Clark Howard's Tips

March 14, 2008

Clark always talks about spending less, but here's something it might be worth to actually spend some money on.

The Clear program -- which appeals to frequent travelers -- puts you through a supposed Homeland Security background check where you're fingerprinted and have a retinal scan. The cost is about $100 or so, and those who pass the screening are issued a smart card with a chip that stores your info. When you get to the airport, you pop your card in a machine, have your palm scanned and then go through an expedited security area.

The Department of Homeland Security has been reluctant to do a trusted traveler program like they do in Israel. Clark recalls traveling from Zurich to Israel when there was a security issue with his flight. All the passengers were taken to a bunker, partially strip-searched in private rooms and all carry-ons and bags were searched. That's real security. Here we are 7 years after 9/11 and we still don't have real security. But Clark believes the Clear program is a start. It will allow TSA workers more time to deal with people who aren't in the program.

Then there's the whole question of profiling vs. legitimate questioning. In Western Europe, travelers can be interrogated repeatedly to expose behavioral tics like sweating and shifty eyes that may give away a potential terrorist.

No system is perfect, but we need to be smarter about security because we're spending billions and not getting the job done. Oddly enough, it's many of the full-fare airlines that are opposed to background checks. They must have amnesia about 9/11.

Consumer advice courtesy of