Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is set to launch new biometric "eGates" in collaboration with CLEAR and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to streamline security checks. This initiative aims to reduce congestion at security checkpoints in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is expected to bring a surge of international visitors to the United States.

The biometric eGates are designed to verify a traveler's identity in real-time by matching their facial image with their identity documents and boarding pass. This process allows travelers to bypass the traditional TSA podium and proceed directly to physical screening once their identity is confirmed. CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker stated that the entire transaction time should be between three and six seconds.

This public-private partnership is financed by CLEAR at no cost to taxpayers. The eGates will be available to CLEAR+ members who opt-in to the service. CLEAR+ is a paid membership program that costs $209 per year.

The eGate pilot program is scheduled to debut at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in August 2025. CLEAR plans to expand eGate implementation across more than 30 airports in the next year.

TSA will retain complete operational control over security processes, triggering gate access, conducting security vetting, and enforcing government security requirements. CLEAR transmits limited data, including a live photo, boarding pass, and ID photo used for enrollment. CLEAR does not have access to watchlists, cannot override TSA gate decisions, and does not manually open gates.

Seattle is preparing to host six matches during the World Cup, and over 20 million international visitors are expected to fly to the U.S. for the tournament. The implementation of biometric eGates is intended to modernize security checkpoints and improve the travel experience for the influx of visitors.

Facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly common in air travel. SEA Airport already utilizes facial recognition technology for international travel through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. TSA also offers PreCheck Touchless ID at several airports, including Seattle, which allows enrolled travelers to verify their identity with a photo instead of a physical ID.

While the implementation of biometric technology aims to enhance security and efficiency, some travelers have expressed concerns regarding data privacy. Lawmakers are seeking stricter protections for biometric data, with the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025 proposing requirements for affirmative consent before data collection, bans on passive surveillance, and deadlines for deleting stored images.