I remember sitting in the main Sky Club lounge at Detroit maybe two years ago, when Virgin Atlantic was still flying to/from Detroit. I saw the actor Jon Voight escorted to a corner in the back of the Sky Club by a Virgin Atlantic staffer. She asked if he wanted anything to drink and she fetched him a glass of wine, but then as now the bar in Detroit is self-serve. She came and fetched him when boarding was ready to commence.

I don't know if this was part of a special service because I've seen the governor of Michigan fly Delta two times and never receive an escort from either Delta staff or airport staff. Both times he has been in the main Sky Club lounge in a corner with a staffer and a security detail.

I was offered this on my upcoming (paid) D1 JFK-LAX trip. I laughed. $325 for the two of us, but we get lounge access and Sky Priority check-in anyway. All we'd be getting is an escort which seems, well, it seems weird.
Maybe some people would be into it, but not me. Strikes me as ostentatious.

Perhaps there are escorts and there are escorts........maybe it depends on what the escort is willing to do and whether the person would be into it or would consider it weird.

I have used the VIP Select service twice both times in ATL.

One one was connecting to an INTL flight in ATL that service was great with the porsche picking you up when your first flight lands. They sneak you in the back of the lounge and then drive you to the next plane when it is ready to go.

The second time I was also connecting in ATL landing as an intl passenger I would say the service was not as helpful in this situation as oyu have to walk all the way to customs and go through regular immigration/get your bags and re drop them to your connecting flight.

I will be using VIP select on an upcoming flight departing LAX on the way to JFK

For able-bodied well-seasoned travelers who have lounges / early boarding, yes, it does sound that way. But for some, it could make an overwhelming experience a lot more pleasant.

Agree
 

agree it may not seem worth it to everyone and Gene’s why it not hugely popular..

the design is really for celebs/CEO’s that want to be able to fly commercial without being mobbed in the airport by fans or in the case of CEO’s potentially angry public

This would be the private suite. https://thepointsguy.com/2017/09/ins...rminal-at-lax/

I just received a VIP Select invitation email - Eastbay1K, because you’re one of our most valued customers, you can become more valuable by dropping a modest $250 on services you don't need. But we'd love to see your dough!

Really, the only thing I have to add here is that the man in the "VIP Experience" photo frame is holding a paper coffee cup with a plastic lid, no doubt the heights of the luxury travel experience. This, alone, wants me to try this out, and not have to suffer with my early morning coffee served in a real coffee cup in the lounge.

​​​​​
​​​​No BFD. My next flight boards before California booze hours.

Does anyone know if this service will transfer someone from a DL flight to a SkyTeam partner flight @ SFO?

Does VIP Select do anything to help with an international transfer at JFK,(coming into the US) or is your normal JFK customs experience, including getting your bags and dropped them back off and waiting in lines?

A few years ago (or maybe 10 years ago, don’t remember exactly how long ago) Delta escorted HVCs through immigration at JFK. There were several reports here on FT but it quickly disappeared. I doubt they will provide a paid assistance for CBP fast track.

AA has a similar service (Five Star), which I used many times in MIA but they made it clear that they would not assist with expediting CBP. I was fortunate to go through CBP very quick but the agent always left me on my own and waited for me on the other side.

Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. Sure beats shaving lotion.:D

I've used AA's service many times in Miami. Arriving international they meet you at the door, ecart you to immigration then walk you through the diplomatic line (or lack thereof) no need to use GE as it's a simple formality at this point. They help you with your bags then if connecting they have them rechecked then whisk you off to the Flagship lounge.

Interesting. Maybe because I already had access to the Diplomatic line they left me on my own instead of escorting me.

At JFK T4 using the Diplomatic line is a no-no for airline staff escorting passengers as the line is shared between Diplomats, Mobile BP, and Military, I’ve seen CBP officers sending escorted passengers to other lines. I’ve used it at every terminal in JFK and the only one where I’ve seen that they allow non diplomatic/ military passengers is at T1, where they allow AF La Premiere passengers to be escorted through it.

I used VIP Select this past weekend and was a good experience.

- Called VIP Select Line, waited a few minutes on hold and had to give some info as first timer. Since it was around 24 hours until flight they said the confirmation will probably come as I'm sleeping so just keep out when I wake up. Request Email received shortly after the call.

- 2AM got confirmation that it's good to go and to respond with any car service, if any info changes on contact or checked bags and passport if needed.

- 6AM got text from my Delta contact confirming what time I'd be arriving and offering T2 as pickup as it's much quieter in the Skyclub and Security today then T4 and she'd drive me over after. Since I prepaid T4 Parking she picked me up there regardless.

- We arrived, she took my Non-precheck passenger and got her through security faster then me with CLEAR + Precheck. We then were carted to the Skyclub and asked if we'd like to board first or last, opted for first. Also cool she checks us in so we can just go sit and eat/drink. Flight got delayed and she texted us with updates not on the delay time but what was actually going on (Cleaning / Loading catering / finalizing). She then picked us up on another cart and took us to the gate and pre-boarded us.

I'm doing it again this weekend and requested Austin even though it's not a listed supported airport since you can always request, just at non-listed locations it's a 50/50. This time as a repeat I was able to put my request in with just a quick phone call and confirmation number as they have my CC and info on file now. It is a seperate system then Delta's so they really don't know who you are until you give them info, nor can they pull anything from your Delta profile over (IE: Saved CC's or passengers). Also it doesn't count towards MQD's but does list in your Delta profile as "Additional Trip Expenditure".

As someone who likes to show up maybe 10-15 before boarding starts, it's a nice feature to guarantee I make it.

I imagine experience varies by airport - what airport was this? I'm guessing JFK based on terminal numbers, but didn't want to be wrong.

Yep JFK.

Where can I find information on this service ?

Delta doesn't have an official page for it, I actually discovered it through this thread and some travel blogs.

https://destinationsunknown.com/2020...sche-transfer/

I'll be using it in DTW as I arrive from AMS and connect to MCO in a couple of weeks. Effortless to book and good communication from the VIP team

Are you able to share the phone number? Interested in surprising my parents from LAX soon.

Can ask how much it costs? I know the private (not specific to any airline, it has its own private terminal/lounge) service at LAX costs a fortune. Unless you have money to burn it's not great value. Curious what VIP cost compares.

ATL PRICING PER AIRPORT MEET: One Person: $350 | Two People: $425 | Each Additional Person: $125



JFK, LAX, LGA, DTW, MSP, SLC, SEA & SFO PRICING PER AIRPORT MEET: One Person: $250 | Two People: $325 | Each Additional Person: $125



LAX PRICING PER MEET WITH OFF-AIRPORT VEHICLE TRANSFER: One Person: $350 | Two People: $425 | Each Additional Person: $125

8552flyvip

855-235-9847

DTW is $250 for 1 pax

Do you get MQD for VIP Select Service?

the downside is i believe you have to be booked in paid first, upgraded won't work

Can you tell me what services you received at DTW for that price?

it's not part of a fare

I agree this seems iffy, but FWIW the $59 fee for the now-defunct (and unrelated) SkyMiles Select program counted towards MQDs: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delt...l#post31725278 (post 99)

DL does say "Fees and optional products do not earn MQDs" though.

No MQDs automatically atleast. My last two VIP selects didnt add anything and it shows on my transaction history as trip extras. I will eventually call to see as I know when you book an extra seat you have to call for the extra MQDs as it wont go automatically

Using it next week. Will update then

For VIP Select? This isn't true. Anybody can book, but obviously most pax using it are in F/D1.

I've used it at just about every airport it's offered. I find it most effective at JFK for arrivals and ATL for connections, but to each their own. The value improves if you and/or your guests do not have SkyClub access, as it's included with the service.

Generally you get one of three services:

DEPARTURE:
Someone meets you curbside and has your luggage tags waiting. They get your bags checked for you, then escort you through security. Depending on the airport, they either have a Porche waiting on the tarmac nearby or a golf cart. Using one of these they ferry you to the SkyClub, where you wait until your flight. They'll also ask if you want to board first or last (and they really mean first or last). The VIP Select rep stays in touch with the gate agents during the whole process and in case of IRROPS can be the first to get you re-booked. Once it's time to board, they will come back for you and escort you back to the golf cart or Porche. They make sure you're situated and comfortable, then say their goodbyes. This service is basically how celebrities will often be on board before any other pax or arrive at the last second.

CONNECTIONS*:
Delta rep waiting on the jetway for you. They pull you out and down the side stairs onto the tarmac to a waiting Porche (again, sometimes this could be just a golf cart if its not practical) and to a nearby SkyClub. Again, same process as before where they fetch you in time to board and ferry you over to the plane, offering you to board first or last.

ARRIVALS*:
Unless you need SkyClub access, the arrivals service is my personal favorite - particularly if you have pre-arranged transportation (a town car driver or a friend picking you up). It's not as seamless for rideshare or those who parked at the airport. A Delta rep meets you at the jetway and escorts you down the jetway stairs to the nearby Porche. They ask for a bag description and work with the baggage loaders to pull it before the carousel (except in JFK for some reason, where they put you in the car and fetch it from the carousel on your behalf).

They have already been in contact with your driver and have provided them a designated place to park. Depending on the airport/service this could be directly in front of the terminal, a "secret" side entrance or an underground garage nearby. For example, at LAX you have the option of having the driver waiting at the terminal or they will drive you through the secured service gates on the tarmac over to a nearby hotel, where your driver is waiting underground to discreetly pick you up. While the latter option is a very cool service, it's a bit unnecessary (and not worth the extra $100) unless you're trying to heavily impress someone, get an up-close view of planes or avoid the paparazzi. Having the driver waiting curbside at the terminal is generally faster, as it can take a good 15 minutes to drive around the tarmac to the exit gates.

JFK is probably my favorite for the arrivals service, particularly if you checked a bag and fly in T4, which is a longgggg walk to domestic baggage claim. They pull you right from the plane, drive you on the tarmac over to a secret side gate that exits into a restricted parking area generally reserved for airport vehicles and police. Your driver is waiting there. The Delta rep goes back and pulls your bag while you relax.

Also fwiw if you have the service on arrival or connection, where someone will be meeting you, you show up as VIP on the manifest, which can really go a long way on the in flight service. The doesn't happen on the departure service

* Note that in the case of international connections or arrivals, they generally will not take you to a Porche from the plane, but rather have a golf cart or force you walk to customs. However, they will expedite your clearance through customs and have a vehicle waiting as soon as you cross the border, if necessary (eg to get back to a SkyClub).

Personal Opinion:
I find the departure service to be the weakest of the three, as I already have Pre-Check/Clear and generally don't need their help getting a bag checked. It's most helpful with getting your bags upon arrival and coordinating transportation. Also super helpful with tight connections in ATL, especially if you want to maximize the time in a lounge instead of racing to the next gate four terminals away.

Good to know. One of the airline review/deals sites said you had to.

Thanks for all the details. I was thinking of booking this service for my parents who are connecting through DTW on their way back to Europe.

It sounds that what they would get is a guide from their flight to the SkyClub and then back to their international flight. Not sure if the Porsche ride is happening in their case.

I dont know if we show as VIP on departure service manifest but my rep always tells the FAs "hes the VIP" and the FAs acknowledged it and service has been 10x better lol.