For the new international traveler, one of the most difficult arenas to navigate may not be at the actual destination, but between air terminals. From getting through terminals to dealing with customs, completing the trip may be more stressful than the actual trip itself.
A new startup wants to take some of the frustration out of the international travel process by offering a hand to those arriving, departing, or those transiting between airports. Solve seeks to “solve” a common situation at the airport: getting from the terminal to ground transportation and back with the least amount of resistance possible.
Backed through Y Combinator, Solve offers airport concierge services at over 480 airports around the world. When travelers book concierge assistance through the website, they are offered multiple levels of service, depending on their plans. Those who are arriving can be met by a concierge at the gate, where they will be given priority through customs before retrieving their luggage. From there, the concierge will assist individuals arrange ground transportation to their hotel or other destination.
When it comes time to depart, the concierges help from the moment individuals arrive at the airport. After assisting with checked luggage and receiving boarding passes, Solve assistants escort individuals to the front of the security line, getting them through quickly and easily. After passing through the checkpoint, concierges can assist with everything from duty-free shopping to finding the nearest lounge. Concierges stay with travelers until they board the aircraft and flight departs.
What about travelers going between airports? Solve can help with that issue as well. Meeting travelers at the gate, Solve concierges start by assisting travelers through customs if necessary and rechecking luggage between flights. Much like the departure service, concierges then stay with travelers to ensure their trips go smoothly on the ground.
For those who want the assistance of a travel concierge, it comes at a price. Services start at $225 per traveler, per leg, and go up from there. Searches we ran for concierge services through Solve ranged from $250 all the way up to $375 per flyer.
So for the good that comes with Solve, what are the downsides of working with an airport concierge? The greatest issue is the price: while those who save money on their travel by using points and miles may be able to afford the extra price of a concierge, those who pay cash for their international trips could face a much higher price added to the cost of their ticket. Furthermore, adding a concierge service may not qualify to utilize cash back from certain travel cards, including the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard.
For those who could benefit most from a concierge (like business or family travelers), there are other options as well. Those flying in premium cabins are often granted additional benefits, including assistance in locating lounges and other services, but fall short of a full concierge. In addition, those who hold a World Elite MasterCard – like the Citi / American AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard – also have access to an airport concierge for a price.
For the discerning traveler who requires an additional level of service, Solve can help travelers get the most out of every airport adventure. Before determining if it is right for you, make sure you will get the full value of having an extra hand on arrival, departure, or inbetween trips.
Would you hire an airport concierge to beat lines or offer an extra hand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com
Written by Frugal Travel Guy @ http://www.frugaltravelguy.com