LAX unveils 40 new APC kiosks, CLEAR working with TSA to strengthen airport security

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Los Angeles International Airport have installed 40 new automated passport control kiosks at LAX airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The free APC service expedites the entry process for U.S. and Canadian citizens, along with eligible visa waiver program travelers by allowing passengers to submit their customs declaration and biographic data electronically at the self-service kiosks.

The service does not require any pre-registration or membership, and protects the private information of travellers when handling the data.

The kiosks are procured, deployed and maintained through partnerships with a number of privately-held companies, which US. Customs and Border Protection and LAX have not disclosed.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection places a significant value on our public-private partnerships and we continue to collaborate on innovations to improve the international arrivals process, said Todd Hoffman, CBP port director for LAX. “The Automated Passport Control kiosks are a prime example of CBP’s private sector partners taking a leadership role in purchasing and deploying a solution that is mutually beneficial for CBP, airline carriers, airport authorities, and international air travelers.”

The entire process is accompanied by easy to understand instructions to help guide travelers through the process, including scanning their passport, taking a picture using the kiosk, answering customs declaration and biographic questions, and fingerprinting for Visa Waiver Program travelers.

Once the process is completed, travelers will receive a receipt that confirms their information. They will then be able to proceed to the CBP officer who will complete their entry process into the United States.

The whole process takes about one minute. Travelers opting to use the kiosks will no longer have to complete a paper customs declaration form.

Meanwhile, advanced biometric identity verification firm CLEAR said it supports the Transportation Security Administration‘s initiative to collaborate with private companies to improve security measures at airports across the nation.

“We applaud Administrator Pistole and the TSA for understanding the role private companies can play in both strengthening our nation ́s security apparatus and also improving the travel experience,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. “We already enjoy a great working relationship with the TSA and have been actively participating in TSA ́s market research on the private sector ́s ability to securely scale the pre-check population. We look forward to continued opportunities to work with TSA.”

Certified by the Department of Homeland Security as Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology, CLEAR members are able to use fingerprint and iris recognition technologies for identity authorization purposes.

The company’s biometric technology is scalable for a range of uses and platforms, including stadiums, universities, municipal buildings and other venues looking for rapid, effective and secure identity verification on a large scale.

CLEAR currently offers biometric technology at San Francisco, San Jose, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston Bush, Houston Hobby, San Antonio, Orlando, and Westchester County Airport in New York.

Article Topics

airports  |  aviation security  |  CLEAR  |  electronic passport  |  TSA