Notes

Are VIP Airport Services 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? An increasing number of airport concierge companies make this promise to fliers, regardless of whether they're departing or arriving. Airport Bus Service Near Me 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).

The popularity of these services has increased in the last few years as airports have become more congested, according to airline and airport analyst George Hobica. 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. A concierge is very useful if you like to get on the plane just as it's closing, especially if you like to get on just as the doors close. You also feel like a VIP when using the service.

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. Getting an airport escort saves a lot of time, he said.

A company that specializes in providing airport escorts is Royal Airport Concierge. As of 2006, it operates in more than 550 airports worldwide, employing its own greeters as well as local companies for its escorting services. Ron Gorfinkel, the founder of the company, said the type of service provided 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. Depending on the company, travel costs can range from $300 to $450 for up to four passengers.

My interest in the concept of getting star treatment at an airport prompted me to test out Blacklane PASS last August, a Berlin-based firm that launched an airport concierge service.

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. Airport concierge services or escorts hired from the airport themselves provide these services. Like Royal Airport Concierge, Blacklane offers services specific to a particular country or airport. In general, though, co-founder Jens Wohltorf says he escorts fast track fliers through security, customs, immigration, and carries their luggage, as well as processes VAT refunds for fliers. 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:

Guests are charged $200 for the first time, and $100 for each following time. Children two and under are free. The typical passenger tips his escort, but Mr. Wohltorf said gratuities are completely optional.
My Experience:

For my recent trip from Paris Orly Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport, my two children and my parents booked 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 giving us a drop-off point, when we pulled up at the terminal, he welcomed us with a big smile. Reda loaded the bags onto a luggage cart and guided us to the front of the check-in line for our airline, La Compagnie. 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.
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