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MUSCLELOW89


IT IS EASIER TO SKIP LONG AIRPORT SECURITY LINES AND IMMIGRATION LINES WHEN YOU
HIRE A PRIVATE ESCORT. A GROWING NUMBER OF AIRPORT CONCIE...


NOVEMBER 4, 2021


VIP AIRPORT SERVICES: ARE THEY WORTH IT?

It is easier to skip long airport security lines and immigration lines when you
hire a private escort. 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).

George Hobica, an airline and airport analyst who has used several of these
services, says they've grown in popularity recently as airports have been
busier. 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 are also treated
like 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 airport escorts can save you a lot
of time.

In terms of airport escorts, Royal Airport Concierge is an established company.
With its arrival at more than 550 airports world-wide in 2006, the company
employs its own greeters and local companies to provide escorting services.
Founder Ron Gorfinkel said the type of service provided depends on the airport
and country rules. 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.

As a result of being intrigued by the idea of getting star treatment at an
airport, I decided to try Blacklane, a Berlin-based company that launched a
concierge service in August, Blacklane PASS, at the airport last year.

Fast Track Airport TopAlpha 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 are either
employed by the airport or by a concierge company. Like Royal Airport Concierge,
Blacklane offers services specific to a particular country or airport.
Generally, according to CEO Jens Wohltorf, the company escorts travelers through
security, customs, immigration, and handles refunded VAT. Also, they assist
passengers through customs, immigration, and baggage claim, and can even help
arrange transportation and coordinate curbside pickup.

The Cost:

For the first guest, the service costs $200, and every subsequent guest costs
$100. Children two and under are free. Wohltorf points out that the majority of
fliers tip their escorts, but one is not required. My Experience:

For a recent trip from Paris Orly Airport to Newark Liberty International
Airport, including travel for myself, my children and my parents, I booked a
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 we got to the terminal, he was waiting for us with a smile
at the curb. Reda stacked our four carry-ons and four check-in bags on a luggage
cart and guided us forward to the head of the check-in line for the airline we
were flying, La Compagnie. It wasn't a long line, but the moment Reda flashed
his pass to an airline employee who allowed us to bypass other passengers was a
bit of a thrill for me.