Most people don’t know this (since the airline doesn’t publicize it in any way), but Delta has a VIP service that any passenger can book. I’m not going to suggest that this is some amazing deal that everyone should take advantage of, but it’s at least a pretty comprehensive service. I’d like to go over the details in this post, and in a separate post, I wrote about American Five Star Service, which is the Fort Worth-based carrier’s equivalent program.
How Delta’s VIP Select program works
Delta VIP Select is the Atlanta-based carrier’s premium ground service package that’s available to all passengers. For those willing to pay, Delta VIP Select offers customized service and extra amenities, which should make your ground experience seamless. Let’s take a closer look at how this works.
What does Delta VIP Select offer?
You can use Delta VIP Select either on departure, during a connection, or on arrival:
- If you use Delta VIP Select on departure, you’ll be met by a Delta representative at the curb (and they’ll already have pre-printed bag tags, if you’re checking bags), you’ll be escorted through security, and then you’ll be escorted to the Sky Club, which you receive complimentary access to (if you don’t otherwise have access); you’ll usually have a reserved table there, and then you’ll be picked up at the Sky Club and brought to your gate when it’s time to depart
- If you use Delta VIP Select during a connection, you’ll be met at your arriving flight, you’ll be brought to the Sky Club (where there should be a reserved table), and then you’ll be brought to your connecting flight
- If you use Delta VIP Select on arrival, you’ll be met at your arriving flight, and you’ll then be transferred to a pick-up spot, which has been coordinated with the person or party who is picking you up
Note that generally speaking when you’re picked up or dropped off at a flight when using Delta VIP Select, it will be in a car, and you’ll be driven across the apron. Furthermore, it’ll usually be in a Porsche, the same that’s sometimes offered to SkyMiles Diamond Medallion members on a surprise and delight basis, when they have a short connection.
However, that’s not guaranteed. It’s also possible that you’ll be driven in a golf cart through the terminal, and it’s also possible that you’ll be driven across the apron in a non-Porsche.
Who is eligible for Delta VIP Select?
Anyone traveling on a Delta operated flight is eligible for this service, with the exception of those in basic economy. There’s no need to have elite status with Delta SkyMiles, or even to be traveling in first or business class (though presumably most passengers using this service are in a premium cabin). Note that you can’t use this service if traveling on partner airlines, though.
What airports have Delta VIP Select?
Delta VIP Select is available at 10 airports, all of which are Delta hubs or focus cities. These include:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- New York (JFK & LGA)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Tokyo (HND)
How much does Delta VIP Select cost?
Back in the day, Delta VIP Select had a consistent cost ($500 for the first person, and $100 for additional people), regardless of the airport. Nowadays the pricing is higher than that, and also varies based on the airport:
- In New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX), the service costs $650 for the first passenger, and $100 for each additional passenger
- At all other US airports, the service costs $550 for the first passenger, and $100 for each additional passenger
- In Tokyo (HND), the departure service costs $550 for the first passenger, and $100 for each additional passenger, while the arrivals service costs $350 for up to four passengers, and $100 for each additional passenger
I should note that at all US locations, the reduced cost for additional people only works if you have up to four people. If there’s a fifth person, you’d be stuck paying the full amount for that person, since there can be up to four people per group, for these purposes.
When you purchase the Delta VIP Select service, you’re paying specifically for the service at one airport. In other words, if you were flying from Los Angeles to Atlanta to New York, you’d specify at which airport you want the service, or else you’d be paying at each airport separately. With the exception of Tokyo, it doesn’t matter whether you’re using the service for a departing, connecting, or arriving itinerary.
How do you book Delta VIP Select?
Delta VIP Select is bookable by phone, at 855.235.9847. You have to specifically call that number, as standard Delta phone agents can’t help you with a Delta VIP Select booking (and may not even be familiar with the program).
Is Delta VIP Select worth it?
I’m not going to argue that Delta VIP Select is a program that everyone should always use. It’s not. However, if you really like to avoid hassles, or if you have an elderly family member traveling alone and you’re willing to splurge, then maybe this is worth being aware of.
If you’re just arriving at an airport and need to get to the curb to get in a car, then it’s almost certainly not worth spending the money for this. That’s a lot of money for a service that will maybe save you a few minutes.
Conversely, say you have a four-hour connection at New York JFK Terminal 4. The terminal is huge, so by using this service:
- You’d probably be picked up at your arriving aircraft on the apron, and driven to the Sky Club
- You’d then get Sky Club access (if you didn’t otherwise have that), and at a minimum, you’d get to skip whatever line there is to get into the Sky Club, and probably get a reserved seating area
- You’d then be driven to your connecting flight, with the option to board first or last (and if you board last, you can bet there will be space for your carry-on)
- If there were irregular operations, the Delta VIP Select agents would help you with that as well
If you have a special trip, or value your time and a stress-free travel experience immensely, some people might think that’s worth considering. It’s not something I’d splurge on with any frequency, though I do think the program is worth being aware of.
Bottom line
Delta VIP Select is a special service that any Delta passenger can purchase. It essentially takes all of the hassle out of the ground experience when flying with Delta, as you’ll be escorted every step of the way, whether you’re departing, connecting, or arriving. The cost varies depending on the airport, but you’ll typically pay $550-650 for the first passenger, with a discounted cost for additional passengers.
Since Delta doesn’t publish anything about this program, I figure it’s worth calling out, for those who might be interested.
Could you see yourself using Delta VIP Select?
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