The company known as CLEAR (often confused with "clear TSA" due to its collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration) is a publicly traded entity, making its ownership distributed among its shareholders. A pivotal figure in the company's leadership and foundation is Caryn Seidman-Becker, who serves as the Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder of CLEAR.
Understanding CLEAR and Its Relationship with TSA
It's important to clarify the distinction between CLEAR and the TSA (Transportation Security Administration).
- CLEAR is a private, membership-based company that offers an expedited identity verification service at airports and other venues. It is not a government entity.
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for security in public transportation, including airport security checkpoints.
While CLEAR works in conjunction with the TSA at participating airports, allowing members to bypass the initial ID and boarding pass check by verifying their identity through biometrics (fingerprints or iris scans), CLEAR itself is not owned by the TSA. Instead, CLEAR acts as a pre-security verification layer that helps travelers get to the physical screening (baggage and body scanners) faster.
Ownership Structure of CLEAR
As a publicly traded company, CLEAR's ownership is held by its numerous shareholders who purchase its stock on the open market. This means no single individual or private entity holds 100% ownership. Shareholders collectively own the company, with larger institutional investors or individual founders often holding significant stakes.
Key Leadership: Caryn Seidman-Becker
Caryn Seidman-Becker is instrumental to CLEAR's operation and vision. As the Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder, she has played a critical role in shaping the company's mission and growth since its inception. Her leadership is central to CLEAR's strategy and its continued expansion into various venues beyond airports, such as sports stadiums and entertainment venues.
How CLEAR Works and Its Benefits
CLEAR simplifies the first step of the airport security process. Instead of presenting a physical ID and boarding pass to a TSA agent, CLEAR members verify their identity using biometric data at dedicated CLEAR lanes. Once verified, a CLEAR ambassador escorts them directly to the physical screening area, bypassing the line for document checks.
This service is distinct from programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, though it can be used in conjunction with them for an even faster experience.
Benefits of Using CLEAR:
- Reduced Wait Times: Expedites the identity verification process at security checkpoints.
- Convenience: Uses biometrics for quick verification, eliminating the need to pull out physical documents.
- Enhanced Experience: Offers a smoother and more predictable start to the travel process.
CLEAR vs. TSA: Key Differences
To further clarify the roles, consider the following table:
| Feature | CLEAR | Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Private, publicly traded company | U.S. Government Agency |
| Service | Expedited identity verification via biometrics | Physical security screening (baggage, body scanners) |
| Ownership | Shareholders | U.S. Government / Taxpayers |
| Purpose | Streamline entry to security checkpoints | Ensure national security through transportation screening |
| Mandatory? | Optional, membership-based | Mandatory for all passengers (unless exempt) |
| Leadership | Led by Chair, CEO, and Co-Founder Caryn Seidman-Becker | Led by an Administrator appointed by the U.S. President |
In summary, while CLEAR's service is integrated into the airport security environment managed by the TSA, it is a separate private entity owned by its shareholders, with Caryn Seidman-Becker as its driving force.
