Istanbul TAV PrimeClass VIP Airport Meet & Greet Service
Jun 1, 2010, 2:57 pm
#1
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Istanbul TAV PrimeClass VIP Airport Meet & Greet Service
We were introduced to this great service by SeaSong, our Conde Naste Traveler-recommended Istanbul private tour organizer. I decided to give it a try. We were met at our TK arrival gate by a lovely VIP hostess and a porter with a golf cart. We were then whisked to both Visa and Passport controls, jumping the queue in both locations. Our hostess efficiently coordinated rendezvous with our limo driver. Had we checked bags, our porter would have retrieved these for us.
On our return 5 days later, our local tour provider/limo driver coordinated our IST departure with the same VIP hostess that met us five days earlier on our arrival. She escorted to the VIP door of the terminal and our private security entrance where we were the only pax. After security, a porter joined us, although a bit unnecessary since we only had two small carry-ons and backpack/purse, for the short walk to the First Class LH check-in counter, where again we were the only pax.
After check-in, we walked the short distance to passport control, where we jumped the queue of about 100 people by entering our own private lane and were processed by a private VIP customs agent. On the other side of passport control, our hostess and porter met us with a golf cart. We covered the seemingly 1/2 mile distance to the lounge area in a couple of minutes.
The VIP service gives one access to The Millenium Lounge, which LH uses for Business Class/First pax, a spacious but somewhat utilitarian lounge, but with a large selection of beverages and snack variety foods. At T-35 our hostess returned to to retrieve and drive us to our gate 204, another 1/2 mile or so away, where we bid our adieus.
A great service that I would recommend for anyone, especially first time visitors, traveling to IST. Total cost was $145 each way including limo to/from our hotel.
http://www.primeclass.com.tr/en/
On our return 5 days later, our local tour provider/limo driver coordinated our IST departure with the same VIP hostess that met us five days earlier on our arrival. She escorted to the VIP door of the terminal and our private security entrance where we were the only pax. After security, a porter joined us, although a bit unnecessary since we only had two small carry-ons and backpack/purse, for the short walk to the First Class LH check-in counter, where again we were the only pax.
After check-in, we walked the short distance to passport control, where we jumped the queue of about 100 people by entering our own private lane and were processed by a private VIP customs agent. On the other side of passport control, our hostess and porter met us with a golf cart. We covered the seemingly 1/2 mile distance to the lounge area in a couple of minutes.
The VIP service gives one access to The Millenium Lounge, which LH uses for Business Class/First pax, a spacious but somewhat utilitarian lounge, but with a large selection of beverages and snack variety foods. At T-35 our hostess returned to to retrieve and drive us to our gate 204, another 1/2 mile or so away, where we bid our adieus.
A great service that I would recommend for anyone, especially first time visitors, traveling to IST. Total cost was $145 each way including limo to/from our hotel.
http://www.primeclass.com.tr/en/
Last edited by SFO777; Dec 23, 2010 at 7:20 am
Jun 5, 2010, 7:04 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, CDG, NCE
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 2,621
I have to say this is very tempting...
I am so frustrated with the failure of the airport to monitor the arrivals line and control the crowds at passport control.
I can't tell you how many times there have been nice orderly lines, when a planeload of folks - usually from the F.S.U. - spews forth and suddenly each line is a scrum, with angry line-standers getting into glaring, yelling and sometimes shoving matches with newcomers who..umm...don't participate in the line-standing culture.
The border agents' response is to stop working and step away from their stations if there is too much commotion, but not to get involved in anyway.
I've sometimes just stepped out of line and waited for the chaos to clear, which is a much cheaper option I suppose, but sometimes I have to be somewhere sooner rather than later...
Actually, a good strategy for the airport. Allow chaos, then sell a way around the chaos for a hefty price.
Not sure I'd use it for a departure, as they are generally much easier, but I see the appeal.
I am so frustrated with the failure of the airport to monitor the arrivals line and control the crowds at passport control.
I can't tell you how many times there have been nice orderly lines, when a planeload of folks - usually from the F.S.U. - spews forth and suddenly each line is a scrum, with angry line-standers getting into glaring, yelling and sometimes shoving matches with newcomers who..umm...don't participate in the line-standing culture.
The border agents' response is to stop working and step away from their stations if there is too much commotion, but not to get involved in anyway.
I've sometimes just stepped out of line and waited for the chaos to clear, which is a much cheaper option I suppose, but sometimes I have to be somewhere sooner rather than later...
Actually, a good strategy for the airport. Allow chaos, then sell a way around the chaos for a hefty price.
Not sure I'd use it for a departure, as they are generally much easier, but I see the appeal.
We were introduced to this great service by SeaSong, our Conde Naste Traveler-recommended Istanbul private tour organizer. I decided to give it a try. We were met at our TK arrival gate by a lovely VIP hostess and a porter with a golf cart. We were then whisked to both Visa and Passport controls, jumping the queue in both locations. Our hostess efficiently coordinated rendezvous with our limo driver. Had we checked bags, our porter would have retrieved these for us.
On our return 5 days later, our local tour provider/limo driver coordinated our IST departure with the same VIP hostess that met us five days earlier on our arrival. She escorted to the VIP door of the terminal and our private security entrance where we were the only pax. After security, a porter joined us, although a bit unnecessary since we only had two small carry-ons and backpack/purse, for the short walk to the First Class LH check-in counter, where again we were the only pax.
After check-in, we walked the short distance to passport control, where we jumped the queue of about 100 people by entering our own private lane and were processed by a private VIP customs agent. On the other side of passport control, our hostess and porter met us with a golf cart. We covered the seemingly 1/2 mile distance to the lounge area in a couple of minutes.
The VIP service gives one access to The Millenium Lounge, which LH uses for Business Class/First pax, a spacious but somewhat utilitarian lounge, but with a large selection of beverages and snack variety foods. At T-35 our hostess returned to to retrieve and drive us to our gate 204, another 1/2 mile or so away, where we bid our adieus.
A great service that I would recommend for anyone, especially first time visitors, traveling to IST. Total cost was $145 each way including limo to/from our hotel.
http://www.ataturkairport.com/eng/1_f.php?id=108
On our return 5 days later, our local tour provider/limo driver coordinated our IST departure with the same VIP hostess that met us five days earlier on our arrival. She escorted to the VIP door of the terminal and our private security entrance where we were the only pax. After security, a porter joined us, although a bit unnecessary since we only had two small carry-ons and backpack/purse, for the short walk to the First Class LH check-in counter, where again we were the only pax.
After check-in, we walked the short distance to passport control, where we jumped the queue of about 100 people by entering our own private lane and were processed by a private VIP customs agent. On the other side of passport control, our hostess and porter met us with a golf cart. We covered the seemingly 1/2 mile distance to the lounge area in a couple of minutes.
The VIP service gives one access to The Millenium Lounge, which LH uses for Business Class/First pax, a spacious but somewhat utilitarian lounge, but with a large selection of beverages and snack variety foods. At T-35 our hostess returned to to retrieve and drive us to our gate 204, another 1/2 mile or so away, where we bid our adieus.
A great service that I would recommend for anyone, especially first time visitors, traveling to IST. Total cost was $145 each way including limo to/from our hotel.
http://www.ataturkairport.com/eng/1_f.php?id=108
Jun 6, 2010, 12:20 am
#3
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I can't tell you how many times there have been nice orderly lines, when a planeload of folks - usually from the F.S.U. - spews forth and suddenly each line is a scrum, with angry line-standers getting into glaring, yelling and sometimes shoving matches with newcomers who..umm...don't participate in the line-standing culture.
Last edited by SFO777; Jun 6, 2010 at 7:57 am
Jul 29, 2010, 8:00 am
#7
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
We have scheduled the Primepack international arrivals services at Atatürk International Airport and transfer to our hotel the afternoon of August 3, 2010, and will be sure to post our experience. Primepack includes the services described by the OP, and even include assistance with Duty Free shopping if desired. Pricing is €57 + 18% VAT for each person using Primepack service package, and transfer to the Taxim area is €60 + VAT for a VW Jetta, € 105 for a Mercedes Viano VIP van. (There are two of us with one rollaboard and one personal item, so the Jetta will do fine.)
The transfer cost was almost half of what our hotel (Conrad) offered. The communication with TAV / primepass has been speedy, thorough and professional, so those augur well. Thanks for sharing, SFO777!
The transfer cost was almost half of what our hotel (Conrad) offered. The communication with TAV / primepass has been speedy, thorough and professional, so those augur well. Thanks for sharing, SFO777!
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 29, 2010 at 8:05 am
Aug 1, 2010, 1:26 am
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 11,969
.... thanks for this great pointer SF0777.
The great issue with IST airport that helps prevents regular leisure visits is the bunfight at immigration with the constant rows with people pushing in with hard luck stories. It's a horrible experience for many people. This way through looks like a cheaper and better way through than provided by the hotels - including IC which charges more just for the limmo transfer service. It looks just like the JetQuay service at SIN.
Thanks.
The great issue with IST airport that helps prevents regular leisure visits is the bunfight at immigration with the constant rows with people pushing in with hard luck stories. It's a horrible experience for many people. This way through looks like a cheaper and better way through than provided by the hotels - including IC which charges more just for the limmo transfer service. It looks just like the JetQuay service at SIN.
Thanks.
Aug 31, 2010, 2:30 pm
#9
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
We used the primeclass PrimePack "CIP" service on arrival at IST August 3, 2010. (The service is provided by airport services operator TAV Aero), on arrival from MAD.
To summarize:
Setting up the service was easy by Internet, though correspondence indicated some bureaucratic issues - I ended up corresponding back and forth several times, and they requested a faxed copy of my passport identification page, both sides of my credit card and actual signature on their form, even though I did fill out their form with required information (including credit card and CIV numbers with authorization for the required amount). Given I was on the road, this was not possible, and they were kind enough to waive the fax / photocopies and confirmed my booking.
When we arrived, a representative was gateside with a ~5x7" card with our last name on it. We were escorted to a waiting electric cart, driven by a second employee, and hustled to the visa on arrivals area, where they took our passport, USD $20 per person and very quickly returned with our visas. From there it was off to the NATO / Diplomatic immigration queue (blessedly short) and we were landside.
We were escorted to the carousels where we recovered our luggage (they offered to assist), and we exited customs with no problems. We were escorted to our vehicle, a Mercedes Viano deluxe-configured van, and driven to our hotel. The enitre airport bit took under fifteen minutes, ^ and we avoided the great scrum occurring at "visa on arrivals" and immigration in particular; I suspect we would have spent an hour or longer otherwise.
Total cost including meet and greet, escort and transport to the hotel (and VAT) was €205.32 for two people (roughly $250 USD at the time). The list of services included is:
Arrival Service (sic)
One way transport alone is listed as € 105 in a VW Viano or € 60 in a VW Jetta (Istanbul Atatürk International Airport to Conrad Istanbul, Cihannuma Mah Saray Cad. No. 5 (or anywhere in the Beşiktaş / Taksim area) + 18% VAT.
The Conrad offers one way airport - hotel transport at:
BMW 7 series (1-2 Pax) : 120 € + %18 TAX = 141.60 €
BMW 5 series (1-2 Pax) : 90 € + %18 TAX = 106.30 €
Mercedes Vito Minivan (3-5 Pax) : 100 € + %18 TAX = 118.00 €
Mercedes Minibus (6-12 Pax) : 100 € + %18 TAX = 118.10 €
so even the transport alone is cheaper than what the hotel offers.
Would I do it again? If my purpose is saving lots of time and getting to my destination in a timely and efficient manner whilst minimizing bureaucratic hassles in a busy airport with unmanaged queues, yes. And Lady JDiver positively loved it at the end of our SFO-ORD-MAD-IST journey, well worth the effort, as the trip was to celebrate a milestone birthday. Primeclass is efficient, staffed by very customer-centered employees, and seems extremely reliable - I can't say their documentation requirements are a thrill, but have encountered them in a number of countries - and I do credit primeclass for being flexible enough to work with me and not just cut me short with a "sorry, we need photocopies of your documents".
(Incidentally, SeaSong is the land-based travel provider in that area for Windsong Cruises - see OP.)
To summarize:
Setting up the service was easy by Internet, though correspondence indicated some bureaucratic issues - I ended up corresponding back and forth several times, and they requested a faxed copy of my passport identification page, both sides of my credit card and actual signature on their form, even though I did fill out their form with required information (including credit card and CIV numbers with authorization for the required amount). Given I was on the road, this was not possible, and they were kind enough to waive the fax / photocopies and confirmed my booking.
When we arrived, a representative was gateside with a ~5x7" card with our last name on it. We were escorted to a waiting electric cart, driven by a second employee, and hustled to the visa on arrivals area, where they took our passport, USD $20 per person and very quickly returned with our visas. From there it was off to the NATO / Diplomatic immigration queue (blessedly short) and we were landside.
We were escorted to the carousels where we recovered our luggage (they offered to assist), and we exited customs with no problems. We were escorted to our vehicle, a Mercedes Viano deluxe-configured van, and driven to our hotel. The enitre airport bit took under fifteen minutes, ^ and we avoided the great scrum occurring at "visa on arrivals" and immigration in particular; I suspect we would have spent an hour or longer otherwise.
Total cost including meet and greet, escort and transport to the hotel (and VAT) was €205.32 for two people (roughly $250 USD at the time). The list of services included is:
Arrival Service (sic)
o Our service begins with guest reception by a "primeclass" CIP hostess and on their first step in the terminal
o Transfer to passport control from the flight gate is facilitated by special car within the terminal.
o When necessary, visa procedures are completed with the assistance of a CIP hostess.
o Entrance procedures are completed at the exclusive "primeclass" CIP Service Passport Counter.
o Guest luggage is carried by a porter.
o Our guests are assisted by CIP staff and porter during their shopping at Duty Free.
o Our service ends when our guests meet with their waiting companions.
o Transfer to passport control from the flight gate is facilitated by special car within the terminal.
o When necessary, visa procedures are completed with the assistance of a CIP hostess.
o Entrance procedures are completed at the exclusive "primeclass" CIP Service Passport Counter.
o Guest luggage is carried by a porter.
o Our guests are assisted by CIP staff and porter during their shopping at Duty Free.
o Our service ends when our guests meet with their waiting companions.
One way transport alone is listed as € 105 in a VW Viano or € 60 in a VW Jetta (Istanbul Atatürk International Airport to Conrad Istanbul, Cihannuma Mah Saray Cad. No. 5 (or anywhere in the Beşiktaş / Taksim area) + 18% VAT.
The Conrad offers one way airport - hotel transport at:
BMW 7 series (1-2 Pax) : 120 € + %18 TAX = 141.60 €
BMW 5 series (1-2 Pax) : 90 € + %18 TAX = 106.30 €
Mercedes Vito Minivan (3-5 Pax) : 100 € + %18 TAX = 118.00 €
Mercedes Minibus (6-12 Pax) : 100 € + %18 TAX = 118.10 €
so even the transport alone is cheaper than what the hotel offers.
Would I do it again? If my purpose is saving lots of time and getting to my destination in a timely and efficient manner whilst minimizing bureaucratic hassles in a busy airport with unmanaged queues, yes. And Lady JDiver positively loved it at the end of our SFO-ORD-MAD-IST journey, well worth the effort, as the trip was to celebrate a milestone birthday. Primeclass is efficient, staffed by very customer-centered employees, and seems extremely reliable - I can't say their documentation requirements are a thrill, but have encountered them in a number of countries - and I do credit primeclass for being flexible enough to work with me and not just cut me short with a "sorry, we need photocopies of your documents".
(Incidentally, SeaSong is the land-based travel provider in that area for Windsong Cruises - see OP.)
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 31, 2010 at 4:32 pm Reason: typoe
Aug 31, 2010, 2:44 pm
#10
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Aug 31, 2010, 3:08 pm
#11
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
We are happy only because you chose to post and share this information with FT members. :-: Thanks!
(We actually did have a woman with her family try to crash the NATO / Diplomatic queue "just because" she thought she'd try it, then rant and rave when they were not admitted.)
(We actually did have a woman with her family try to crash the NATO / Diplomatic queue "just because" she thought she'd try it, then rant and rave when they were not admitted.)
Sep 18, 2010, 1:06 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: san diego, ca
Programs: AA 2MM
Posts: 913
IST PrimePack CIP service necessary/available for 23:15 arrival?
Will be arriving on BA 11 Oct. ~ 23:15 - any ideas on the state of Ataturk airport at that time of night? The referenced service sounds great; I'm a woman travelling alone and will be tuckered out by that arrival time, but funds are not unlimited.
Also, departing on 18 Oct., 8:50 am on BA to LHR, in J class, which should give me priority check-in and security transit? Or will this be a scrum, also?
First visit to IST, and not up to a lot of aggression, airport style or otherwise.
Appreciate your suggestions...
Also, departing on 18 Oct., 8:50 am on BA to LHR, in J class, which should give me priority check-in and security transit? Or will this be a scrum, also?
First visit to IST, and not up to a lot of aggression, airport style or otherwise.
Appreciate your suggestions...
Last edited by MDSD; Sep 18, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Sep 18, 2010, 4:21 pm
#13
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Will be arriving on BA 11 Oct. ~ 23:15 - any ideas on the state of Ataturk airport at that time of night? The referenced service sounds great; I'm a woman travelling alone and will be tuckered out by that arrival time, but funds are not unlimited.
Also, departing on 18 Oct., 8:50 am on BA to LHR, in J class, which should give me priority check-in and security transit? Or will this be a scrum, also?
First visit to IST, and not up to a lot of agression, airport style or otherwise.
Appreciate your suggestions...
Also, departing on 18 Oct., 8:50 am on BA to LHR, in J class, which should give me priority check-in and security transit? Or will this be a scrum, also?
First visit to IST, and not up to a lot of agression, airport style or otherwise.
Appreciate your suggestions...
Sep 26, 2010, 11:39 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: san diego, ca
Programs: AA 2MM
Posts: 913
Anyone else have problems getting through to Primeclass?
I use different times of day/night on theory someone will be there during Turkish day hours.
I'm approaching time when I will be travelling in other countries and out of easy email range. Do any of the users of this service have an individual's name/email? Last resort, I could telephone, but internet messages - even on the English page - return in Turkish. This is not confidence inspiring!
Sep 26, 2010, 12:59 pm
#15
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I've been trying for past week to email them, w/out results. Online reservation link always returns an error; Primeclass.com.tr email = no response; Primeclass IST email = same; "contact us" box reports "message sent we'll get back to you, etc.", but no response.
I use different times of day/night on theory someone will be there during Turkish day hours.
I'm approaching time when I will be travelling in other countries and out of easy email range. Do any of the users of this service have an individual's name/email? Last resort, I could telephone, but internet messages - even on the English page - return in Turkish. This is not confidence inspiring!
I use different times of day/night on theory someone will be there during Turkish day hours.
I'm approaching time when I will be travelling in other countries and out of easy email range. Do any of the users of this service have an individual's name/email? Last resort, I could telephone, but internet messages - even on the English page - return in Turkish. This is not confidence inspiring!
You might also PM JDiver (see post #9) and ask how he arranged his Meet & Greet.