Concierge with BF
 

Taking my first BF flight with CO in May. Saw this on the CO website.

What services can I expect from the Concierge? I noticed that this is only available in IAH, EWR, and CLE.

Anything free or cool?.. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. Looking to get the most out of this.

Thanks...

Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

On the last few CO flights I've had with concierge service, the most I've received is a handshake and a generic "enjoy your flight" or "hope you enjoyed your flight."

Just your typical redcoat-type of service...

Maybe the Concierge will find a popular closeby restaurant. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

------------------
"The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You"

On a recent BF flight to CDG, the concierge introduced herself, asked whether I had a connection at CDG (I didn't, but I assume she would have let the CDG concierge know if I did), asked whether I needed help with ground transportation in Paris, and asked whether she could do anything else. I asked about shower facilities at CDG, and upon arrival, the CDG concierge showed up with a pass to the AA arrivals lounge with shower (I decided to skip the shower, and went straight into town).

It seems to me that the concierge at the departure airport can be most helpful by letting the concierge at the arrival airport know of anything you'll need upon arrival.

I've heard that if you have a European mailing address, the concierge service provides limousines at both ends of your journey!

I suppose that the transportation services, ie limo, etc arent provided free of charge either. They just get them setup for you.

Oh well. Always looking for something more.

Thanks for the replies.

I have found the Concierge On Continental to be most helpful on my BF flights with fixing ticket issues and contacting the arrival Concierge to assist with conx, and shower facilities or anything else I may need.

Actually they are provided complimentarily to all paid BF pax originating in the UK.

[This message has been edited by Cris L (edited Jan 16, 2004).]

Not in AMsterdam!

do you think this is because some of the passengers are ticketed on virgin but flying on CO metal? i would imagine on the codeshares the customers expect the same types of services, but i'm just guessing here.

I've had BF concierges twice voluntarily promise a certain OP amenity when equipment in my seat wasn't working properly. I even got their business cards. When no miles posted, I wrote multiple letters to Continental citing details, to no avail.

They can also laminate your business card into a luggage tag!! (but I'm only offered this once every two flights, excluding HNL when it never is offered).

I have asked a Concierge about the Limo he explained Limo service is offered to those passengers who pay the full BF first fare in J class and some corporate accounts, all who originate in the UK. I also had Concierge offer me bonus miles for certain situations I have had no problems as they were always posted promptly to my account.

Zip if you ask the Concierge in EWR at the ticket counter they will do them for you, I asked one and gave him two cards he said would you like more then this? so I gave him five and he had no problem with doing all of them.

I run into the Concierge at IAH and at GRU doing the CO93 and CO94 runs. They always offer assistance at the connection point and take the time to thank you for your business. I always arrange to use the showers at IAH in the morning. CO94 is the first aircraft to arrive at IAH every morning, so the Presidents Clubs are ALWAYS peaceful and empty.

------------------
Do not sit in the back.

Anyone know if showers are always available in CDG through the BF concierge like this? Is the AA arrivals lounge the only CDG arrival facilities for CO? My BF award flight lands at 7:30 AM... would be nice to line up a shower somewhere.

The President's Club page mentions the Air France Concorde Lounge, but it's starred: "* Must present membership card and Continental Airlines ticket issued for same-day departure for entry." So does that mean it's not available for arriving pax?

On a recent trip to LGW I had to make a very tight (50min) connection to North Terminal for a BA flight to NAP. Thus I was very happy when, at the start of my flight the Concierge came and asked if I would need any assistance. I explained my situation and (at that point) felt confident I would be getting some help as she seemed to write down my request. At the end of the flight, I reminded the concierge of my need for assistance, as it was now even a tighter connection time and was told to see the 'agents' outside the cabin door. I did, and was told by 2 different agents "just follow the signs to North Terminal, and you'd better hurry as you don't have much time!!"~~~ so my question is what exactly should have been done or what is their function in a case of connections??
PS--I did make my flight, but just barely.

I have seen the red coats at AMS meet the arriving CO flight with electric carts to wisk pax with tight connections to their gates. Better service than you received for sure.

SunLover

You should be able to use the AA lounge. The departure concierge will probably ask you about it and maybe give you an invitation. If not, ask the arrival concierge in CDG when you step off the plane.

If you were speaking to someone while in the air, it was NOT a BF concierge.

On arrival in MAN this week off of an H fare upgraded BF ticket; we were given a hotel room at the Radisson SAS to use until 3pm.


And in CDG (2 years ago) we were given a day room at the Sheraton Hotel off of Term 2.

- HF

after a very late arrival from NRT, an announcement was made on board that all BF passengers should speak to the concierge in the jetway, while all coach passengers should proceed to the customer service counter after clearning customs.

In the jetway, the concierge handed me an envelope containing my hotel voucher, discount coupon, meal vouchers, calling card, and boarding passes for my flight the following morning - addressed me by name, was very friendly and apologetic - and the experience took 99.9% of the edge off the fact I was stuck overnight after a 12 hour flight and was not going to make it home to my own bed. BF pax got the on-airport Marriott, while coach pax were bused over to an offsite property of 'less prestige'. Definately 'feel good' service and very well received. I did feel sorry for the masses in coach who had to pile through customs without knowing their fate and then line up for customer service to find alternatives for them, but I would not have traded my concierge treatment for anything :)

I remember that on my way to NRT, the concierge came on board and spoke directly to a small number of passengers - I guessed they were paid BF, while the rest of us were upgrades, and thus did not get a personal greeting :)

I have never been able to discover a BF concierge strategy in whom gets a personal visit an whom not prior to take off with regard to full fare versus upgraded BF. Sometimes they hop aboard for only a few minutes, which obviously makes a full load in a 777 difficult to handle. Whenever I think the visit of a concierge might be welcome (in order to arrange after flight issues) I just give my business card for lamination at the check-in desk, which will be handed out by the concierge in the plane, thereby assuring a visit. Sometimes the concierge is present at the check-in desk for handling post arrival issues.

Do they do the biz card thing everywhere? I've only had it offered at the PC at LGW.

I have the same question. I had it done at LGW, but a few weeks later, the tag got mangled in a baggage sorter at NRT! Anyway, do they do it at IAH? I heard a guy ask for this (a few months ago) at IAH as we were waiting for CO 10 to CDG. The concierge just laughed -- and walked away! He was full-fare J, too, because I saw his ticket as he was stowing his gear next to mine in the cabin (not that the fare should make a difference on this issue). So...I'm wondering if I can get this done at IAH.

They usually don't offer it spontaneously, but never seem surprised when I ask for it. If I remember correctly, I have read on this board that it is provided at the EWR and IAH hubs too. I cannot comment on that since checking-in at those stations I will be heading home (and usually don't need a concierge to direct me to my mansion ;) ).

I go tthrough EWR's PC almost weekly and have never had it offered, in fact the only place where I do seem to get my card laminated is in HKG. I was just in LGW three times in the past month and nary a word about this service!

I think it has nothing to do with the PC, but check-in desk//concierge instead.

I am flying EWR-LHR using a CO award on VS as a CO codeshare, CO 8222 (VS 2) and CO 8221 (VS 1) next month. Will I receive Concierge service only if I go to Terminal C first (my VS 744 departs out of Terminal B)? Will there be a Concierge at Terminal B to handle CO BF/UC passengers like me? Do I just check in at VS in Terminal B and get all a VS Upper Class pax gets (Clubhouse, Revivals, but no limo)? Do CO BF/UC pax get access to another arrivals lounge in LHR, to include a very welcome shower?

Yes, CO passengers have access to the Air Canada Arrivals lounge at Heathrow (I believe that it is open to 1.30 or 2pm, anyway). Have used it once or twice (am normally on the LA flight - one of which arrives too late to use it :( ). The showers are really nice (clean, stylish, nicer a lot than the CO showers at IAH) and there is plenty of space to relax in and a reasonable buffet breakfast and selection of drinks. I liked it - definitely better than the CO Arrivals at LGW (where the showers are nice, but the rest of it is small and like a dentists waiting room...).

For the Air Canada Arrivals Lounge, walk outside of the terminal you arrive at at Heathrow (Terminal 3) near the bus stops and it is along a bit on the left. It is signposted from within the terminal and, hopefully, the Co Concierge will give you an invitation and map to get there (although you don't need an invitation to get in, just your boarding pass).

What with access to the Clubhouse at EWR, you should have a great trip :)

Boo

Thanks, BTT. I'll check it out with the concierge in EWR. Although when I spoke to VS and mentioned I was a CO codeshare, I was told on two separate ocassions that I would have access to VS Revivals since I was flying Upper Class. Maybe I should just roam through T3 and search out the best deal. I could shower in the Air Canada lounge and go get a massage in VS Revivals. The options could be endless. Thanks. :D

It has been my experience flying VS UC on CO ticket stock that one is entitled to use The Clubhouse when departing EWR, and using the AC Arrivals Lounge at LHR.

When you are at The Clubhouse in EWR, you can try asking them for a pass to the Revivials Lounge, but they will likey tell you that since you are traveling on a CO ticket, that you are only entitled to the AC Arrivals. At that point, you can have them contact AC at LHR to have you placed on a list so they can expect you. Then, when you arrive, all you will be required to do is show your CO (VS/UC) boarding pass for entry.

Honestly, the AC Arrivals facility is more than serviceable for a shower, having a quick breakfast, and catching up on some phone calls. That, and the staff at the lounge are very nice and accomodating.

Enjoy your flights, VS offers an excellent product pre-flight and during (particularly on your return).

Thanks, dsimon. I'll let all of you know how it turns out. ^

So...Given that the last concierge I saw simply laughed and walked away when someone asked for the laminated business card/luggage tag, I think I'm going to ask for two or three of them tonight waiting for CO 93 departure. Do you dare me to covertly "suggest" to several other BizFirst pax to do the same, and see how many they'll do? :D

Well, I will be in BF CO 31/93 tomorrow myself and will check it out (if I have a chance), since upon arriving at EWR, I will already have checked in at another station.