Each variation of the service costs $500 for the first passenger and $100 for each additional passenger, up to a total of four people, total. Delta offers its VIP Select service at nine US airports: Atlanta (ATL), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA), Minneapolis (MSP), Detroit (DTW), New York LaGuardia (LGA), and New York JFK. At LAX, departing fliers are also given access to the airport’s private security screening at its private terminal.
As the fee is quite expensive, the service would make the most sense for special trips or travelers who want to avoid the crowded terminal, the hubbub of checking bags, and waiting in the security line. It could also make sense for passenger with long layovers that are looking for a little pampering in the SkyClub in between flights.
To book Delta VIP Select, call 1-855-235-9847 (1-855-2FLYPVIP) or email VIPSelect@delta.com.
United Signature Service
United’s premium ground package, called Signature Service, is another VIP service that is open to any of the airline’s passengers, regardless of fare class or elite status.
Signature Service is available for departing, arriving, and connecting flights at 21 airports around the world, including six in the US and 15 international airports. Those include: Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), London Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Paris (CDG), Melbourne (MEL), Sydney (SYD), Hong Kong (HKG), Beijing (PEK), Tel Aviv (TEL), Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Berlin-Tegel (TXL), Washington-Dulles (IAD), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Toronto (YYZ), and Amsterdam (AMS).
The perks vary slightly depending on whether you’re coming or going. But you can expect a concierge to meet you curbside or at a designated point of arrival, monitor your flight, assist with priority check-in, expedite security screening through the Premier Access lane (if it’s available). The representative will also arrange United Club access (not available at international airports) and guide you to your departure gate. The concierges can also coordinate special requests, like if you want a gift such as flowers and chocolates waiting for a travel companion. Finally, the Signature Service agent will help you rebook or reschedule travel if your flight is delayed or canceled.
The price of Signature Service varies based on location, but fees start at about $250 per person. Children under two years old are free, but any travelers over two years of age are charged the full fee. Only passengers on United and United Express flights are eligible to book.
Travelers can input their itinerary on United’s dedicated Signature Service website and be quoted their exact price. Bookings are also made through the website. United recommends making bookings at least 24 hours before travel.
Hawaiian Airlines Premium Airport Service
At its Honolulu hub (HNL), Hawaiian Airlines offers an airport concierge service that makes transiting through its home base airport smooth and easy for fliers.
The airline’s Premium Airport Service is available on departing, connecting, and arriving flights. (International arrivals into Honolulu are not eligible, according to the carrier.) Any passenger flying Hawaiian Airlines can pay to reserve the services—regardless of what cabin they’re booked in or their frequent flier status.