Fly Like a Celebrity: How to Get VIP Treatment Before Boarding
A handful of special terminal VIP experiences are available for travelers, even if you’re an economy passenger. Several airlines, including Delta, American, United, and Hawaiian, allow passengers to pre-book a string of luxury services before taking off. These little-known upgrades can help remove pre-flight stress and help you enter holiday mode long before you’re airborne.
Delta VIP Select
Delta’s hush-hush airport concierge service, known as VIP Select, can only be reserved via a special phone number or through email and will set you back £395. For outgoing flights, passengers are met at the curb by a Delta agent who has already printed labels for checked luggage. Passengers are then escorted through security to the terminal’s SkyClub. There, travelers have a reserved seating area where they can relax until boarding time begins, at which time they can choose to board first or last. Delta offers its VIP Select service at nine US airports, including Atlanta, Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York LaGuardia (LGA), and New York JFK.
United Signature Service
Likewise, United’s premium service, known as Signature Service, is available to all passengers, regardless of seat assignment. In most cases, a concierge will greet you at the curb or a pre-arranged part of the airport. The employee will then clarify your flight status, help you through priority check-in, and expedite security screening through the Premier Access lane if available. They will then help you settle into United Club and give you a gentle reminder when it’s time to fly. The price of Signature Service varies based on location, but prices can be as low as £200 per person, and children under two go free.
Hawaiian Airlines Premium Airport Service
Hawaiian Airlines guarantees a smoother journey with their premium airport service, including downtime in an intimate new lounge. The service can be booked by departing, connecting, and arriving customers. The airline hasn’t revealed its exact price, but they say it’ll start at £390 for a couple. Passengers can expect perks like pre-arrival check-in on their behalf, a curbside greeting, priority baggage handling, and access to an expedited line at the TSA security checkpoint. Hawaiian Airlines also allows travelers to use Hawaiian Miles to cover the cost of the service.
In addition to these VIP services, there are other travel hacks to enhance your airport experience. For instance, O2 and Virgin Media customers can get free lounge access by registering their flights in advance through O2 Priority. Also, a flight attendant has shared a secret hack on social media that could lead to a first-class upgrade for free, simply based on your choice of seat.
Enjoy the perks of VIP treatment and make your journey a stress-free and luxurious experience from the moment you step into the airport terminal.