ARRIVALS
What an airport meet & greet actually does
How the service works at airports like Heathrow, what fast-track really means, and how to get the most from it.
Airport meet & greet services are often described in glossy terms, but the value is practical: less time in queues, fewer decisions after a long flight, and someone who knows the terminal handling the details.
Where you are met
Depending on the airport and the level of service, a greeter may meet you at the aircraft door, at the gate or in the arrivals hall. Airside greeting, meaning before passport control, is only possible where the airport and provider are authorised to offer it, so it is always worth confirming exactly what is included.
What fast-track means
Many large airports, including Heathrow, offer priority lanes through security on departure, and some offer faster routes through immigration on arrival. Access depends on the airport, the terminal, your airline and sometimes your ticket class. A good concierge will tell you precisely which parts are available at your airport rather than promising a general “VIP experience”.
The handover is what matters
The most common frustration after landing is not the queue but the wait for a car or the confusion over where to find it. The real benefit of meet & greet is coordination: the greeter and the driver are working to the same timings, and your luggage goes straight from the carousel to the car.
What to send in advance
Flight number and date, the names of everyone travelling, how many bags you have (including anything oversized), and any special assistance needs. The earlier the booking, ideally at least 48 hours before, the more options there are.
Published by ATLAS SOVEREIGN · September 2026