First impressions are often the most important. And for business professionals who are in town for a particular conference or event, their impression of a destination is made the moment they land. For the first time, meeting planners in the U.S. can arrange and customize the airport experience for business groups and make their attendees feel like VIPs.
Airport Butler launched earlier this month at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), making a first foray into the U.S. travel market. The unique concierge program provides assistance for every leg of the journey, from departures and arrivals to connections and everything else in between.
“We continue to elevate the airport guest experience at SFO, with amenities that allow passengers to customize their journey,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “The Airport Butler service provides an exciting new option for travelers, offering a unique VIP experience that anyone can enjoy.”
There are a whole slew of services that can be tailored for travel groups, business professionals, seniors, families with small children, cruise and leisure travelers and unaccompanied minors. Non-English speaking passengers are able to select a concierge member who speaks their preferred language.
From the airport curb to the gate, the concierge member greets passengers, monitors the flight status, assists with luggage, takes care of the check-in process, escorts passengers through a fast track security lane, coordinates lounge reservations and can even take care of spa, dining or shopping arrangements.
Once at the gate, the butler will ensure that travelers are part of the pre-boarding group. They maintain contact with family, friends or travel agents throughout the duration of the flight and are on stand-by to provide speedy assistance in the event of a cancellation or delay.
The same level of service is offered upon arrival. Family and professional contacts are notified of flight updates, and butlers are on the ground to greet clients at the arrival gate. They will also escort international passengers through customs and immigration, retrieve luggage and ensure transportation is secured.
For groups larger than four, an additional butler must be requested. High-profile travelers can opt for security guards, discreet entry and exit methods and a personal escort from the gate to the hotel. Other optional services, such as private meeting rooms, flowers or customized gifts and additional business services are available for an extra fee.
Airport Butler is a Canadian concierge program that began operating out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in 2012. At present, it is only offered at the two airports but plans to expand outside of North America are in consideration, according to Sally Leible, president and CEO of Airport Butler/ATS Inc.
“As Airport Butler sought to expand its unique service offering in the U.S., specifically San Francisco was a key airport for our future network as it is very innovative in terms of airport service offerings; a primary gateway for Asia Pacific travelers; and a city full of people seeking new experiences in travelling,” she said in a statement.
