Skift Take
By acquiring Argentinan vendor Whyline, Clear is doubling down on technology that allows travelers to reserve a spot in line when they check in for their flight. This “virtual queueing” tech could be used outside of airports, too, such as at attraction parks, in conference venues, and on cruise ships.
Clear, the airport screening and biometric identity company, said on Tuesday it had bought Whyline, a seller of virtual queuing and appointment systems based in Argentina.
The companies didn’t disclose the value of the all-cash purchase. Whyline had raised $5.6 million in funding.
The deal is Clear’s first acquisition since going public on June 29, 2021. The initial public offering put $409 million on its balance sheet, facilitating future acquisitions.
Whyline helps companies manage customer flows through the use of virtual queuing.
For example, passengers at Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport at three checkpoints…