Does VIP Service at the Airport Make Sense?
When you're able to hire an escort directly to the front of airport security and immigration lines, why bother with long lines? As far as airport concierge services are concerned, it's a promise they make to travellers, whether they're leaving or arriving. The companies offer their services in airports around the world and are independent of airlines and airports (they have permission to operate at the airports where their services are sold).
Analyst George Hobica, who has used a few of these services, said they've gained popularity in recent years as airports have become busier. It's ideal for travelers who don't want to wait in line, need assistance navigating an airport, or have a tight connection where time is of the essence. Booking an airport concierge would be a good idea if you are among those who like to board just as the plane is closing up, he said. Also, you'll feel like a VIP with this service.
خدمات كبار الشخصيات الفاخرة TopAlpha Those who have an international departure and are flying in economy class may particularly benefit from an airport escort, Mr. Hobica said, because theyre required to arrive at the airport three hours in advance and have to contend with longer security lines, compared with business and first class fliers who usually have separate security lines. It is possible to save a great deal of time by taking an airport escort, he said.
A company that specializes in providing airport escorts is Royal Airport Concierge. With its arrival at more than 550 airports world-wide in 2006, the company employs its own greeters and local companies to provide escorting services. According to Ron Gorfinkel, the type of service offered depends on the rules of the airport and the country. For a departure from Italy, for example, a greeter is permitted to escort departing passengers onto the plane and help them stow their carry-on luggage while fliers arriving into Londons Heathrow Airport have the option to be met at their gate and taken to customs and immigration in a golf cart, where they are fast tracked through the lanes. Pricing varies but averages $300-$450 for up to four passengers.
Blacklane, a Berlin-based company that launched Blacklane PASS, a concierge service at airports, caught my attention because of the idea of getting star treatment at an airport.
The Basics:
Blacklane began as car service company in 2011, but now offers escorts in more than 500 airports worldwide via its Blacklane PASS service. The escorts work for either the airport itself or for an airport concierge service. Blacklane, like Royal Airport Concierge, offers services based on country and airport rules. Jens Wohltorf, the company's chief executive and co-founder, said the company escorts fast track fliers through security, customs and immigration, assists them with luggage and helps process VAT refunds. They can also arrange transportation and coordinate with a driver for curbside pickup. They meet arriving passengers at the plane's exit and assist them through customs and immigration.
The Cost:
Each subsequent guest will pay $100. Children two and under are free. Mr. Wohltorf said that although most travelers tip their escorts, it is absolutely not mandatory.
My Experience:
For a recent trip from Paris Orly Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport, including travel for myself, my children and my parents, I booked a Blacklane PASS. I reserved the service online a week before our trip (first-time customers must reserve online but subsequent bookings can be made online or via phone) and received a text message from our escort, Reda (only permitted to use his first name), the night before our journey introducing himself and asking if I could text him when we were five minutes away from the airport so that he could greet us. After indicating a drop off point, he waited at the curb and welcomed us as we pulled into the terminal. We had four carry-ons and four check-in bags loaded onto a luggage cart, and Reda had led us to the airline's check-in line. While the line was not long, I did feel a sense of elation when Reda showed his pass to an employee, who quickly allowed us to bypass the line.