VIP Airport Services: Are They Worth It?
It is not necessary to wait in long airport security and immigration lines when there is an escort available to take you directly to the gates? As far as airport concierge services are concerned, it's a promise they make to travellers, whether they're leaving or arriving. Companies like these provide their services in airports around the world and are independent of both airports and airlines (they have permission to sell their services in airports they operate in).
In the last several years, as airports have become increasingly crowded, airline and airport analyst George Hobica indicates that these services have become more popular. According to him, using a concierge service is perfect for travelers who get irritated by standing in long lines, need assistance finding their way through an airport or have a tight connection where time is of the essence. He advises booking an airport concierge if you like to board your plane right as it is about to close. Additionally, you are treated as a VIP.
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. He said the airport escort service could save you a lot of time.
A company such as Royal Airport Concierge provides airport escorts. As of June 2018, it operates in more than 550 airports worldwide and chooses to hire local companies for its escorts and greeters. According to Ron Gorfinkel, the type of service provided depends on the rules at 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. Price varies but is typically $300 to $450 for up to four passengers.
Interested in the idea of getting exclusive treatment at airports by having a private escort, I decided to try one from Blacklane, the Berlin-based company that launched an airport concierge service last year, the Blacklane PASS.
The Basics:
Founded in 2011 as a company offering car services, Blacklane PASS now provides escort services at more than 500 airports worldwide. The escorts work for either the airport itself or for an airport concierge service. The services offered by Blacklane are based on the country and airport policies. CEO and co-founder Jens Wohltorf said that the company is generally escorting fast track fliers through security, customs, and immigration, carrying their luggage, and handling VAT refunds. Additionally, they meet arriving passengers at the exit of the aircraft and assist them through customs and immigration as well as baggage claim; they can even arrange transportation and coordinate with a driver for curbside pickup.
The Cost:
For the first guest, the service costs $200, and every subsequent guest costs $100. Children two and under are free. Mr. Wohltorf said that although most travelers tip their escorts, it is absolutely not mandatory.
My Experience:
The Blacklane PASS was booked for me, my two children, and my parents on a recent trip from Paris Orly Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport. 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. موقع حجز فنادق He gave us an exact pick up point, and as soon as we pulled up at the terminal, he smiled and welcomed us. Our four carry-ons and four check-in bags were loaded onto a luggage cart by Reda as he had us report to the line for our airline, La Compagnie. While the line wasn't too long, I did feel a sliver of joy when Reda flashed his pass to an airline employee, who allowed us to bypass other travelers.
In the last several years, as airports have become increasingly crowded, airline and airport analyst George Hobica indicates that these services have become more popular. According to him, using a concierge service is perfect for travelers who get irritated by standing in long lines, need assistance finding their way through an airport or have a tight connection where time is of the essence. He advises booking an airport concierge if you like to board your plane right as it is about to close. Additionally, you are treated as a VIP.
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. He said the airport escort service could save you a lot of time.
A company such as Royal Airport Concierge provides airport escorts. As of June 2018, it operates in more than 550 airports worldwide and chooses to hire local companies for its escorts and greeters. According to Ron Gorfinkel, the type of service provided depends on the rules at 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. Price varies but is typically $300 to $450 for up to four passengers.
Interested in the idea of getting exclusive treatment at airports by having a private escort, I decided to try one from Blacklane, the Berlin-based company that launched an airport concierge service last year, the Blacklane PASS.
The Basics:
Founded in 2011 as a company offering car services, Blacklane PASS now provides escort services at more than 500 airports worldwide. The escorts work for either the airport itself or for an airport concierge service. The services offered by Blacklane are based on the country and airport policies. CEO and co-founder Jens Wohltorf said that the company is generally escorting fast track fliers through security, customs, and immigration, carrying their luggage, and handling VAT refunds. Additionally, they meet arriving passengers at the exit of the aircraft and assist them through customs and immigration as well as baggage claim; they can even arrange transportation and coordinate with a driver for curbside pickup.
The Cost:
For the first guest, the service costs $200, and every subsequent guest costs $100. Children two and under are free. Mr. Wohltorf said that although most travelers tip their escorts, it is absolutely not mandatory.
My Experience:
The Blacklane PASS was booked for me, my two children, and my parents on a recent trip from Paris Orly Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport. 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. موقع حجز فنادق He gave us an exact pick up point, and as soon as we pulled up at the terminal, he smiled and welcomed us. Our four carry-ons and four check-in bags were loaded onto a luggage cart by Reda as he had us report to the line for our airline, La Compagnie. While the line wasn't too long, I did feel a sliver of joy when Reda flashed his pass to an airline employee, who allowed us to bypass other travelers.
Public Last updated: 2021-11-03 06:49:06 PM
