Expediting services are available at a growing number of U.S. airports, promising to whisk travelers through the terminal. I recently road-tested such a service to see if it’s worth the steep price tag—in my case, $535 for two adults and a child.

When my family arrived at San Francisco International Airport late due to rush-hour traffic, our expediter immediately assured us she’d get us to our gate on time. Her California charm blended with a take-charge attitude I usually find only in my fellow native New Yorkers; the latter was a welcome attribute that calmed my initial nerves.

How did she speed us through the usual airport rigamarole? Most significantly, our concierge escorted us right to the front of the security line. She also helped my son with the gaming console and two laptops he had to remove from his backpack for screening, and she got us pre-boarding privileges, thus guaranteeing there would be room onboard for our three carry-on suitcases. However, we didn’t get the United Club access that was promised when I booked the service. (Our expediter said she’d never been able to get anyone into a club. She also said she can’t get airlines to hold a plane, and she can’t speed international travelers through immigration and customs.)

While the expediter did make our airport experience a bit easier, my guess is that most seasoned travelers won’t find the service to be worth the price in U.S. airports. But for people who rarely fly, suffer from travel-logistics anxiety, and don’t have the benefits that come with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or frequent-flier status, a U.S. expediter’s assistance could be a godsend—especially during peak travel times like the December holidays, when jumping to the front of an extra-long security line could save lots of time. 

Concierge services are available at select airports through both airlines and independent operators: First- and business-class passengers can add American’s Five Star Service or Five Star Select; any United passenger can book Signature Service, as I did; and Global Airport Concierge operates services at more than 1,000 airports worldwide. The concierge I was assigned by United works for a company called Airport Butler, which operates at more than 25 airports across the U.S. and Canada. Pro tip: If I’d booked directly through their website, I would have saved $105.

On WOW trips abroad, local fixers often arrange VIP fast-track service in foreign airports—and our travelers tell us over and over that that is well worth it. It’s gotten me quickly past immigration lines, into comfy lounges, and even picked up planeside by a private vehicle. Read on to learn other ways that WOW List experts expedite your time on the ground, minimize logistics, and make a trip as efficient as possible.

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ROME: “She managed to fit an unbelievable number of sights and experiences into our short stay…”

“We had an incredible 48 hours in Rome, and Jennifer made every moment count. She managed to fit an unbelievable number of sights and experiences into our short stay. As soon as we arrived at the airport, we were whisked away by a friendly driver to Villa Spalletti Trivelli, a private residence that has been transformed into a luxurious and uniquely elegant boutique hotel. It was perfectly located right beside the presidential palace and steps from the Trevi Fountain.

After dropping off our luggage, we met our first guide, who took us on a golf cart tour—the perfect way to see Rome while recovering from jet lag. We started early the next morning with a private tour of the Colosseum. Our guide was exceptional—knowledgeable, engaging, and fluent in English. Afterward, we enjoyed lunch at a popular local restaurant that Jennifer somehow managed to book for us, before meeting the same guide again for an afternoon tour of the Vatican. Our guide shared fascinating details about Vatican City that we never would have discovered on our own. That evening, we enjoyed one more delicious Italian meal before heading to the airport the next morning.

Jennifer’s team kept in constant contact, sending detailed daily messages outlining our pickup times, what to bring, and even suggestions on what to wear. I truly can’t thank Jennifer enough for planning such a seamless, memorable, and beautifully organized Roman getaway.” —Laine Orcutt

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JAPAN: “No time was spent getting lost, waiting in lines, wading through crowds, or any of the typical nuisances of travel…”

“We can’t stop talking about our vacation in Japan. We couldn’t have made better use of each day. No time was spent getting lost, missing connections, waiting in lines, wading through crowds, or any of the typical nuisances of travel. Andrea’s amazing staff, our in-country guides, drivers, hotel staff, and our ‘guardian angels’ continually impressed us with their professionalism, warmth, knowledge, and interest in guiding us into the lives and culture of their very special country.

Andrea’s hand-picked guides were by our side during our private maiko interview and dance, paper knot tying (mizuhiki) lesson, stencil dying (katazome) in an artist’s studio, sake tasting at a 400-year-old brewery with the owner, learning to make homey Japanese dishes, and standing awestruck in gorgeous Edo-period gardens.

We will look back fondly on each day of new adventure, meeting people, seeing sights, learning about Japanese culture by doing arts and crafts, eating wonderful food, and unwinding in a wooden onsen. Thank you, Wendy Perrin, for helping us connect with Andrea.” —Pamela D. Smith and Roger Potash

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AFRICA: “When Kenya Airways cancelled one of our flights, he was able to juggle our Nairobi reservations…”

“With our granddaughters reaching the ages of 11 and 14, we decided it was time to spoil them and take them and their parents on safari. Kenya became the obvious choice because of the direct flight from New York to Nairobi. Dan suggested staying at Hemingways in Nairobi on either end of the trip. This was very helpful when Kenya Airways cancelled one of our flights and he was able to juggle our Nairobi reservations without affecting the core stays at lodges.

Dan recommended we first head up north to Reteti House in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, one of three lodges owned by the Samburu people. Reteti has a policy of only hosting one group at a time, so we had the lodge to ourselves, with our own Samburu warrior guide and spotter. The lodge has a commanding view over the plain toward the mountains in the Matthews Range, with a watering hole below the lodge where we regularly saw elephants, giraffes, warthogs, kudus, and dik-diks. This area is also famous for its unique culture practiced by the semi-nomadic Samburu people and their famous ‘Sarara’ singing wells. It was also only a ten-minute walk to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. This allowed us to get there before any other tour groups. Our granddaughters were so excited to feed a damaged elephant, a baby giraffe, and a baby kudu.

After three nights in Reteti we flew down to Cottar’s 1920s Camp, situated in its own conservancy at the eastern end of the Masai Mara near the Tanzania border. This camp provided us with excellent access to wildlife without the crowding seen in other parts of the Mara. We luxuriated in their fine dining in the mess tent, and when it got dark were escorted to our tents by Masai warriors. The animal sightings were outstanding, with excellent multiple viewings of all three big cats, including a cheetah kill, lions stalking an African buffalo, and lions eating a wildebeest. In addition, we were able to go out for night drives, which are forbidden in the park itself. The real highlight was a river crossing by thousands of wildebeest.

Thanks to Dan and his team for arranging an excellent trip, with all connections, internal flights, etc. working like clockwork.” —Tony and Jane Ford-Hutchinson

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