Summary
- VIP travel offers chauffeur services, tarmac transfers, and exclusive lounge access for a luxurious flying experience.
- Meet-and-greet services and invitations to exclusive events enhance the airport experience for VIP passengers.
- Having a dedicated contact number can provide timely support for VIP passengers’ needs when flying.
Whether it is a one-off treat for a special occasion or a regular business trip, VIP travel is an appealing prospect to many, and airlines and other ground-based companies are quick to offer an array of upgraded services to make the airport and onboard experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Aside from well-documented first and business class cabins, what other ways can passengers enjoy the ultimate luxury experience when flying?
Dedicated chauffeur service
Emirates offers a dedicated chauffeur service on departure and arrival to passengers traveling in its first and business class cabins. This service is available at the majority of the airline’s destinations worldwide, and must be booked at least 12 hours prior to departure.
Photo: Emirates
However, it is worth noting that award tickets, those upgraded from economy class, and those the airline’s basic business fares do not include this perk. There is also a set maximum distance at each destination, which is typically in the region of 50 miles (80 km).
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Emirates is one of the few renowned carriers that offers a Chauffeur-drive service in many of its destinations.
Other airlines to offer a chauffeur service to passengers traveling in eligible cabins include:
- Etihad Airways – first and business class
- Kuwait Airways – first and business class
- Air China – first and business class
- Air France – first class
- SriLankan Airlines – business class
- Turkish Airlines – business class.
The above services do come with certain restrictions, including departure and arrival airport and fare type. Uniquely, Brussels Airlines has a chauffeur service available to all passengers, regardless of their travel class. It is based instead on fare paid, with the minimum being 2,500 EUR (2,672 USD). However, up to four passengers traveling together on the same booking can take advantage of this perk as long as their total booking price is more than 2,500 EUR.
Tarmac transfers
If a chauffeur service to the airport was not enough, some airlines go so far as driving eligible passengers from the terminal building to the aircraft. Both Lufthansa and Air France offer direct transfers in luxury vehicles from their first class lounges at their respective hubs of Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
Meet-and-greet services
Meet-and-greet services are designed to enhance the airport experience, taking away some of the most stressful parts of traveling. The level of service varies by provider and the type of package booked, but typically includes elements such as:
- Baggage check-in on departure
- Priority access to airport security
- Lounge access on departure
- Baggage collection on arrival
- Dedicated chauffeur service or assistance with onward public transportation arrangements.
Photo: Nuamfolio | Shutterstock
Such meet-and-greet services often come with a hefty price tag, but they can be beneficial, particularly for nervous passengers or when there is a language barrier.
Exclusive lounge access
Airport lounges have become fairly commonplace in recent years, whether they are airline-owned and reserved for business and first class passengers, or privately-owned pay-per-visit lounges, available for all. This democratization of the airport lounge has made the experience accessible to many more travelers, but can sometimes result in overcrowding. However, there are still several lounges around the world that pride themselves on offering the most exclusive environment and service to help passengers unwind before their flight.
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The newly refurbished Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is home to Chase’s flagship airport lounge, the Reserve Suites. The limited number of private suites include a welcome caviar service, à la carte dining, and en-suite bathrooms with luxurious amenities. The fee for reserving the smallest suites starts at around $2,000.
Photo: Q world | Shutterstock
A number of airlines also have exclusive lounges reserved for the most premium passengers. At Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Cathay Pacific’s stunning The Wing is available to the carrier’s first class passengers. The Wing offers everything the VIP traveler could need, from private suites to waterfall showers and fine dining experiences. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways’ Al Safwah Lounge at Hamad International Airport (DOH) is reserved for the airline’s first class passengers, but offers a peaceful retreat inspired by Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art. For the ultimate private experience, the facility even offers private suites with en-suite bathrooms.
Invitations to exclusive events
Airlines are always looking for ways to keep their most loyal passengers engaged, and occasionally, they will invite them to exclusive events, providing them with a unique experience that money cannot buy. Although such events are sometimes reserved for members of the press and media, airlines across the world have been known to invite their most VIP passengers.
Photo: American Airines
While social media is a fantastic tool for airlines to drop teasers, nothing can quite compare to being there in person, meeting some of the carrier’s senior leaders, and sharing experiences with other frequent flyers. Examples of such events include the unveiling of a new aircraft type or the launch of a new cabin interior or route. The video below showcases the unveiling of Malaysia Airlines’ first Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Kuala Lumpur back in November 2023.
Lastly, although it may seem like a small perk compared to the luxuries of lounge access and exclusive onboard cabins, having a dedicated contact number can avoid lengthy waits on the phone when passengers need to contact their airline. Dedicated employees with specialized training can also support VIP passengers with any needs that may arise.
Have you experienced any VIP services when flying? Let us know by commenting below.