Notes

VIP Airport Services: Are They Worth It?
Rather than waiting in long airport security lines and immigration lines, why not have a personal escort take you there faster? A growing number of airport concierge companies promise this to their customers, whether they're taking off or landing. Companies such as these provide their services worldwide and are independent of airports and airlines (they have permission from 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. He said they are ideal for travelers who get frustrated waiting in long lines, have trouble navigating through an airport or who have a tight connection at an airport. He recommends hiring an airport concierge if you want to get on the plane right before its doors close. Additionally, you feel like a VIP when you use 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. He said the airport escort service could save you a lot of time.

Royal Airport Concierge is an established company that provides airport escorting services. Founded in 2006, it is now present in more than 550 airports worldwide and uses local companies for its escorts. 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. The company's pricing varies, but an average ride costs $300 to $450 for up to four passengers.

My interest was piqued by the idea of receiving personal attention at the airport with an escort from Blacklane, a Berlin-based company that started its airport concierge service, Blacklane PASS, last August.

The Basics:

Originally a car service company, Blacklane now provides escorts at 500 airports worldwide through Blacklane PASS. Escorts are either employed by the airport itself or by local concierge companies. Fast Track Airport TopAlpha Like Royal Airport Concierge, Blacklane offers services specific to a particular country or airport. However, according to Jens Wohltorf, its chief executive and co-founder, the company escorts fast track passengers through security, customs and immigration, carries their luggage and helps them process VAT refunds. Furthermore, they meet arriving passengers at the airport and assist them with passport control, transportation, and curbside pickup as well as customs and immigration.


The Cost:

A first-time guest will be charged $200 and each subsequent guest will be charged $100. Airport meet and greet services Children two and under are free. While most passengers tip their escorts, Wohltorf said a gratuity is optional and not required.
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 indicating a drop off point, he waited at the curb and welcomed us as we pulled into the terminal. The luggage cart Reda used to load our four carry-ons and four check-in bags was at the head of the queue for the check-in desk at La Compagnie, our airline. Although the line wasn't chaotic, I did feel glee when Reda flashed his pass to an airline employee who promptly let us bypass the others.




Here's my website: https://topalpha.de/vip-service/