New LAX Biometric Screening System Designed To Save Time For Travelers

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LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) – A biometric screening system designed to allow travelers to use their fingerprints or an eye scan to more quickly navigate airport security launched at Los Angeles International Airport this week.

Biometric screening kiosks at Los Angeles International Airport. June 2017. (Courtesy: CLEAR)

The identity platform known as CLEAR uses a fingerprint or eye scan to identify travelers in lieu of using a driver's license, passport or boarding pass. CLEAR will have kiosks available at all LAX terminals.

According to the system's website, "CLEAR speeds you through the long line for ID check, and guides you to the screening line."

"In less than a second, we validate who you are; we validate your travel document, and you're into the physical screening process," said David Cohen, Chief Administrative Officer for CLEAR.

Travelers must sign up and enroll with CLEAR prior to using the technology in order to create a biometric account.

But what about identity theft? Cohen said it's a fair question. "The integrity of our data, the biometrics of our customers ultimately is the integrity of our company. We take that very seriously," he said.

According to CLEAR's website, the service costs about $15 a month and is available at 22 U.S. airports and six stadiums.

"With CLEAR as an added benefit at LAX, we continue to improve the LAX guest experience by offering choices that help travelers save time," said Los Angeles World Airports CEO Deborah Flint in a statement.