Facing forward: Facial biometric screening debuts at O’Hare as air travel surge looms

Posted June 10, 2026 6:52 pm

Marni Pyke

Passengers could face long lines this summer at O'Hare International Airport, but new facial recognition technology could ease the wait, for those willing to pay extra. AP

With a blockbuster summer of travel expected, the Chicago Department of Aviation has partnered with a private company to offer a new biometric screening process to speed some passengers along at O’Hare International Airport.

The company, CLEAR, launched the biometric eGates option Tuesday. The technology scans passengers’ faces to verify their identify within five seconds, allowing them to quickly bypass TSA document checks and proceed to physical screening, officials said.

CLEAR also debuted a concierge program that pairs fliers with an “ambassador” who carries belongings and guides them to their gate.

“We’re the first checkpoint in the country to have five eGates, saving and returning countless hours back to TSA,” said Kyle McLaughlin, CLEAR’s executive vice president, aviation, at O’Hare’s Checkpoint 3 in Terminal 1.

“Travelers today expect airports to be safe, efficient, modern and convenient,” said Chicago Alderman Matt O’Shea, who chairs the city council’s Aviation Committee. “Partnerships like this with CLEAR, allow us to deliver on that expectation.”

Moving faster comes at a price, however. Membership in CLEAR is $209 a year, and the concierge program is $99 for departure assistance and $199 for help with arrivals.

CLEAR and the Chicago Department of Aviation launched enhanced biometric screening with eGates and concierge service this week at O'Hare International Airport. Courtesy of Clear

O’Hare could see record crowds, as this month brings the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago as well as myriad FIFA World Cup attendees flying through O’Hare. The hectic pace will continue in July with the 250th anniversary of the United States and Lollapalooza in Grant Park.

Air travel is already spiking. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration noted two milestones at O’Hare: Sunday was the second busiest in the airport’s history, with more than 117,400 passengers screened; and Monday was sixth, with over 114,00 people at checkpoints.

The TSA is expecting record crowds at O’Hare International Airport this summer. AP

CLEAR works in partnership with the TSA, the city of Chicago and United Airlines. The company first appeared at O’Hare in November 2019, offering finger print and eye scan technology to get enrolled travelers to the front of the security line.

CLEAR officials said the eGates provide real-time biometric information to confirm identities but noted the TSA remains in charge of airport security. The company cannot access watchlists and does not sell biometric or personal information, officials said.

CLEAR began testing the eGates at airports in 2025 in preparation for the World Cup.