Notes

What's the point of airport VIP services?
Rather than waiting in long airport security lines and immigration lines, why not have a personal escort take you there faster? An increasing number of airport concierge companies make this promise to fliers, regardless of whether they're departing or arriving. Globally, these companies provide service in airports and operate independently of airports and airlines (they are allowed to operate in the airports where they sell their services).

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. 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. موقع لحجز الفنادق - ArabTours24.com 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. 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. It is possible to save a great deal of time by taking an airport escort, he said.

As an example of an established company that provides airport escorts, consider Royal Airport Concierge. The company started in 2006 and now operates in over 550 airports worldwide and depends primarily on local companies as well as its own greeters. 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 costs on average $300 to $450 for a four-passenger trip.

I was intrigued by the idea of having an escort at an airport, so I decided to test one from Blacklane, a Berlin-based company that launched its airport concierge service, Blacklane PASS, in August of last year.

The Basics:

Since 2011, Blacklane has provided 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. According to Jens Wohltorf, CEO and founder, the service escorts passengers through security, customs, immigration, carry their luggage and process VAT refunds. Also, they assist passengers through customs, immigration, and baggage claim, and can even help arrange transportation and coordinate curbside pickup.

The Cost:

Every additional guest is charged $100, with a first-time cost of $200. Children two and under are free. Mr. Wohltorf said that giving a gratuity is not required and is completely optional.
My Experience:

My family, my two children, and I booked Blacklane PASS for 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. After indicating a drop off point, he waited at the curb and welcomed us as we pulled into the terminal. Reda loaded our four carry-ons and four check-in bags onto a luggage cart and led us to the front of the check-in line for our airline, La Compagnie. While the line wasn't overly long, I had a moment of glee when Reda handed his pass to the employee, who kindly allowed us to bypass other passengers.
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