Hertz Partners With Clear To Launch Biometric Lanes For Car Rentals

(RTTNews) - Car rental company Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (HTZ) and biometric technology company CLEAR announced the introduction of biometric ID technology for car rentals.

"Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR" is a new service that allows travellers at airports to use fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology to collect a rental car, instead of showing a physical ID.

According to the companies, the new service uses biometrics to "drastically speed up the car rental process and get travelers through the exit gate and on the road in 30 seconds or less - a time savings of at least 75 percent."

Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR marks the first use of biometrics by a rental car company.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty members who sign up for CLEAR and link their accounts will be able to verify their identity and rental reservation with just a look or tap of their finger.

Membership in CLEAR is available at no additional cost when used in connection with this program. Members interested in upgrading their CLEAR membership to include airport security access, will receive preferred pricing based on their Hertz loyalty status, Hertz noted.

The first Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR is now available at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

Throughout 2019, the fast lanes will be rolled out to more than 40 additional Hertz locations, including some of the busiest U.S. airports such as Los Angeles International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and San Francisco International Airport.

"By teaming with CLEAR, Hertz gets a partner with an expanding footprint and proven track record to help us innovate the car rental process, improve the customer experience and bring meaningful benefits to busy travellers," Hertz CEO Kathryn Marinello said.

Clear, partly owned by Delta Air Lines, is in place in 40 U.S. airports and sports venues. The company has also developed Delta Biometrics, the system used by the airline to streamline access to the airport lounge.