The Traveler’s Guide to Air General

Airports can be bustling and confusing, especially for first-time flyers. And even the most experienced travelers may want assistance from time to time. Air General is a service just for that: It’s designed to help expedite a traveler’s journey through an airport terminal or train station.

For a fee, an Air General concierge will meet you curbside at the airport or outside the train station to offer help. This includes hauling bags to checking in to getting to your gate (and/or the airport lounge). Air General’s services work the same way for arriving passengers, getting you through the airport or station and on your way as smoothly as possible.

Some airlines offer these kinds of services already. American offers its passengers optional Five Star Service. United Signature Service, which is available at some major hubs and several international cities, offers similar service, as well.

Air General offers airport assistance no matter what airline you’re flying. Here’s an overview of the program to help you decide if its worth hiring for your next trip.

Air General’s meet-and-greet services are designed to improve the airport journey, whether departing or arriving, and can be booked online. The company’s agents are familiar with the airport or train station layout and have undergone full background checks. On your travel day, a representative meets you at the curb at the airport or outside the train station to escort you to the ticket counter to get a boarding pass and check luggage. The agent will guide you through an expedited security screening, then escort you to the gate or track so that you can board early.

Air General can also assist with arranging access to an airline or airport lounge.

Air General’s prices vary depending on where you use the service and what assistance is needed. For example, in Washington-Dulles and Washington-National airports, basic services cost $215, plus a 12% airport charge, while at Chicago-O’Hare, it’s $210.

Assistance at train stations costs a flat $225 fee. Need extra security? Air General lets you hire a former police officer in some locations at a cost of $440, plus airport fee.

Air General prices are good for up to three hours and cover up to four people in your party. Additional travelers will require an extra fee.

Air General’s service is very versatile, meeting the needs of different kinds of travelers.

• Corporate travelers. It is great for the corporate executive looking to get through the airport without having to wait in line.

• Unaccompanied minors. Its services can also be especially helpful for unaccompanied minors, particularly when an adult is not available to escort a child through security and to the gate.

• Senior citizens. Senior citizens may appreciate the extra level of service to assist them in getting through an unfamiliar airport or train station. Air General’s assistance is one step above airport wheelchair service because the program’s agents meet the traveler upon airport arrival.

• Connecting passengers and international flyers. Passengers making a connection who may not be familiar with an airport’s layout (or if they have to change terminals) may prefer the extra help of an Air General agent. International flyers can use the service to assist them as they pass through immigration and customs formalities.

• Large groups. Large families, school or church groups, sports teams and corporate teams that want to stay together while getting some VIP treatment at the airport may also find this to be valuable.

• Heavy packers. Anyone with baggage to collect or who needs assistance with bags (and may not be sure if there are porters at the destination) will find Air General services to be of great help.

If you’re a frequent business traveler who knows the ins and outs of airports or someone who has elite status, Air General’s benefits won’t be as valuable to you. But lots of other travelers find this airport concierge service to be worth it.

Air General services are offered at these U.S. airports:

• Baltimore.

• Charlotte.

• Chicago-O’Hare.

• Dallas-Fort Worth.

• Fort Lauderdale.

• New Orleans.

• New York-LaGuardia.

• Washington-Dulles.

• Washington-National.

Air General is also available at a number of U.S. train stations, including:

• Boston South Station Train Station.

• Chicago Union Station.

• New York City Pennsylvania Train Station.

• Newark Train Station.

• Washington D.C. Union Station.

If you don’t have elite status and are looking for ground services that will expedite your airport journey, Air General is a great option. While some airlines, like American and United, offer airport VIP services for purchase, Air General expands the list of domestic cities where you can coast through the airport like a VIP.

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