Stewart may get biometrics security screening

Stewart may get biometrics security screening

New York – The Clear® Registered Traveler program, which provides secured air traveler security clearance, could come to Stewart Airport at Newburgh once the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey assumes control of the facility this fall.

The program, which issues a card encoded with biometrics of the individual, including iris image and fingerprints, is in use at the Port’s other airports – JFK, LaGuardia and Newark-Liberty International.

Port Authority spokesman Marc LaVorgna said individual airlines would request the service, which would require approval from the federal Transportation Security Administration.

“It would have to be discussed with the TSA to look at logistically how it would fit in,” he said. “There are always space constraint issues with screening. At the Port Authority we want to make sure that all customers are served properly so that you don’t have a situation where the Registered Traveler program would be taking up needed screening space for passengers going through the regular process.”

Westchester County Airport at White Plains also has the Registered Traveler program.

Persons who apply for the Clear ® card must first have a security threat assessment conducted on them by the TSA.

Covering the Hudson to the Catskills!