VIP used a pilot project in Orlando to help develop technology and systems to speed card-holding passengers through its security checkpoints. The systems use biometric identification and pre-authorized clearances from the TSA to certify that card holders are not linked to terrorist organizations.Brill has been the most aggressive of three major potential vendors, soliciting airports and airlines for contracts to install the lanes. With Registered Traveler now officially operating, Brill and other vendors predicted that the rollout would gain momentum very quickly. "We've got a lot of other airports, and in some cases airlines, who are interested in launching programs," Brill said last week between trips to inaugurate the new Registered Traveler lanes. "In many places, airports are in the final planning stages, and some are already selecting service providers," Brill said. "So we anticipate that launches will actually start to accelerate." Criticism has dogged the TSA for the past two years over delays in developing Registered Traveler, which was conceived to help business and other frequent travelers bypass lengthy security lanes. The system requires passengers to register with a vendor that in turn uses the registrant's biometric information, primarily fingerprints, and other data sufficient for the TSA to eliminate any suspicion of terrorist links. Anyone cleared to participate in VIP's program can purchase a yearly Clear Pass for around $100, including TSA fees. VIP's Clear program claims 35,000 members to date, but since 23 U.S. airports are expressing interest in Registered Traveler lanes, memberships are expected to grow quickly. As more travelers see the system work, vendors expect demand to spike. "According to TSA, most of the major airports have sent applications expressing interest in Registered Traveler lanes." Brill said. "There has been a lot of sentiment at airports that they didn't want to spend a lot of time on this until it was clear that TSA was going to allow it." Brill's company was the first to successfully navigate the TSA's rigorous approvals process for what has been designed as a public-private partnership. The two other major players, Saflink of Kirkland, WA, and Unisys of Blue Bell, PA, are also chasing a piece of the business. Luke Thomas, vice president of Saflink's registered traveler program, said last week that his company was a week away from being certified, a process that requires security checks by TSA on all company officials, owners and related participants. He said Saflink was already in negotiations with one major airport. Thomas said Saflink expected to have technology plans better defined in the next few weeks but said the company faced another battery of reviews and inspections before its systems could be approved by the TSA. Unisys is also well along in the process, but like Saflink, it faces a lengthy TSA approval process. In the interim, Brill is pressing forward. "It is hard to say how fast the expansion will be, but we hope to be in 15 to 20 airports before the end of the year," Brill said. "But all of that is speculation." Still to be approved is a shoe scanner to help speed registered travelers through security kiosks by eliminating the need to remove shoes. While the scanner has been approved for VIP's pilot program, it doesn't have full authorization from the TSA. By Dan Luzadder For more information call the Travel Organizers or fill out our quick quote request form and one of our travel professionals will respond shortly. Call any one of our three offices: Denver Tech Center - 303-771-1178 Southglenn Mall Area - 303-730-7777 Downtown Denver - 303-383-5050 Travel Organizers/American Express who has been in Denver for over 24 years can help you make reservations with just one call.
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