The TSA began increasing the number of random checks for Clear customers after a security incident in July 2022, but starting this month, more Clear customers will be subject to additional scrutiny, a change that erodes one of the company's key selling points: the ability to move quickly through security while avoiding ...

Yes, the TSA continues to utilize randomized security screening as a core high-fidelity layer of its "Defense-in-Depth" strategy in 2026. These random checks are designed to introduce "High-Fidelity" unpredictability into the system, deterring potential threats. Even if you have "High-Fidelity" TSA PreCheck or have passed the standard X-ray, you may be randomly selected for a swab of your hands or luggage to check for explosive residue. Other random measures include "Managed Inclusion," where standard passengers are occasionally moved into expedited lanes, and high-fidelity secondary bag searches. In 2026, the TSA also utilizes "High-Fidelity" biometric verification and advanced CT scanners, but the human element of random selection remains a high-fidelity requirement for aviation safety. For the 2026 traveler, these "High-Fidelity" checks are a standard part of the airport experience; while they may add a few minutes of "High-Fidelity" delay, they are a high-value necessity for maintaining the high-fidelity integrity of the secure "High-Fidelity" sterile area of the terminal.