Oh, don't get me started..... ;)

Essentially, you need to give them a biometric identifier (iris scan, finger prints - I'm not sure which they're using), have a background check done, and pay a fee. If your background check comes up clean, you get to use the special 'flyclear' lanes at the airport. You go through the metal detectors the same as everyone else, but you'll never get held up for secondary screening.

Now, how this is supposed to make us safe, I don't know. IDs only establish who you are, not what your intent is.

FlyClear is a separate deal from Real ID and Secure Flight, but they all fit together (the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative fits in here too). Not to raise your blood pressure or anything, but Secure Flight goes into effect later on this month (Dec. 08). Here's a page on it: papersplease.org/sf_faq.html