In an effort to ensure fairness at airport security checkpoints, California Senator Josh Newman has introduced the Equitable Airport Security Screening Bill (SB 1372). This bill, if passed, could significantly change how expedited security lanes operate at several major California airports.
This legislation would block third-party vendors like CLEAR, which charges $189 annually for a service that escorts customers to the front of security lines, from utilizing standard TSA and TSA PreCheck lanes. Yesterday, the Senate Transportation Committee moved SB 1372 forward with an 8-4 vote, sending it for further consideration to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The bill addresses concerns about fairness in airport security, ensuring that access to expedited screening does not disproportionately favor those who can afford to pay for such services.
If enacted, SB 1372 would apply to any new agreements made after January 1, 2025, and to existing agreements upon their expiration. This move could lead to notable changes in how passengers experience airport security, particularly those who currently benefit from CLEAR’s expedited services.
“Despite what some have said, SB 1372 doesn’t seek to terminate the CLEAR concierge service at California airports. Instead, it seeks to have CLEAR and other third-party screening services operate separate lines for subscribers, eliminating the friction and frustration created by the current system,” Senator Newman said.
While the bill seeks to democratize security processes at airports, it faces opposition. Major airlines, including Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, United, and JetBlue, have voiced their concerns in a collective letter. They argue that SB 1372 “not only threatens to increase fees on air carriers but also severely restricts airports’ ability to effectively manage lines at the security checkpoint, resulting in a negative travel experience for our California customers.”
The airlines warn that eliminating the $13 million in revenue currently paid by CLEAR, could lead to increased operational costs, potentially causing fare hikes and reduced service options.
The California airports with CLEAR services, potentially impacted by this pending bill include:
- Long Beach Airport (Long Beach, CA)
- Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles, CA)
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose, CA)
- Oakland International Airport (Oakland, CA)
- Ontario International Airport (Ontario, CA)
- Palm Springs International Airport (Palm Springs, CA)
- Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento, CA)
- San Diego International Airport (San Diego, CA)
- San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco Bay Area, CA)
The bill is currently under consideration with the Senate Appropriations Committee.