIOC highlights a broader trend in the aviation industry toward “predictive operations.” Historically, airports have operated in a reactive mode, addressing bottlenecks at security or baggage claim only after they occur. By co-locating key decision-makers and equipping them with a digital twin, SFO is attempting to transition to a model where operational disruptions are identified and mitigated before they impact the passenger. This consolidation of command and control is particularly critical for airports with constrained footprints like SFO. With limited physical space to expand, efficiency gains must come from better management of existing assets. The “digital twin” concept, while common in manufacturing and urban planning, is rapidly becoming the standard for major international hubs seeking to optimize gate utilization and turnaround times without pouring new concrete.
What is the Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC)? Where is the new facility located? What is a “Digital Twin”? When did the AIOC open?
SFO Unveils High-Tech “Nerve Center” to Centralize Airport Operations
A $250 Million Infrastructure Investment
Digital Twin Technology and Real-Time Monitoring
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The AIOC is a centralized facility at SFO where security, dispatch, maintenance, and airline operations teams work together in a shared space to manage airport logistics 24/7.
It is located in the Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a new building that connects Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
A Digital Twin is a virtual 3D replica of the airport that uses real-time data to simulate and monitor operations, helping staff predict and prevent delays.
While the unit began initial operations earlier, the official opening celebration took place on January 22, 2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: San Francisco Airport
Route Development
United Airlines CEO Defends Gate Control at Chicago O’Hare in 2026
United Airlines commits to defending gate allocation at Chicago O’Hare amid competition with American Airlines using flight volume strategies in 2026.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and Rajesh Singh.
The ongoing struggle for control over Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) intensified sharply on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. During United Airlines’ fourth-quarter earnings call, CEO Scott Kirby issued a stark warning to rival American Airlines, signaling that United is prepared to aggressively defend its market share and gate allocation at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.
According to reporting by Reuters, Kirby explicitly stated that United is “drawing a line in the sand” regarding gate competition in 2026. The conflict centers on the airport’s “use-it-or-lose-it” leasing agreement, which reallocates gates based on flight departure volumes. With American Airlines attempting to regain ground lost in 2025, United has pledged to match any capacity increases necessary to prevent its rival from acquiring additional infrastructure.
The core of this dispute is not just about rhetoric; it is a structural battle over real estate governed by the 2018 Airline Use and Lease Agreement (AULA). As reported by Reuters, Kirby emphasized that United would add “as many flights as are required” to maintain its current gate count.
During the earnings call, United leadership highlighted a significant financial divergence between the two carriers at their shared hub. Kirby claimed that while United’s O’Hare operations generated approximately $500 million in profit in 2025, American Airlines suffered a loss of roughly the same amount at the hub. United argues that this disparity makes American’s aggressive expansion unsustainable.
The tension follows a decisive shift in airport real estate that occurred in late 2025. Due to United’s faster post-pandemic recovery and higher schedule density, the carrier triggered a lease clause allowing it to acquire five additional gates in October 2025. Conversely, American Airlines was forced to surrender four gates due to lower utilization metrics.
Current airport data indicates the following gate distribution:
“We’re not going to allow them to win a single gate at our expense.”
, Scott Kirby, United Airlines CEO (via Reuters)
Despite the financial figures presented by United, American Airlines has launched a “scorched earth” scheduling strategy to reclaim its footing. Industry reports indicate that American has added approximately 100 daily departures to its Spring 2026 schedule. The goal of this volume increase is to improve utilization metrics enough to trigger a “claw back” of gates in the next annual allocation cycle.
In addition to schedule padding, American Airlines executed a strategic real estate acquisition in late 2025. Following Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy proceedings, American purchased two gates for $30 million, securing access outside of the city’s standard allocation formula.
The competition has spilled over into regional route networks, creating a “tit-for-tat” scenario. When American announced new service to regional markets such as Erie, Pennsylvania, and the Tri-Cities in Tennessee in early January, United responded within 24 hours by announcing identical routes. This strategy effectively floods smaller markets with capacity, preventing either carrier from establishing a monopoly.
While passengers may benefit temporarily from the lower fares resulting from this capacity dumping, the long-term implications for O’Hare are complex. The aggressive “use-it-or-lose-it” rules were designed to ensure efficient use of public infrastructure, but they currently appear to be incentivizing airlines to fly potentially unprofitable schedules solely to hoard real estate.
Furthermore, this squabble is the prelude to the massive “O’Hare 21” expansion. The carrier that commands the most market share today will likely wield the most influence over the design and allocation of the upcoming Satellite 1 and Global Terminal projects. United’s “line in the sand” suggests they view 2026 not just as a battle for current gates, but as the deciding year for the airport’s future configuration.
Sources: Reuters
United Airlines CEO Draws “Line in the Sand” in Battle for O’Hare Dominance
The “Line in the Sand”: Financials and Gate Control
The 2025 Reallocation
American Airlines’ Counter-Offensive
The Route War
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Hyoung Chang – The Denver Post
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