Frequent traveler is not clear on cutting

DEAR AMY >> I travel by air for work relatively often and have TSA Pre-check to get through security faster.

My regional airport allows Clear to operate there, and I find myself getting angry every time a Clear employee escorts someone in front of me in line without acknowledging my presence, asking my permission, or apologizing for “cutting” in front of me.

I’ve been trying to think of a clever and direct way to preemptively signal that I’m not OK with them walking in front of me.

I’ve even looked online to see if this is something I need to accept, but haven’t found anything. Any thoughts?

DEAR SIMMERING >> Clear is a private company that operates in airports, using biometrics (iris scan and fingerprints) to expedite passage through airport security lines. I note on the company’s website that they offer human “ambassadors” to escort paid users to the front of security lines — that’s the “cutting” you’ve experienced.

Just as you have paid extra to join the TSA

Pre-check queue (allowing you to bypass many of the security checks other passengers tolerate), cutting the line seems to be the privilege these customers are purchasing.

The experience of being pre-empted by others is one of many at airports these days that passengers are not “OK” with.

An “ambassador” should make eye contact with you and say something like: “Excuse me — I’m escorting this Clear customer through the expedited line. Thank you for your patience.” In addition to being basically polite, treating other passengers well might sell their service to potential customers.

On the other hand, they may see any interchange with other passengers as opening the door to complaints.

Your question is really about how to respond to this abrupt interruption. I have no clever response, but saying, “Hi there — after you, have a nice flight,” might inspire an acknowledgment or a more polite response from them.