A new facial recognition screening process is being introduced at Newark Liberty International Airport, aimed at members of the CLEAR prescreening program. The “eGates” allow travelers to simply show their face instead of presenting physical identification at TSA checkpoints. However, travelers still need to carry Real ID-compliant documents, as the requirement for domestic air travel was established on May 7 and includes Passports and Global Entry cards.
While the eGates streamline the process—taking about five seconds to verify a traveler’s identity—they do not replace the need for TSA oversight. TSA officers may still require physical ID checks. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency, especially with an expected influx of 20 million international soccer fans for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and a general rise in airport traffic. Other airports such as LaGuardia, JFK, and Hartsfield-Jackson already feature similar systems.
The project was announced in August 2025 and was implemented at no cost to taxpayers. CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman Becker emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in improving security and the travel experience.
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