In a recent interview between Oprah Winfrey and Matt Damon the two could not stop talking about all the ways they avoid lines at airports. They spoke of a mythical service where all they had to do was walk onto the airplane. No stopping in lines, no carrying their bags, and no hanging out in airport lounge chairs designed by Attila the Hun.
I went to Oprah.com and poked around. I emailed her and I researched airport concierges. While I never did identify the exact service preferred by Oprah and Matt, I did encounter a number of services certain to ease your summer travel woes and allow you to embrace your inner celebrity when you travel.
Can You Hear Me Now?
Before you leave on your trip program your airline’s toll free reservation number into your cell phone. If your flight is delayed or cancelled call your airline call center directly to rebook your flight instead of standing in line. The reservation agent at the airline call center is the one with the most current information. The gate agents get their information from the call centers too so cut out the middle man and possibly catch that next flight leaving in ten minutes.
Less Is More
Try, try, try to fit all your belongings in your carry on luggage. Even as I write this I realize how impossible this is for 99% of the people out there (myself included). If you must bring along baggage – check it at the curb or send your luggage ahead of you through a luggage delivery service or UPS. Many of these services will ship golf clubs, skiis, snowboards, surfboards, bicycles and strollers all for your convenience allowing you to stroll on and off the plane in no time at all. http://www.luggageforward.com/ , http://www.luggageconcierge.com/, http://www.luggagefree.com/, http://www.theluggageclub.com/.
Rock Star Parking
To insure that you have a parking spot in the airport lot many private lots will allow you to reserve a specific spot in advance. This not only saves you time as you depart, but you can insure a spot close to the exit if you’re itching to get out of the lot in a hurry upon your return. Many private lots are also less expensive than the airport run lots. Also some airports now offer valet service. Check your individual airport for its specific parking services. And the bonus . . . no more getting yelled at by the angry traffic cop in the loading zone.I Wouldn’t Join Any Club That Would Have Me – Many airports now offer registered traveler programs. Registration with these clubs allows travelers to breeze through security check points because they and their luggage have been pre-screened and met all security standards. To date San Jose, Orlando, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and New York’s JFK airports offer the service. http://www.flyclear.com/.
Shirley Temple At Your Service
Many airports offer Ambassador programs. These volunteers are at the airport simply to help you out with any problems much like a concierge. Not all airports have them but if you are flying out of Los Angeles, Orange County, Ontario, San Diego, Boston’s Logan, Dallas, or Chicago O’Hare to be sure to ask for an Ambassador if you are encountering a problem at the airport. They are sure to help get you back on track. These are just a few of the airports that offer this service so be sure to check both your airports before leaving on your trip.
So, enjoy your summer travel and please say hello to Matt and Oprah for me when you see them.
***Note*** Niche Travel Design and Consulting does not endorse any of the links provided herein and is merely providing the links for informational purposes.
Shelley Jarvis
Niche Travel Design
shelley@nichetravel.com
925-519-2619
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