BUMMER: CLEAR FOLDS

I thought something was amiss when the Clear lane was closed at JFK Terminal 7 Saturday --with a sign saying the station was closed Sat/Sundays. Then tonight, and we got the letter. As of 11 pm Pacific time  tonight, it's kaput. We just got a cryptic e-mail:

"At 11:00 p.m. PST today, Clear will cease operations. Clear's parent company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations.
After today, Clear lanes will be unavailable."

Founded by my former boss, Steve Brill, Clear was absolutely terrific. Great customer service. Will post more when I find out more.

Website simply repeats it: 

Clear Lanes Are No Longer Available.

At 11:00 p.m. PST on June 22, 2009, Clear will cease operations. Clear’s parent company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations. 

Wired Epicenter report: http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/06/vip-airport-screening-company-closes-lanes/

daggle: http://daggle.com/clear-airport-security-program-closes-707

gigdom: http://gigaom.com/2009/06/22/unclear-path-grounds-clear/

Image courtesy of daggle.

6/23 update from middle seat http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2009/06/23/clear-update-what-happens-to-your-personal-data/