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Old Sep 13, 2022 | 8:10 am
  #114  
cubeman
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Join Date: Mar 2021
Programs: Marriott Ambassador - Delta Diamond - United Silver - Frontier 100k - Sixt Plat
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Originally Posted by pmadden
Quick update regarding my experience with Delta VIP Select last week.

Overall, it was a spectacular experience and something I'm actively considering including in future trip plans.

Here's a semi-detailed summary of my experience using their outbound service from JFK.

Several hours prior to the flight, I received a phone call from the assigned representative indicating they had not been given the driver's name/phone from the car service we were using, and was asked to simply text the representative with an ETA once en-route to JFK. Upon arrival at Terminal 2, the very friendly rep was waiting for us curbside in a bright green safety vest. We were led inside the terminal to the front of the bag check line, where bag tags were pre-printed for us. From there, we were led towards the front (but not quite the very front) of the TSA pre-check line and we cleared security. While waiting to go through security, I asked if it would be possible to head to the T4 SkyClub while we waited for our flight, since I'm not fond of the small-ish and older lounge they have in T2. Turns out, that was the plan all along, which I was really glad to hear!

We were brought down to the tarmac, seated in the back seat of the Porsche, and shuttled 3-4 minutes across to T4 where we were then led through some service hallways until we emerged literally at the front doors of the SkyClub. We bypassed the sizable line of folks waiting to enter, and were led to a cozy corner of the lounge that had been specifically reserved for us. A lounge staff member came over and asked if we'd like anything to drink, and we ordered some cocktails which were then brought right to our seats. We spent about 30 minutes relaxing in the lounge before our rep came back to retrieve us, and we were once again shuttled over to T2 via Porsche. We parked right next to our plane, walked right up the jet bridge steps, took our seats, and the door closed behind us moments later.

Overall, it was an exceptionally seamless and truly relaxing experience. One member of the group, who tends to be a particularly anxious traveler, even remarked about how peaceful the entire experience was from curb to plane. For the price they charge, this really is a worthwhile experience. I only hope that it remains a semi-secret - I could only wonder what would happen if the social media influencer crowd was to find out about this and the subsequent restrictions Delta would implement in response.

I would agree with others who said that the arrival or connection services are likely better values, but nonetheless the departure service was wonderful.
I assume the price would rise, it's already an oddity for some phone reps when you call who it's for and say yourself. They really are used to either an assistant or agent calling it in. They have zero issue doing it but I was asked once how I found out about it and I explained and they said "It really is a smart program if you can afford it, $250-$350 for peace of mind at the airport is the best". I really wish it counted towards MQD's as I always end up being a thousand or so short of Diamond every year and just have to plan out a weekend trip.

I'm happy to hear they added the private table as I figured when I saw it the other day it was for VIP Select. I've done it a few times there and an agent would offer to get us our first drink before she left but we were on our own afterwards and she kinda just found a space for us to sit which was easier during COVID but I figure the table idea came up as the clubs began to fill. I am usually flexible to the agents request as sometimes they ask If I could board first or last depending on her own schedule as it looks like they sometimes balance one or two "VIP's" at a time.

The other benefit of Pickup as mentioned in JFK is they have brought me to the garage to get my car before which if you end up at the end of Terminal 4 in the 40's-50's it's a nice to skip leg day.
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