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How Clear's airport safety precautions will keep you safer in the airport

May 29, 2020
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3 min read
Clear expedited airport security
How Clear's airport safety precautions will keep you safer in the airport
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Quarantine restrictions are beginning to lift around the world, and a number of veteran travelers are ready to hit the skies again. But it won't traveling won't remain safe for long without the proper precautions in place.

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Enter Clear, the expedited security option available in 34 airports across the nation. The company recently implemented a number of practices designed to minimize the amount of exposure for. The biometrics screening pods allow travelers to verify their identity via a touch-free iris scan, while members who prefer to continue using fingerprint scanners instead will have quick access to constantly replenished hand sanitizer.

Related: Everything you need to know about Clear expedited security

Each Clear pod is cleaned after every traveler verification, and can additionally be cleaned again upon request from the traveler. Furthermore, the entire pod and all Clear equipment is deep-cleaned and disinfected multiple times ecah day.

Social distance is also a priority for Clear: Floor markers have been placed six feet apart in Clear lanes, while screening pods have been spaced out at a wider distance than usual where possible, or separated by plexiglass protective shields where space doesn't allow for distanced layouts.

Related: Clear biometrics through security

Finally, Clear's free Health Pass tool will allow travelers to store medical documents such as proof of clean health directly within the mobile app itself.

The safety precautions don't stop with passengers. All of Clear's employees must wear face masks throughout their shift, while managers are conducting daily health checks, including temperature scans and symptom inquiries, to ensure that all workers are healthy. Break rooms and other employee areas are regularly sanitized, and also undergo daily professional deep cleanings.

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Related: New travel trick from Clear

All of these precautions are in addition to Clear's existing protocols for regular health and safety trainings, and Clear employees are often reminded to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on health practices.

Employees who feel sick, or who have or are planning to get tested for COVID-19, are asked to notify their managers immediately, and will receive paid time off for COVID-related illness. The company also covers 100 percent of employee health insurance, and pays out “care bonuses” through the “One CLEAR Fund," which is funded by the full donated salaries of CLEAR’s CEO and President.

If you don't already have a Clear membership, you can still enroll directly in the airport. Use TPG's promo code to score two free months — or possibly qualify up to a full year of free or discounted membership.

Even better yet, existing travelers can qualify for a free three-month extension on their membership with one quick action.

Additional resources for traveling during the coronavirus outbreak:

Featured image by Getty Images

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • 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.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • 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.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $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.
  • Terms Apply.