Free “BER Runway” Virtual Queuing Program Launches at Berlin Brandenburg Airport

Developed by Copenhagen Optimization and CLEAR, Program Allows Travelers to Reserve a Security Control Time Slot for a More Predictable Travel Experience

BER Becomes First European Airport to Introduce Virtual Queuing Solution; Program Marks CLEAR’s First Expansion into Europe

24th August 2022

Berlin, Germany – Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Copenhagen Optimization, and CLEAR (NYSE: YOU) today announced the launch of a free virtual queuing program, called “BER Runway.” Developed by Copenhagen Optimization and CLEAR, BER Runway allows travelers to plan ahead and reserve a dedicated security time slot for their party – giving them a more predictable and stress-free travel experience. With the launch, BER becomes the first European airport to implement the virtual queuing solution; the program also marks CLEAR’s entry into Europe.

“BER Runway provides our passengers with an attractive, free service. It allows them to plan their stay at the airport more reliably and make their journey less stressful,” said Thomas Hoff Anderson, Managing Director Operations at Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH. “The BER Runway is also an important step on the way to further digitizing operations at our airport. This will enable us to further optimize all processes in the interest of our passengers in the future.”

“Allowing the passenger to be in control of their journey is the future of air transportation,” said Kasper Hounsgaard, co-CEO of Copenhagen Optimization. “Our virtual queuing solution is a game-changer in the personalized airport experience. More relaxed and happier passengers benefit the commercial part of business while nudging passengers to arrive outside the peak periods improves the operation. As the virtual queuing solution integrates seamlessly with any airport system, it is a viable solution for any airport to take on.”

“With this expansion, a whole new international market will be able to experience what the CLEAR brand stands for: frictionless, stress-free experiences,” said CLEAR CEO Caryn Seidman-Becker. “We’re excited to partner with the entire Berlin Brandenburg community to make the airport experience better for both the airport and the traveler and to bring the CLEAR brand to the European market.”

How It Works

• Reserve: To use the free BER Runway lane, just visit the dedicated website where you can enter your flight details, the size of your party, and find a reservation time that works for you.
• Confirm: Once you select your reservation time, finish booking by entering your email, and confirming your details. You’ll receive a confirmation email and QR code.
• Go: When you arrive in Terminal 1, look for signs pointing to the BER Runway lane. Scan your QR code and enjoy the fast lane right to security.

Reservations can be made online up to 72 hours in advance of a flight’s scheduled departure. Reservation times are available based on the passenger’s selected flight; slots are available starting at least 60 minutes before Schengen flights and at least 90 minutes before non-Schengen flights. The dedicated BER Runway security lane is open between 4:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

BER Runway is part of Copenhagen Optimization and CLEAR’s “Reserve powered by CLEAR” portfolio of virtual queuing programs. Today’s launch marks the first European airport and the eighth airport globally to offer the virtual queuing solution. Other airports include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and Calgary International Airport (YYC).