Clear Debuts New Pods Promising Faster Security Checks for Passengers

CLEAR has rolled out its new EnVe Pods at New York JFK, promising to redefine airport security with cutting-edge face-first biometric technology, and improve the customer experience during peak hour traffic.

Designed to triple verification speed, these sleek new pods offer CLEAR Plus Members a seamless journey through security using high-resolution facial recognition—no fingerprints or IDs required.

Photo: Courtesy of Clear

With airport security navigation often feeling like the least glamorous part of travel, CLEAR is seting out to change that with two groundbreaking innovations aimed at speeding up and personalizing the passenger experience.

EnVe Pods Land in JFK

Rolled out today at New York JFK, CLEAR’s EnVe Pods represent a significant step forward in airport security technology. Unlike traditional biometric systems that rely on fingerprint or eye scans, these new pods utilize face-first verification.

With a high-resolution, wide-angle camera, the EnVe Pods can authenticate a traveler’s identity in a matter of seconds. This face-first approach means CLEAR Plus Members can enjoy an even faster trip through security—three times faster, to be precise.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

“Our new EnVe Pods feature a modern design, enhanced display, and our most advanced camera for 3x faster verification,” CLEAR notes. “We’re introducing face-first technology to give Members a faster verification.”

The sleek pods, equipped with advanced NextGen Identity+ technology, will be gradually rolled out across all 58 airports in the CLEAR Plus network through 2025.

Not a fan of facial recognition? Travelers have the option to use the original CLEAR Pods with eye or fingerprint scans while they remain available.

Photo: Courtesy of CLEAR

However, for those who embrace the EnVe Pods, the experience promises to be as fast—if not faster—than TSA PreCheck or Digital ID.

Clear Ambassador Assist

And for travelers who crave a more guided airport journey, CLEAR’s newly launched Ambassador Assist service offers a more streamlined service from the moment passengers arrive at the curb.

Available at select airports, this service pairs passengers with a dedicated CLEAR Ambassador who helps with luggage, navigates security, and even escorts them to their departure gate.

Photo: Courtesy of Clear

The program offers two tiers: Curb-to-CLEAR for $49, which guides travelers through the CLEAR Plus lane at security, and Curb-to-Gate for $149, a comprehensive service that extends all the way to your gate.

“With Ambassador Assist, we’re further personalizing the travel journey to create the most seamless CLEAR Plus experience yet,” said Kyle McLaughlin, CLEAR’s Executive Vice President of Aviation. “With the curb-to-gate service, members are guided through the airport every step of the way.”

Currently available at Denver and Washington Dulles, the service is set to launch soon at Orlando International Airport.

CLEAR plans to expand the offering to its entire network throughout next year.

To enjoy this new service, travelers must be CLEAR Plus Members, with an annual membership fee of $199. Kids under 17 can join for free, and if any travel companions lack TSA PreCheck, the ambassador will ensure everyone stays together.

CLEAR, line at TSA security checkpoint at Reagan National Airport / Photo: David Tran Photo/Shutterstock

Booking is simple—travelers just reserve online at least 10 hours in advance. Once at the airport, the ambassador coordinates a meeting point and assists with everything from checking luggage to locating lounges, restaurants, or restrooms along the way.

While they won’t babysit kids or watch pets, the service guarantees a stress-free, personalized journey through the airport.

The Future of Stress-Free Travel

With the launch of EnVe Pods and Ambassador Assist, CLEAR is taking steps to address passenger complaints about congestion, as many have noted that PreCheck lanes often move faster than CLEAR’s during peak times.

By integrating advanced facial recognition and offering personalized escort services, CLEAR aims to enhance and streamline the travel process.

As these initiatives expand to more airports, the company hopes to provide travelers with a smoother, more efficient journey through crowded terminals and security checkpoints. Whether these enhancements will effectively resolve past issues remains to be seen, but CLEAR’s focus is firmly on improving the passenger experience.