Tampa International Airport to streamline security with CLEAR

Tampa International Airport is set to introduce CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates across all four airside terminals, using biometric identity verification to create a faster, more seamless and predictable security screening experience.

Summary:

Tampa International Airport will introduce CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates across all four airside terminals, with the service expected to launch this fall.
CLEAR’s automated eGates can verify a traveller’s identity in under five seconds, using facial matching with their ID and boarding pass before they proceed to physical screening.
The new identity verification technology aims to create a faster, more predictable security checkpoint experience, supporting TPA’s focus on innovation, efficiency and customer service.

Tampa International Airport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has announced that the secure identity company CLEAR is expected to launch at its security screening checkpoints this fall. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Board approved a contract to bring CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates to each of TPA’s four airside terminals for the first time.

CLEAR+ members will be able to enter dedicated CLEAR+ lanes and move through an eGate – an automated gate that verifies identity in under five seconds by matching a traveller’s face to their ID and boarding pass – before they move directly to physical screening. Bringing CLEAR+ to Tampa International Airport (TPA) will enable travellers to move on to screening faster, improving the security screening checkpoint process and improving the overall airport experience.

CLEAR’s expedited identity verification experience provides a faster and more predictable checkpoint journey to TPA’s travellers, and the partnership will further enhance TPA’s reputation for innovation and customer service.

“Tampa International Airport is proud to welcome CLEAR to our security screening checkpoints, expanding the range of innovative services available to our travellers,” Airport CEO Michael Stephens said. “This is a convenience that many of our passengers have long requested, and we’re excited to partner with CLEAR to provide a faster, more seamless airport experience. By giving travellers another efficient way to move through security, we’re continuing our commitment to delivering the exceptional customer service and convenience that have become hallmarks of America’s Favorite Airport.”

With over 43 million members and operations at 62 CLEAR+ airports, CLEAR’s secure identity platform is helping strengthen security and create frictionless checkpoint experiences.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tampa International Airport to bring CLEAR’s trusted, seamless identity verification experience to travellers in one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Kyle McLaughlin, EVP, Aviation, CLEAR. “By bringing CLEAR+ Lanes and automated eGates to TPA, we can work together with the airport to deliver a faster, more predictable airport experience while building on TPA’s strong reputation for innovation and customer service.”

Hear more from Tampa International Airport at the 20^th anniversary edition of FTE Global, taking place in Dallas, Texas, on 8 to 10 September 2026. Douglas Wycoff, Director of Digital Technologies & Innovation, Tampa International Airport, is participating in a session focused on ‘Advancing Digital Identity & Seamless Travel Efforts’.

See the FTE Global schedule at a glance >> Register for FTE Global >>