How Much Would You Pay for a Personal Airport Valet?
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Passengers departing from or arriving at airports in India will soon have a new option for navigating the challenges of air travel. Government officials have approved so-called “meet and greet” outfits which will help to usher flyers through ticketing, customs, airport security, and even baggage claim, providing guidance from the curb to the aircraft and vice-versa for a fee.
Air India has designated a contractor to offer concierge-style service at India’s busiest airports. For a fee, the “meet and greet” provider will assist passengers through every step of the journey (at least the part that occurs on airport property).
According to the airline, the new airport assistant services are being made available after new rules were approved by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). Airports may now designate a provider to offer the services. Air India confirms that AI Sahyog Service will be contracted to offer assistance with check-in, luggage, security, customs and boarding for those willing to pay for the help. Passengers will also have access to golf carts upon arrival or when catching departing or connecting flights.
VIP treatment at the airport will come at a price, however. The use of an airport guide will cost around $100 per passenger. The airline says that the new services will not supersede any free assistance already offered at no charge for passengers with special needs or medical conditions.
“Initially, the service will be offered at Delhi and Mumbai airports for departing, arriving and transiting passengers,” an unnamed Air India Air official told the Hindustan Times. “India will continue to offer free assistance to passengers requiring special care/attention due to any physical injury or disability as mandated in [Directorate General of Civil Aviation] DGCA rules.”
The airport guides are already available at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Departing passengers availing themselves of the service are met at the airport parking lot and accompanied all the way to their flight. Meanwhile, arriving passengers are met at the gate upon arrival. The service is expected to eventually be available at all major commercial airports in the country.
-$5.
You can do this in the US also: just request a wheelchair.
Depends? Priority Check-in? Private Priority Security? Shuttle Service to the Lounge? Luxury Transport from the lounge to the plane?