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Eye And Fingertip Scans To Decrease Wait Time At CVG

This kiosk at 30 airports, including CVG, uses biometrics to get you through ID security.
CLEAR
This kiosk at 30 airports, including CVG, uses biometrics to get you through ID security.

The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport is the latest to get kiosks for iris and fingertip scans. They are expected to allow travelers to get through the ID security checkpoint quickly and easily.

Monday morning a New York company, CLEAR, rolled out the biometrics technology at CVG, its 30th airport location. The kiosks allow you to skip the line where TSA agents normally check your boarding pass and ID but you still have to wait in line for your carry-on items to be scanned.

It's not the same as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

CLEAR is run by a private company. It gets you to the security line quickly and then in combination with a TSA PreCheck membership you don't have to remove your shoes, belt, laptop and liquids. Global Entry cuts the time for customs and immigration process.

Here's how CLEAR works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLpGr1q0PkQ#action=share

CLEAR transforms your biometrics into an encrypted code. It matches your fingerprints and irises to your unique code everytime you check in.

The Department of Homeland Security says U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a goal for biometric technology to cover more than 97% of departing commercial air travelers in the next four years.

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With more than 30 years of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market, Ann Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting. She has reported for WKRC, WCKY, WHIO-TV, Metro Networks and CBS/ABC Radio. Her work has been recognized by the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2019 and 2011 A-P named her “Best Reporter” for large market radio in Ohio. She has won awards from the Association of Women in Communications and the Alliance for Women in Media. Ann reports regularly on science and technology in Focus on Technology.