National, Dulles airports open Clear special security lanes

The Clear Registered Traveler program has opened special security lanes in a “pre-launch test period” for its members at Washington’s Reagan National and Dulles International airports. Verified Identity Pass, which operates the Clear program, said it has already signed up some 3,500 flyers in the Washington area to participate in the program. Nationwide, Clear now has about 118,000 members, the company said. Members must pass a pre-screening by the Transportation Security Administration, and receive a biometric card that contains electronic fingerprint or iris scan identity verification. With the addition of DCA and IAD, there are now 16 airports in the U.S. that offer special security clearance lanes for Registered Traveler members. In the District of Columbia, travelers can sign up for the program at the American Express Travel Office at 15th and K streets; the Congressional Federal Credit Union in the Longworth House Office Building; and starting this week, in the Pentagon Federal Credit Union lobby. Registration requires a $100 annual fee; for information, go to http://flyclear.com.