It is no secret companies constantly try to find cutting-edge ways to technologically enhance the beginning and end stages of the travel process. If you have taken a flight recently, you may have noticed CLEAR’s presence at the airport or in the Hertz rental car lane, allowing you to bypass traditional identity verification steps.

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The ever-increasing presence of biometric technology will ultimately become the norm. In addition to airports and rental car lanes, CLEAR can use your biometrics, like your eyes and fingertips, instead of traditional ID documents to get you into stadiums.

CLEAR, however, has competitors in this space. In a recent partnership with Star Alliance, NEC Corporation will begin to use the biometric technology on opt-in customers. Additionally, as detailed in an article posted on globaltravelerusa.com, Royal Caribbean established a partnership with IDEMIA to expand its use of MFace technology to speed disembarkation in select U.S. ports.

While some may be skeptical of its invasiveness or efficiency, I believe this type of technology will improve the experience for both the traveler and the companies that implement it.

I am curious to hear our readers’ opinions on this widespread roll-out, so feel free to send me an email at [email protected] with your thoughts.

— Chris Sager, account executive