Navigating increasingly large and complex airports can be overwhelming, leading to a rise in personalized assistance programs for travelers willing to pay. These services, offered by airlines and independent companies, aim to reduce stress by providing perks like personal concierges, expedited security access, and VIP lounge access. Such services are not exclusively for first-class passengers or frequent fliers, making them accessible to a wider range of travelers.
Major US airlines like Delta, United, and American, along with international carriers such as Air France and British Airways, offer premium services. Delta's VIP Select, available in 11 domestic hubs, starts at $550 for the first passenger and includes a guide, baggage assistance, and Sky Club access. United's Signature Service, available at 21 airports, begins around $250 per person for a greeter and club access. American Airlines' Five Star Service, priced at $350 for the first person, is exclusive to business or first-class passengers at 22 airports. Air France offers concierge services at Paris Charles de Gaulle starting at $350, and British Airways partners with Diamond Air for similar services at Heathrow.
Beyond airline-specific offerings, independent concierge companies like the Queen of Clubs, Perq Soleil, and Royal Airport Concierge provide airport assistance in hundreds of airports globally, with prices for meet-and-greet or transfer services ranging from $250 to over $500. Clear Concierge, a newer service from the ID security firm Clear, offers personal escorts from curb through security for $99, or all the way to the departure gate for $179, at 23 major US airports for Clear members. For ultimate luxury, the PS brand offers a private terminal experience at Los Angeles and Atlanta, with plans for expansion, where travelers can check bags, clear security privately, and be driven directly to their plane, starting at around $1,200 per person.
These personalized concierge services differ from expedited security programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. TSA PreCheck, costing $76-$85 for five years, allows access to faster security lanes where shoes and laptops don't need to be removed. CLEAR+, priced at $209 annually, uses biometric verification to speed up the ID check, directing travelers to either standard or PreCheck lanes. While these memberships primarily focus on security line efficiency, the concierge services offer a broader range of assistance throughout the entire airport journey.
