For hand holding through the traditional airport process, American offers the most formal program that anyone with at least one segment booked in a premium cabin can purchase and that they now offer complimentary for first class passengers booked on their Los Angeles – Sydney flight. I’ve seen American Idol’s Randy Jackson use it (and Billy Crystal not know about it).
Delta has a similar service, Delta VIP Select which at least used to be $125 per person or $200 for two.
Many airlines offer ultra premium services for their highest-end elites on an occasional basis or in key hubs to their highest revenue passengers. Here’s Lufthansa’s car service from the First Class Terminal to the plane in Frankfurt.. nothing like driving behind a 747!
A year and a half ago United launched a branded paid airport VIP program provided by Global Airport Concierge.
- At departure they’ll meet you curbside. On arrival they’ll meet you on the jetbridge.
- They’ll monitor your flight and assist with rebookings.
- You get priority check-in and premium security line access.
- You’ll get escorted to and from your gate.
Points Fitness reports on a special offer for Marriott Gold and Platinum members (which also means anyone with Starwood Gold status even via credit card spend or just having an Amex Platinum card since Starwood Gold matches to Marriott Gold) receive complimentary United Signature Service in conjunction with a travel package redemption.
Platinum and Gold Elite members receive United Signature Service(SM) for two when they book a RewardsPlus travel package ― a complimentary upgrade ― available for a limited time.
Get that elevated feeling in airports like Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International and Newark Liberty International. You’ll be the one with a personal concierge who monitors your flight and provides services such as curbside pick-up, expedited check-in and priority rebooking for any change in plans.
You’ll be that carefree VIP stretching out in the United Club lounge with snacks, complimentary beverages and free Wi-Fi.
The package would normally cost $325 though most wouldn’t pay that much. Still it’s a great bonus in conjunection with an air and hotel redemption when you redeem a United travel package, fly United, and travel from, to, or through a domestic airport offering this service — Chicago, Los Angles, Newark, Houston, or San Francisco.
Is the United service called “Meet and Beat?” ‘Cause it should be. . .
UA is an organization full of bad apples. What’s the appeal of having a sour apple meet you when you walk off the plane?
Since the travel package isn’t really tied to an airline, how does this really work in practice? ie I redeemed a travel package, had the miles transferred to Delta and now have a 7 night certificate. If I fly United to use the certificate does that count? Or does the airline you redeemed through track through somehow?
And in general, any idea how you would request this?