New Security Technology Launches at MSY

NEW ORLEANS – Travelers typically expect a little New Orleans flair while moving through MSY, but this morning, they were greeted by a full display of the city’s famous celebratory vibe. The Kinfolk Brass Brand second-lined through Concourse D, as reporters and passerby snapped photos and snacked on complimentary beignets. Some people danced along to the rousing rhythms. 

But when the music stopped, Kevin Dolliole, the new director of aviation at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, stepped up to a podium and announced the launch of CLEAR in MSY, and his plans to implement the service in the new airport when it opens in May 2019.

By recognizing a person’s iris, fingerprint, or face, CLEAR lets travelers verify their identity with the tap of a finger or the blink of an eye while passing through security. 

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“The CLEAR product presents a great opportunity for users of our facility to travel through security in an expedited fashion, very safely and very securely,” said Dolliole. “It’s a great amenity we’re adding as we transition to the new facility.”

More than 12 million travelers passed through MSY in 2017, making the bustling airport an ideal site for CLEAR’S capabilities. CLEAR Lanes are now available in Concourse D – home to Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, and United Airlines.  

When MSY moves to its $1 billion replacement terminal, CLEAR Lanes will be available in the centralized security checkpoint, offering access to flights from all 15 airlines in the facility.

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“New Orleans has been on our roadmap for a long time, and it’s now the 27th airport in the U.S. with CLEAR,” said Gina Bruzzichesi, CLEAR’s SVP of Operations. “We’ve been working on the partnership for a number of years, and we’re thrilled to get in before the move to the new airport.”

CLEAR and TSA’s PreCheck program are complementary. CLEAR automates the identity check while PreCheck allows flyers to keep their shoes and coat on during the physical screening process. CLEAR members get faster access to their gate by moving to the front of the physical security screening after biometric identification, but they do not bypass security.

The company’s biometric technology is also used in stadiums throughout the country.

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“We’re excited to help transform the way the people of New Orleans live, work, play and travel. But we’re also interested in going into other parts of the community,” said Bruzzichesi. “We’ve launched in stadiums around the country, and we hope to do that here.”

A CLEAR membership costs $15 per month, with the option to add an additional family member for $50 per year. Members can also bring their children under 18 with them through the CLEAR Lane for free.

The company is in the process of unveiling additional biometric services that will make travelers’ airport check-in experience smooth and quick. Today’s press conference, however, focused on the immediate changes that are taking place in the airport, but it also gave guests a moment to mingle and enjoy the festivities.

“The community here, and especially the people at the airport, have been so warm and embracing,” said Bruzzichesi. “My entire team keeps repeating that this is the easiest, most seamless launch we’ve ever had because of the support the local team members have given us.”

 

By Suzanne Pfefferle Tafur, Biz New Orleans associate news editor

 

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