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 Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6x points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 11/2/22.
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees