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Clear testing new curb-to-gate premium service

Aug. 07, 2022
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3 min read
Passengers using CLEAR kiosk that allows quick and secure Identity confirmation, West Palm Beach Airport, Florida
Clear testing new curb-to-gate premium service
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Clear members may soon have an even more exclusive option for navigating the airport.

The company, which provides expedited identify verification and line-skipping access at dozens of U.S. airport security checkpoints, is testing out a new premium service that would start curbside and end at the gate.

TPG’s Summer Hull was the first to spot the new service when she got an email notification from Clear this weekend.

The paid program for members is called “Clear Premium,” according to the notice.

Under the exclusive tier of service, members would get a personal guide — called an ambassador by Clear — that would escort travelers from curbside all the way to their gate. This means the ambassador would assist flyers with bag check, through the Clear lane and security and then help with navigating airport concourses to the gate.

A single reservation costs $79, according to the alert Summer received. The notice mentioned that Clear currently has a limited number of reservations for this service.

clear premium notification
(Screenshot from Clear)

Clear confirms this program is in the pilot phase, but the company hopes to expand the premium service to other airports in the future. It is currently only available at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Security checkpoint at Orlando International Airport. (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Clear’s more traditional service allows travelers to head to an exclusive area at many major U.S. airports rather than waiting in a security line. A kiosk quickly verifies members' identities using biometrics like a facial scan. Then, a Clear ambassador escorts the member to the front of the TSA line to undergo TSA screening: either the front of the TSA PreCheck line for Clear members who also have PreCheck or the front of the standard line for non-PreCheck members.

clear st louis
A standard Clear set up at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) in June 2022. (Photo by Sean Cudahy/The Points Guy)

Clear also provides its services at a number of non-airport venues like stadiums and arenas.

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This Clear Premium service would seem to provide members with a more enhanced option for navigating the airport. Given that the program is being introduced in Orlando where many families travel throughout the year, it could be a way to provide a better airport experience for people with children.

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Featured image by LINDSEY NICHOLSON/UCG/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP VIA GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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