Press Release

 

September 7, 2005
Traveler Security: Orbitz for Business | Travelport Partners with Verified Identity Pass Exclusive Agreement Offers "Fast Lane" Passage Through Airport Security Lines

 

Chicago & New York – Standing in long, time-consuming and unpredictable security lines at airports is a productivity killer in business travel - and while everyone agrees air travel security is extremely important, many believe it can be made more efficient and more predictable for corporate travelers.

 

Today, Orbitz for Business | Travelport, the provider of choice in corporate travel management, and Verified Identity Pass, operators of the first privately-run Registered Traveler program, announce the solution to this problem through an exclusive agreement offering corporations with frequent business travelers discounted access to Verified Identity Pass' CLEAR program online via Orbitz for Business and Travelport.

 

The CLEAR Registered Traveler program gives travelers a way to avoid long lines at airport security checkpoints. After applying for membership, CLEAR submits applicants' biographical information and biometrics (iris and fingerprint images) to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a security threat assessment. Once approved by TSA, members are issued a CLEAR card enabling them speedy passage through specified CLEARLanes at participating airports. CLEAR members are still required to pass through metal detectors and have carry-on bags x-rayed.

 

As a result of the agreement CLEAR will be accessible to companies using Travelport or Orbitz for Business as their corporate travel agency. Currently, CLEAR operates at the Orlando International Airport; however, the company anticipates rapid expansion of the program to other airports around the country.

"Our corporate exclusive partnership with CLEAR is an excellent example of our belief in offering innovative, technology-driven services and capabilities that make the business traveler's experience more comfortable and productive," said Dean Sivley, chief operating officer for Orbitz for Business | Travelport. "CLEAR is also indicative of what's possible when problems are approached and solved in a customer-centric manner, which is a philosophy we share."

 

Research clearly indicates that in the bottlenecked, post 9-11 airport security environment, frequent fliers want a more predictable and expedited experience as they navigate security lines, airports want an opportunity to improve security and customer service at low cost, and airlines want to improve the customer's experience and retain loyal and frequent fliers. CLEAR addresses these needs by improving the security process for the traveler, airline and airport.

 

Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition (BTC) and paid consultant to Verified Identity Pass stated, "BTC has long advocated a Registered Traveler program so that business travelers could regain control over their perishable resource of time. The Orbitz for Business | Travelport partnership with CLEAR will ensure more expeditious implementation of this strategically important initiative."

 

"By partnering with leaders in online corporate travel management, we can more effectively reach our target market of frequent business travelers. Large corporations are looking for a way to improve the efficiency of their organizations, and CLEAR offers just such a benefit," said Courtney Nichols, chief operating officer of Verified Identity Pass.

 

CLEAR members' status is continuously reviewed by TSA's ongoing security assessment. CLEAR does not track members' movements, and all data is held under the strictest privacy controls, which will be assessed regularly by an independent auditor. Membership also includes an identity theft warranty. CLEAR is built for interoperability so if competitors roll out similar services, members will be able to use their cards at any of the nation's registered traveler program sites.

 

About Orbitz for Business | Travelport
Orbitz for Business | Travelport is the provider of choice in corporate travel, partnering with clients to transform their travel experience through superior content, products and service. The organization features a portfolio of solutions to meet corporations' varying travel needs, including Orbitz for Business and Travelport online travel management solutions. Orbitz for Business was the first full-service Internet travel management program, is a subsidiary of Cendant Corp. (NYSE: CD). Serving more than 1,000 companies, Orbitz for Business offers companies an easy-to-use, ready-to-go solution with a familiar user experience that generates naturally high employee adoption. Serving more than 560 corporations worldwide, Travelport is a global full-service provider of strategic services ideal for companies seeking high flexibility and control over their travel programs and policies.

 

About Cendant Travel Distribution Services
Cendant Corporation's (NYSE: CD) Travel Distribution Services Division, is one of the world's largest and most geographically diverse collections of travel brands and distribution businesses. The division, employing nearly 9,000 people in approximately 120 countries, includes: a leading global distribution services (GDS) company (Galileo), serving more than 44,000 travel agencies and over 60,000 hotels; hotel distribution and services businesses (Neat Group®, THOR®, TRUST and WizCom®); leading online travel agencies (CheapTickets®, ebookers.com®, HotelClub.com, Lodging.com, Orbitz®, and RatesToGo.com); an airline market intelligence company (Shepherd Systems); an international travel technology and software company (Travelwire); a leading international provider of long-haul air travel and travel product consolidator (Travel 2®/Travel 4®); online global corporate travel management solutions (Orbitz for Business® and Travelport®); and a leading wholesaler and global online provider of hotels, destination services, travel packages and group tours (Gullivers Travel Associates, OctopusTravel.com® and Travel Bound, Inc.).

 

About Verified Identity Pass and Clear
Verified Identity Pass, Inc. was founded in 2003 by journalist and entrepreneur Steven Brill. Clear is the first privately run Registered Traveler program operating at a U.S. Airport. Brill's partners in VERIFIED ID include Lockheed Martin and ARINC.

 

Clear has been operational since July 19, 2005 at Orlando International Airport. Open to all travelers at a fee of $79.95 per year, enrollees begin an application online at flyclear.com and then submit biometric data (fingerprint and iris images) at the ClearSpace enrollment stations in the airport. Once approved by TSA, Members use the specially designated ClearLanes upon arrival at the airport's security checkpoints for expedited passage.