Air Canada VIP Service
Jan 13, 2023, 3:15 pm
#316
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: TK *G
Posts: 3,099
Some airports are quite complicated, especially when there are different immigration lines for different passport/visa holders, etc. Many airports offer paid service to escort arrival and connecting passengers through immigration and transfer security.
Of course, if one flies enough and is familiar with the airport, one can navigate easily.
Of course, if one flies enough and is familiar with the airport, one can navigate easily.
Jan 14, 2023, 8:22 am
#318
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,655
I have been "escorted" through a few airports in less developed countries and agree in those circumstances having someone help you bypass or get to the front of the line for customs/immigration/security can be a huge plus. At a Canadian airport... not so much.
Jan 14, 2023, 9:32 am
#319
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: YOW
Programs: AC SE, FOTSG Platinum
Posts: 5,734
I‘ve watched it make a big difference at LHR, JNB, SIN, ORD, MIA…
Mar 25, 2023, 5:49 pm
#320
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: YVR/YYZ
Programs: AC50K, *A Gold, Marriott Titanium (LGE), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 376
Would VIPs be escorted from the jetbridge at deplaning through customs and then airside? This happened in CDG to an acquaintance, and he would fit the criteria for VIP, but I'm wondering if perhaps it extends to SEs as well.
Mar 25, 2023, 5:52 pm
#321
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Halifax
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum Elite. NEXUS
Posts: 4,571
Maybe, and maybe. Depends on how busy they are that day, and how much one makes themselves known beforehand.
Mar 25, 2023, 7:56 pm
#322
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
VIPs are basically guaranteed an escort while they're in the airport.
I've had an escort into Schengen and into a LX lounge. I've had an escort to my car. I never ask for any of this. It was nice on my first trip through ZRH, but other than that, I usually don't even want it. And I'm just SE.
I've had an escort into Schengen and into a LX lounge. I've had an escort to my car. I never ask for any of this. It was nice on my first trip through ZRH, but other than that, I usually don't even want it. And I'm just SE.
Mar 25, 2023, 11:14 pm
#323
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: YVR/YYZ
Programs: AC50K, *A Gold, Marriott Titanium (LGE), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 376
VIPs are basically guaranteed an escort while they're in the airport.
I've had an escort into Schengen and into a LX lounge. I've had an escort to my car. I never ask for any of this. It was nice on my first trip through ZRH, but other than that, I usually don't even want it. And I'm just SE.
I've had an escort into Schengen and into a LX lounge. I've had an escort to my car. I never ask for any of this. It was nice on my first trip through ZRH, but other than that, I usually don't even want it. And I'm just SE.
Mar 26, 2023, 2:36 am
#324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,655
At least in winter it seems to be pretty much standard practice for the Concierges at ZRH to escort connecting SE's to the Schengen area... then they usually disappear to the baggage area to make sure everyone gets their bags. After that it's off to the check-in counter to welcome the outbound passengers.
I suspect they may not be able to do it in summer when they have both the YYZ and YVR flights to manage.
I suspect they may not be able to do it in summer when they have both the YYZ and YVR flights to manage.
Mar 26, 2023, 11:13 am
#325
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Programs: Virtuoso TA, Four Seasons Pref Partner, Rosewood Elite TA, Ritz Carlton STARS TA
Posts: 4,737
Nov 25, 2023, 5:17 pm
#326
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
VIP (well, the agent (presumably concierge?)) just kicked me out of the YVR TB conference room. And the VIP is going to be here almost as long as I am, so I'm not getting back in for likely 3+ hours.
Interestingly, he asked to see my boarding pass. The only thing I can fathom is in case I were also VIP? Because my BP looks pretty good, and if it wasn't enough for more than a "yeah, sorry, you need to leave", I'm not really sure what the point was.
I guess I should have tried to reserve it ahead of time and seen if they'd kick me out from that.
Interestingly, he asked to see my boarding pass. The only thing I can fathom is in case I were also VIP? Because my BP looks pretty good, and if it wasn't enough for more than a "yeah, sorry, you need to leave", I'm not really sure what the point was.
I guess I should have tried to reserve it ahead of time and seen if they'd kick me out from that.
Nov 25, 2023, 10:57 pm
#327
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE 100K MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 1,090
VIP (well, the agent (presumably concierge?)) just kicked me out of the YVR TB conference room. And the VIP is going to be here almost as long as I am, so I'm not getting back in for likely 3+ hours.
Interestingly, he asked to see my boarding pass. The only thing I can fathom is in case I were also VIP? Because my BP looks pretty good, and if it wasn't enough for more than a "yeah, sorry, you need to leave", I'm not really sure what the point was.
I guess I should have tried to reserve it ahead of time and seen if they'd kick me out from that.
Interestingly, he asked to see my boarding pass. The only thing I can fathom is in case I were also VIP? Because my BP looks pretty good, and if it wasn't enough for more than a "yeah, sorry, you need to leave", I'm not really sure what the point was.
I guess I should have tried to reserve it ahead of time and seen if they'd kick me out from that.
Curious as to who qualifies and how, as well as how many people have been given that status.
Nov 26, 2023, 12:49 am
#328
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
Nov 26, 2023, 8:58 am
#329
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: All Accor Plat, 1865 Voyager, AE E35K, HH Gold,Hyatt, Hrtz Gold, Marriott Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 1,670
Someone in my office who used to be high up in the government has it. I think the 3 prongs are celebrity, government and really good clients of AC,
Nov 26, 2023, 9:01 am
#330
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 23,809