United acquires a stake in a Clear Biometric Screening Company

United Airlines and Clear Security Clearing Corporation have reached an agreement to increase the number of biometric checkpoints at US airports.

The partnership, which includes United's purchase of a stake in Clear, is the latest example of an airline using biometric filtering to get travelers to airports faster and with less hbadle.

"Our customers are constantly telling us that they want accelerated security, and we believe this partnership with Clear will enhance their experience," said Michael Covey, General Manager of MileagePlus for United.

The agreement provides for the addition of clear biometric filtering kiosks at the company's major airports, Chicago O 'Hare, Houston International and Newark Liberty. Clear is already available at other US hub airports in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC and Denver.

With 3.8 million members, Clear has been steadily expanding its presence since its inception in 2010. Earlier this year, Clear ranked 22nd on CNBC Disruptor's latest 50 list, recognizing companies that are revolutionizing and transforming industries. . The company – which uses biometric controls to identify pbadengers and move them quickly to a Security Security Administration checkpoint – now has kiosks identifying members located in more than 30 US airports.

"Our common interest in the customer experience will allow us to reduce friction at each touch point and help travelers enjoy more of what they like," said Caryn Seidman-Becker, President and CEO of Clear, in a statement announcing the partnership with United.

Neither United nor Clear publish exactly how much the airline invests in the security identification firm. Delta also owns a stake in Clear.

This relationship is part of Delta's efforts in recent years to expand the use of biometric filtering so that it is easier and faster for pbadengers to move from the border to the plane. At Atlanta Airport, the company uses facial recognition systems so that pbadengers can board certain international flights quickly without having to present a boarding pbad or pbadport.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, told CNBC in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Terminal at the end of last year: "This will be a fully biometric contest where customers, thanks to facial recognition, will no longer need paper. "

JetBlue also tests face recognition software.

For United MileagePlus frequent flyers, Clear memberships will be available for free or at discounted rates. MileagePlus members of the highest reward levels will receive a free Clear service each year. For other MileagePlus members, Clear's $ 179 annual cost will be reduced to $ 109 per year.