Notes

Are VIP Airport Services Worth It?
It is easier to skip long airport security lines and immigration lines when you hire a private escort. As far as airport concierge services are concerned, it's a promise they make to travellers, whether they're leaving or arriving. Services are offered in airports worldwide by companies that are independent from airports and airlines (they have permission to operate in the airports where they sell their products).

Analyst George Hobica, who has used some of these services, said their popularity has risen in recent years as airports have gotten busier. These services are perfect for travelers who dislike waiting in lines, find it hard to navigate through airports or have a tight connection. He says if you're the kind of person who likes to get on a plane just as the doors are closing, you should hire an airport concierge. Additionally, you feel like a VIP when you use the service.

خدمة كبار الشخصيات في المطار 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 can save you a great deal of time to take an airport escort, he said.

One well-established company that provides airport escorts is Royal Airport Concierge. Founded in 2006, it is now present in more than 550 airports worldwide and uses local companies for its escorts. Founder Ron Gorfinkel said that the type of service provided depends on the rules of each airport and 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. A round-trip ticket for up to four passengers costs between $300 and $450 on average.

As someone who is curious about escorting guests to an airport, I attempted an airport concierge service, Blacklane PASS, which was launched by a Berlin-based company in August of last year.

The Basics:

Founded in 2011 as a company offering car services, Blacklane PASS now provides escort services at more than 500 airports worldwide. They are either employed by the airport or by a local airport concierge company. Similar to Royal Airport Concierge, Blacklane also provides services based on country and airport regulations. 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 visit and $100 for every subsequent visit. Children two and under are free. The typical passenger tips his escort, but Mr. Wohltorf said gratuities are completely optional.
My Experience:

Recently, I booked Blacklane PASS for my family and me to travel 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. The driver gave us a drop-off point, and when we pulled up at the terminal, he was waiting at the curb to greet us. In a luggage cart, Reda loaded our four carry-ons and four check-in bags and led us to the front of the line at La Compagnie, our airline. 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.
My Website: https://topalpha.de/ar/خدمة-كبار-الشخصيات-VIP/