Mark this as “interesting” rather than “useful,” though it’s always fun to learn about airport services you didn’t know existed…
In this post:
LOT’s paid Warsaw Airport limo service
I wrote about how LOT Polish Airlines opened its refreshed lounge in the Schengen area, which has been expanded and renovated. The changes look great, though there’s a mention in there of a service I wasn’t aware of.
Those who have access to one of LOT’s lounges can pay for an airport limo service, which allows the passenger to travel from the gate to the plane in a Volvo XC90. As it’s described, this limo service is “the perfect solution for those who value comfort and personalised service.”
As far as the details go:
- Tickets must be issued by LOT, and passengers must have access to the LOT lounge
- This service can be purchased at the reception desk of the lounge
- This service is exclusively available for flights that depart from a remote stand, where boarding would ordinarily happen via bus
- The cost of this service is 300 PLN ($78), and the price is the same for anywhere from one to four people
This limo service seems… very niche
It’s not uncommon to see airlines offer some sort of an airport VIP service that you can pay for, ranging from American Five Star Service to Air France Concierge. However, in this case, the passenger needs to know that this service exists, and the flight needs to specifically leave from a remote stand.
It sounds like this isn’t a comprehensive VIP service, where you get an escort through security, and other priority services. Instead, you’re taken to the same departure gate as everyone else, but you’re then put in a private Volvo rather than into a bus.
A lot of people hate the bus ride that’s required when departing from remote stands, but I guess now the question is whether you hate it enough to spend $78 to avoid it. Sure, in theory this might have appeal for some very rich people and celebrities, but again, this isn’t something that’s arranged in advance, which would likely limit the demand in that category.
I can’t imagine many people use this, both due to lack of publicity about the service, plus the cost. So I wonder, is there some alternative use for these cars? Like, does the airline offer some elite members rides on a surprise and delight basis, or is the car literally on standby in case anyone wants to use this paid service?
Bottom line
LOT Polish Airlines lets those who have lounge access pay $78 to avoid taking a bus to a remote stand, by offering a private Volvo transfer. That’s a hefty price tag just to be driven to the plane, with no additional service, so it’s interesting to me that this is offered.
What do you make of LOT’s unique airport limo service offering?
It sounds weird to me that you need to have lounge access in order to book it and the. The car doesn’t leave at the lounge? Are you sure that you have to go to the gate as normal?
In Warsaw you can get a bus to your plane regardless of Embraer, 737 or 787.
There is no seperate shuttle service for Business Class passengers, so boarding by groups is a theory.
I had instances of standing in an overcrowded bus for 40 minutes (longer than my domestic hop) on tarmac with 40C.
I will actually subsribe to this if I have to fly LOT.
Same service HON get during remote stand arrival resp departure. Been there for a while (though niche, max 40 HONs pass via WAW on a monthly basis). Most likely a way for them to monetise the HON service team they have put in place
I think it would be better if you could be transported from the lounge to your plane in that Volvo instead of having to go the gate.
I like that LOT is trying new things and is making an effort to add more premium services - although they are more often than not an expensive option, at least in CEE.
If they only would move to OneWorld!
It's a niche within a niche. If the flight is LO operated, you very rarely get remote stands at WAW.
Hi Andy - as a WAW frequent traveller I have to say that this is sadly not true anymore, especially if you are on a Schengen flight. The Warsaw Airport is getting overcrowded and the few jet bridges that exist are often reserved for “external” airlines such as LH, KLM or AF. Add to that the fact that Warsaw Ground Handling won’t let the bus depart unless every square inch has been filled with people...
Hi Andy - as a WAW frequent traveller I have to say that this is sadly not true anymore, especially if you are on a Schengen flight. The Warsaw Airport is getting overcrowded and the few jet bridges that exist are often reserved for “external” airlines such as LH, KLM or AF. Add to that the fact that Warsaw Ground Handling won’t let the bus depart unless every square inch has been filled with people and this becomes a very appealing option, especially when travelling in group.
Huh, as it happens I’m flying LOT business with a 2 year-old this summer. If we get a remote stand and the weather isn’t great, or the general airport seems like chaos, I may give this a shot. Niche, sure, but good to know
How are you supposed to know that the service is only for remote stand departures, know that your flight is such, and be given an opportunity to buy the service when that's the case?
Presumably some aircraft types will usually/always get a remote stand. I was glad that my LH ticket coming back to Europe on Christmas eve included access to a car transfer from the FCT as I had a long connection to a flight home on a CRJ and didn't fancy waiting around in the cold.
Travelling with a couple other people, and it is raining? Sure.
Exactly, or when travelling with infants, mobility issues etc.
I wonder if this fee will be waived for HONs