TSA Changes, Won’t Require CLEAR Members To Show ID

Image: Travelers in TSA line (photo by Eric Bowman)
Image: Travelers in TSA line (photo by Eric Bowman)
Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 5:50 PM ET, Sat August 12, 2023

The whole idea of the airport CLEAR program was to provide security clearance ahead of time and cut down on the wait time at the airport security checkpoints.

For those that fly often, the fee was nominal.

But then someone in the program was able to carry on live ammunition through the airport and the TSA decided to investigate.

Now the government agency is backing off, according to a report from the Washington Post. The TSA will not require all members of the CLEAR program to produce identification after it had threatened to do so.

Apparently, the TSA was satisfied that the program fired its employees and the manager for breaking protocol in the incident. The program, which is active in about 50 airports nationwide, is run by a private security firm.

In a formal letter to CLEAR, the TSA said it would require a smaller portion of CLEAR members to show ID.

The two-year-old incident prompted TSA to start randomly selecting members of the program for further identification. While it is a noble idea for further scrutiny to protect our airports, the whole idea of the program was to pre-qualify members.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...