Clear testing new curb-to-gate premium service
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.
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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 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).
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 also provides its services at a number of non-airport venues like stadiums and arenas.
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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The Capital One Venture X card is one of the best all-round travel credit cards ever launched. Not only is it offering a tremendous welcome bonus, but cardholders can earn tons of miles on everyday spending and receive a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus to boot. Its annual fee is $395, but cardholders can count on up to $300 in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One Travel each year and other valuable benefits like access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One’s own growing family of airport lounges.Pros
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- 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary.
Cons
- The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that.
- If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
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- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Named editors' choice for "Best New Credit Card of 2021" by The Points Guy
- Earn 10 miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023