Kimpton is one of IHG’s most loved hotel groups, as the brand is known for great customer service and fun amenities, like the social password (currently valid through September 5, 2022).
There’s now a new way to score value with your Kimpton stay. As of this weekend (with no published end date), Kimpton properties will pour you a glass of wine at check-in if you “wine” about your flight being delayed or canceled.
Kimpton is calling this an “emotional support beverage,” obviously a play on the concept of “emotional support animals.” However, with the Department of Transportation’s 2020 rule changes regarding emotional support animals, perhaps they should be called psychiatric support beverages instead. 😉
Interestingly Kimpton only addresses delayed or canceled flights. What about when your bag gets lost or delayed? If so, I think the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam will be pouring just about every guest a glass of wine for the rest of the summer.
Bottom line
Kimpton will now offer a glass of wine at check-in to anyone who complains about their flight being delayed or canceled. I think most of us would rather get to our destination on-time and not be poured a glass of wine, but this at least makes a bad situation a little better.
Kudos to Kimpton for this creative concept. And my condolences to Kimpton associates who have to hear about how everyone’s flight was delayed.
What do you make of this Kimpton wine feature?
I love how this must have been born from the feedback of team members who actually handle the check-in process. They are hyper-focused on every touchpoint with a guest, so them finding a fun way to alleviate the 'angst' of delayed travel is very Kimpton!
At least they're creative with their marketing. Great way to diversify in this challenging industry.
I don't understand how this will work. You would leave the airport to go to a Kimpton for your glass of wine? They would provide a coupon through the airline for you to use in the airport? It would only apply if you just checked out and your flight was delayed or just arrived and you are staying at a Kimpton? Many details are unknown.
It's if your flight TO the destination is cancelled or delayed. The article does mention that it would be poured at check in.
My condolences to the check in staff as well.