Originally Posted by BigFlyer

When they were first starting up Clear years ago, it was supposed to be a sort of trusted traveler program - you would apply, be vetted, and would get to go to the head of the line AND have a less rigorous security check (leaving shoes on was going to be one of the perks.)

As I understand it, even though there is some vetting when you join, it has now lost any pretense of being any sort of trusted traveler program. You pay your money, you get to to to the head of the line, but you then get the same security check as everyone else.

Why do the airports allow the program? What is the public policy rationale for letting you go to the front of the line by paying money to a company which exists for no other purpose than taking people's money to let them go to the head of the line?

At least when the airlines have the elite lines there is some rationale related to the airline's business.

The only reason I can think of is that the airports receive rent money from Clear to allow the program.