The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced new electronic gates (eGates) at security checkpoints through a public-private partnership with CLEAR, aiming to speed up identity verification for travelers at U.S. airports. The program launched this month at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and will expand to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport later in August.

The eGates automatically compare a passenger’s biometrics with their identity documents and boarding passes, reducing the need for human intervention. TSA officials said the initiative is designed to enhance both efficiency and security while offering a less invasive travel experience. CLEAR is operating the new technology under TSA’s Registered Traveler Program at no cost to taxpayers.

Modernization of TSA Checkpoints

The introduction of eGates is part of a larger TSA modernization strategy that involves collaboration with private-sector partners to increase throughput at security checkpoints. Acting Deputy Administrator Adam Stahl said the project directly supports broader policy goals to improve both security and hospitality standards in U.S. aviation.

“TSA’s public-private partnership with CLEAR on eGates is just one example of how we are working with stakeholders both inside and outside of government to improve hospitality and security for the American traveler,”

said Adam Stahl, Acting Deputy Administrator.

“eGates accomplish several objectives toward achieving Secretary Noem’s goal to enhance TSA security and hospitality. This includes creating a seamless, less invasive traveler experience and shorter wait times at TSA security checkpoints. We look forward to rolling out additional eGate systems as we work to implement President Trump’s vision for a new Golden Age of American Travel.”

The technology forms part of a family of eGate systems TSA intends to introduce over the coming years. While CLEAR operates the current pilot systems, TSA continues to handle passenger vetting and identification verification processes in parallel.

Key Facts

Implementation and Rollout

The pilot began at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs. TSA chose Atlanta as the launch site to test eGate performance under high traffic conditions. The system will expand later this month to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington state.

According to TSA, these initial locations will serve as testbeds for system reliability, passenger throughput, and biometric accuracy. If successful, the agency plans to evaluate broader deployment across other high-volume airports. TSA officials confirmed that while CLEAR operates the eGates, the agency retains oversight of the security process, ensuring compliance with federal screening standards.

Under the pilot, travelers approach the eGate, which captures a live biometric sample — such as a facial image — and compares it against the traveler’s government-issued identification and boarding information. Once confirmed, the eGate grants access to the security checkpoint. TSA officers remain present for oversight and additional checks as needed.

Public-Private Partnership Model

The eGates initiative is part of the TSA’s Registered Traveler Program, which enables private companies to collaborate with the government in introducing security and identity verification technologies. CLEAR, which operates biometric screening lanes in airports across the United States, is providing the equipment and operational support for this deployment. The company’s involvement enables TSA to test advanced systems without taxpayer funding.

The agency emphasized that despite CLEAR’s operational role, TSA retains authority over passenger vetting. Security officers continue to monitor the process, ensuring that all passengers undergo proper identification verification and risk assessment before entering secure airport areas. This arrangement reflects TSA’s strategy to integrate private-sector innovation while maintaining control of national security responsibilities.

Policy Goals and Traveler Impact

Acting Deputy Administrator Stahl linked the initiative to broader government priorities under Secretary Noem and President Trump. TSA described the program as central to achieving a “Golden Age of American Travel,” a term used by federal officials to frame investments in security, efficiency, and customer service.

The agency expects eGates to shorten wait times and reduce bottlenecks at checkpoints, especially during peak travel periods. TSA also said the automated systems should deliver a more consistent experience compared to manual document checks, while still preserving security standards. The technology could further reduce the need for physical contact during identity verification, aligning with long-term goals to make air travel less intrusive for passengers.

Background on Biometric Use in Aviation

The U.S. aviation sector has increasingly deployed biometric technology to improve efficiency at airports. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) already uses facial recognition systems for international arrivals and departures. TSA’s adoption of eGates for domestic security screening represents a further expansion of biometric applications in U.S. air travel.

Supporters of biometric screening argue it provides faster processing and stronger identity verification than traditional manual checks. However, the rollout of such technologies often raises concerns about data security, privacy, and the potential for misuse of biometric information. TSA has emphasized that its systems comply with federal privacy and data protection standards, though privacy advocates continue to monitor implementation.

Next Steps for Expansion

TSA officials said additional eGate deployments will depend on the outcomes of the Atlanta, Washington, and Seattle pilots. Performance evaluations will include metrics on accuracy, passenger throughput, wait times, and traveler feedback. If successful, the agency could consider introducing eGates at other major airports, particularly those with high passenger volumes or frequent delays at security checkpoints.

The collaboration with CLEAR also opens the possibility of future partnerships with other private-sector technology providers. TSA officials noted that the agency remains committed to testing multiple solutions under the Registered Traveler Program before making broader procurement decisions.

The eGates initiative comes amid a broader push by TSA to upgrade checkpoint operations with new screening technologies, including computed tomography (CT) scanners for baggage and automated screening lanes. Together, these measures are intended to modernize airport security while addressing passenger concerns over wait times and travel disruptions.

Conclusion

The TSA-CLEAR eGate partnership marks a significant step in the modernization of U.S. airport security operations. By combining biometric technology with a public-private funding model, the program seeks to improve efficiency and enhance the traveler experience without additional taxpayer costs. Early deployment at Atlanta, followed by Washington and Seattle, will test the system’s ability to handle large passenger volumes while maintaining security standards.

As TSA evaluates the pilot results, the agency will determine whether to expand eGates to other airports nationwide. The outcome could shape the future of checkpoint operations, influencing how millions of passengers move through U.S. airports in the years ahead.