Air travel just got better — for the rich

If you’ve flown through a major airport recently, you probably know what a pain in the ass it’s become to get around — traveler counts are hitting record highs, staffing shortages have slowed down operations, and the government shutdown definitely isn’t helping. 

Plus, airports are getting bigger, and it’s made navigating them an often time-consuming, stressful, and physically taxing journey of its own. 

• Five of the largest global hubs — including Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International (299.6 square miles) and Denver International (53.2) — are all larger than the entirety of Manhattan (22.3). 

But for those able to afford it, airports worldwide are rolling out personalized assistance services to help ease some of the headache of getting to your gate, per The Wall Street Journal. 

The age of the “mega-airport”

The services are especially helpful for people on tight schedules, traveling with kids, and for the elderly and physically impaired— though they’re just as available to those who’d simply rather pay for assistance than deal with the drudgery of walking and lugging their own bags through an airport like everyone else.

They can include help with luggage, expedited security lines, lounge access, personal concierges, and more. Many of the programs don’t require a fancy credit card or a first-class ticket, per WSJ, but you will have to pay first-class prices…

Here’s a look

• Delta’s VIP Select service provides a guide who will help you with check-in and baggage; access to Delta’s Sky lounges; and a private car that’ll drive you straight to the plane (when available). It's offered at 11 US airports, starting at $550 and $100 per additional traveler.

Some private concierge services will hold your hand through the entire process:

• Queen of Clubs, which serves travelers in Europe and beyond, charges $250-$500 per person for curbside greeting and transfer service.  

And for the real big spenders (who still fly commercial):

• The PS brand will bring passengers to a separate terminal where they can go through check-in, security, and customs privately, then be whisked to the plane via private car and enter using the jetway stairs for a PJ-esque experience. It’s offered in Los Angeles and Atlanta, with more locations planned — but it’ll cost you $1.2k+.