Fly Clear Program Shuts Down
There are a lot of angry frequent fliers today. Verified Identity Pass, the company that offered the Clear program has shut down. For an annual fee, Clear helped travelers skirt through faster airport security checkpoints. Members of the Clear program had to go through an intensive screening process and pay membership fees of 178 to $199 per year. Because the company is in bad financial straits, Verified Identity Pass is not issuing refunds. The company said it wasn't able to negotiate a deal with its creditors, and its Clear fast-lane security check service stopped operations abruptly late Monday. More than a quarter million customers won't get refunds of membership fees that ranged from $178 to $199 per year and many people bought multi-year memberships. Some Clear members found out via e-mail but many did not learn that the program was over until they showed up at the airport.
The program was founded in 2003 by Steven Brill but he left the company in February when a group of investors took control. Many travelers are concerned about what happens to their identifying information. If the company files for bankruptcy protection and is sold off there is the faint possibility that creditors could argue that the information be sold to the highest bidder to pay creditors but this seems unlikely because the courts will likely protect customers.
One lingering question is whether or not this type of service can work in the future. Have the changes in the TSA and airlines made the service less of a draw? The AP quotes Air Transport Association spokesman David Castelveter who said that the service "provided no security benefit, and it charged you for what the TSA and the airlines gave you at no cost." Some Clear members say that the service saved them time and gave them a bit of relief from the hassles of the regular security lines. The loss of this program may make airline elite status programs and private jet charter options more appealing again to those looking for ways to fly with less stress.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Marc Jun 24th 2009 10:29AM
This program was doomed from the start. I was a early adopter but quickly realized that all I paid for was a "cut to the front of the line" card. There was actually more hassle - from the beginning with the biometrics and background checks to at the airport where a multiple ID check and fingerprint scan were required. All so I could jump in front of 17 people in line. Brill has attempted to distance himself from this debacle, but it is all of his making. While not technically a scam, it was pitched as a promise of something that they knew they could probably never deliver. And then just blame it on TSA. My 1 year membership was extended at least 14 months past the original expiration date and after that nearly every day I would receive an email begging me to return and pay $179 for the privilege. My email responses never received replies. They deserve whatever evil comes to them - especially Brill for orchestrating this mess and then blaming the new owners for allowing his failed plan to...fail. Perhaps his new web news venture will flourish like his magazine. Doh!
Nickieben Jun 24th 2009 1:10PM
Just last week I was at SFO traveling to Dublin, and after checking a bag, I noticed this long, long line extending across the back of the international checkin counters. I wondered what it was because generally I don't see lines like the ones I saw in 2002 and 2003 any more - lines that made me need to get to the airport 2 - 3 hours early. But the line pointed toward the security area so I followed it. The line then entered the security maze (the Disney-like back and forth) where I saw people begging to move up in line instead of missing their flights. I went through the Clear line and cut in front of about 500 people (I would guess)
Adam Jun 24th 2009 3:38PM
I am certainly disappointed that the Clear lanes will no longer be open. I fly weekly, and had come to rely on a 5 minute security line. Like the previous poster, I have on dozens of occasions bypassed 45+ minute security lines flying out of ATL, SFO, EWR. I would gladly pay double the yearly fee to have the lanes opened back up.
klj Jun 29th 2009 11:41AM
Join class action at http://chimicles.com/case/fly-clear-clear-lanes
klj Jun 29th 2009 11:43AM
Join class action at http://chimicles.com/case/fly-clear-clear-lanes
Lee Jul 23rd 2009 4:59PM
The Real Fly Clear Class Action at http://www.flyclearclassaction.com
The Brand Law Firm Located in Orlando, Florida will be filing a lawsuit against Fly Clear and Verified Identity Pass, Inc. on behalf of consumers that have purchased “Clear Card” services from Fly Clear. Clear Card is a service sold to travelers that expedites the security screening process at airports, and costs approximately $199 per year. Clear Card was in use at airports such as Albany, Denver, San Francisco, and Orlando International Airport. According to its website, Fly Clear has ceased its operations as of June 22, 2009, and its Clear Lanes are no longer available. According to the Clear Card website, Fly Clear will not issue refunds to consumers.
If you have purchased a subscription to Fly Clear’s Clear Card services, please contact the attorneys at 877-407-Brand or fill out the contact form on http://www.flyclearclassaction.com
Lee Jul 20th 2009 1:13AM
The Real Fly Clear Class Action at http://www.flyclearclassaction.com
The Brand Law Firm Located in Orlando, Florida will be filing a lawsuit against Fly Clear and Verified Identity Pass, Inc. on behalf of consumers that have purchased “Clear Card” services from Fly Clear. Clear Card is a service sold to travelers that expedites the security screening process at airports, and costs approximately $199 per year. Clear Card was in use at airports such as Albany, Denver, San Francisco, and Orlando International Airport. According to its website, Fly Clear has ceased its operations as of June 22, 2009, and its Clear Lanes are no longer available. According to the Clear Card website, Fly Clear will not issue refunds to consumers.
If you have purchased a subscription to Fly Clear’s Clear Card services, please contact the attorneys at 877-407-Brand or fill out the contact form on http://www.flyclearclassaction.com