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CLEAR Plus Concierge: A New Premium Airport Service, Is It Worth the Extra Cost?

Travel
July 9, 2025
The Points Party Team
Clear Concierge helping a woman check in with TSA at that airport

CLEAR's new concierge service offers premium airport assistance from curb to gate, starting at $99. We break down the two service tiers, availability at 14 major airports, and whether the cost is worth it for your travel style.

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Bottom Line Up Front: CLEAR's new concierge service offers two tiers of premium airport assistance exclusively for CLEAR+ members, starting at $99 per use. While pricey, it could be worth it for high-value travelers, families, or those flying during peak travel times.

Airport security lines getting longer? CLEAR just launched a solution—but it'll cost you extra. The secure identity platform recently unveiled CLEAR Concierge, a premium service that takes their already-popular fast-track security program to the next level with dedicated personal assistance from curb to gate.

First reported by The Points Guy, this new service is exclusively available to CLEAR+ members and promises to turn even the busiest airports into a VIP experience.

What Is CLEAR Concierge?

CLEAR Concierge is a premium add-on service that provides dedicated personal assistance at select airports. According to CLEAR's official press release, the service is designed to address growing airport congestion as U.S. airports are expected to see an additional one million travelers daily by 2030.

Think of it as having your own airport concierge who meets you curbside and guides you through every step of your journey.

The service comes in two tiers:

Concierge Express - $99 per use

  • Curbside pickup: A dedicated CLEAR Ambassador meets you when you arrive at the airport
  • Expedited CLEAR+ Lane access: Skip directly to the front of the CLEAR+ security line
  • Luggage assistance: Help with your carry-on bags
  • Stress-free start: Perfect for business travelers who want efficiency

Concierge Gate Service - $179 per use

  • Everything from Express tier, plus:
  • Check-in assistance: Help with airline check-in process
  • Baggage support: Assistance getting checked bags to the right counter
  • Gate guidance: Personal escort all the way to your departure gate
  • Concierge services: Help finding restaurants, lounges, or amenities
  • Ideal for: Families, seniors, or anyone wanting comprehensive airport assistance

Children under 17 can join CLEAR+ members for free, making this particularly attractive for family travelers.

Where Is CLEAR Concierge Available?

The service is currently live at 14 major U.S. airports, with plans to expand to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport soon:

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
  • Denver International Airport (DEN)
  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
  • Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
  • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
  • Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
  • Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

This initial rollout covers approximately 30% of domestic passenger volume, giving the service substantial reach at major travel hubs.

How to Book CLEAR Concierge

Booking is straightforward but requires advance planning:

  1. Must be a CLEAR+ member - The service is exclusively for existing CLEAR+ subscribers
  2. Book at least 10 hours in advance - Same-day bookings aren't available
  3. Use the CLEAR app or website - Select your airport, flight date, and service tier
  4. Coordinate via text - Your Ambassador will text you the meeting location before arrival
  5. All adults need CLEAR+ membership - Everyone 18+ in your party must be a CLEAR+ member

The service works with all airlines and flight types, so you're not limited to specific carriers.

Is It Worth the Cost?

The value equation depends heavily on your travel patterns and priorities:

When CLEAR Concierge Shines:

  • Peak travel chaos: Holiday weekends, summer vacation season, or major events where airports turn into madhouses
  • Unfamiliar territory: Navigating massive hubs like Denver or Orlando becomes stress-free
  • Family adventures: The Gate Service tier can be a game-changer when juggling kids and luggage
  • Business efficiency: Time savings often justify the $99 Express cost for high-value work trips
  • Accessibility support: Extra assistance proves invaluable for travelers with mobility challenges

When to Skip It:

  • Smaller airports: If you're flying through consistently uncrowded airports
  • Off-peak adventures: Tuesday mornings in February rarely require premium assistance
  • Budget-conscious travel: Adding $99-179 significantly impacts your trip economics
  • Solo TSA PreCheck holders: You might already zip through security efficiently

Maximizing Value with Credit Card Benefits

Before paying for CLEAR Concierge, make sure you're maximizing your existing credit card benefits for the underlying CLEAR+ membership:

Cards That Cover CLEAR+ Membership ($209/year):

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $199 statement credit (full coverage at current pricing)
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Up to $209 statement credit
  • American Express® Green Card: Up to $209 statement credit
  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Up to $209 statement credit

Discounted CLEAR+ Rates:

  • Delta and United credit cardholders: $169 annually (down from $209)
  • United MileagePlus elite members: Various discounts based on status level
  • Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members: $199 annually plus bonus miles

If you're paying full price for CLEAR+ membership, you're likely leaving money on the table. Consider applying for one of these cards to offset the annual fee before adding the concierge service.

Alternative Travel Cards: While cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve don't offer CLEAR benefits, they do provide valuable travel credits and airport lounge access that can enhance your travel experience in other ways.

Don't Forget the Basics

Before investing in CLEAR Concierge, maximize these foundational programs:

  • TSA PreCheck: Costs $78 for five years and allows you to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on while leaving laptops and liquids in carry-on bags during screening
  • Global Entry: Includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs when returning to the U.S.
  • CLEAR + TSA PreCheck combo: The ultimate airport security experience - CLEAR gets you to the front of the line, TSA PreCheck keeps you moving through screening

Many premium travel cards offer statement credits for these programs, making them essentially free with the right strategy.

The Strategic Context

By 2030, U.S. airports are expected to see an additional one million travelers daily, making airport congestion a growing problem. For frequent travelers, the math becomes compelling during peak periods when time savings justify the premium cost.

Bottom Line

CLEAR Concierge represents the continued premiumization of air travel, offering a genuine service upgrade for those willing to pay. While the $99-179 cost won't make sense for every trip, it fills a real need for stressed travelers dealing with increasingly crowded airports.

The service works best as an occasional splurge rather than a regular expense—think holiday travel, unfamiliar airports, or when you're traveling with family. For frequent business travelers or those who value time over money, it could become a regular part of their travel routine.

Our recommendation: Given the premium pricing, CLEAR Concierge makes the most sense for specific high-value travel scenarios rather than routine use. Consider it for holiday travel, unfamiliar airports, family trips, or when you're flying during peak periods where the time savings justify the cost. Most travelers should start by maximizing their credit card benefits for the underlying CLEAR+ membership, then evaluate the concierge service based on their specific travel patterns and budget.

Ready to upgrade your airport experience? Book CLEAR Concierge through the CLEAR app or website, and remember to book at least 10 hours before your flight. Not a CLEAR+ member yet? Sign up for CLEAR Plus and consider one of the credit cards above to get your membership covered before adding the concierge service.

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