Travel Industry Explores Dublin Airport’s New VIP Services

A recent tour at Dublin Airport provided members of the travel trade and media with an exclusive look at the airport’s operations and upcoming enhancements. Led by Edel Redmond, Head of B2B and Partner Marketing at Dublin Airport, the event showcased the new Platinum Service Suites and various upgrades designed to enhance the customer experience.

The tour, which included around 30 travel professionals, began in the newly opened Platinum Service Suites, highlighting the airport’s commitment to improving passenger services. Redmond described the tour as an opportunity to gain insights into the airport’s operations, facilities, and services, while also enjoying a bit of fun along the way.

Among the fascinating features revealed were the specialized clean-up procedures for de-iced planes, which aim to mitigate environmental impacts, and the critical role of the fire station in airport operations—its failure could lead to a complete shutdown of the airport.

Innovative Services on the Horizon

During the event, Niamh Carolan, Head of Travel Services for Dublin Airport, shared exciting developments planned for the airport. Among these is the introduction of new electric vehicles (EV) buses slated for launch next year. Additionally, a premium parking experience in the Red Car Park is set to debut, offering first pick-up and drop-off services.

The airport’s Drop & Go valet parking service, already popular among families and corporate travelers, allows passengers to drive to the short-term multi-story car park, hand over their keys, and proceed with their journeys, ensuring a stress-free experience.

The recently relaunched Airport Club has also garnered attention, offering a tiered membership system consisting of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels. Each tier provides an array of benefits, including unlimited access to fast-track security and lounges, as well as discounts at Dublin Duty Free.

For example, the Bronze membership, priced at €1,500 for 12 months, includes access to the Express Red Car Park and fast-track services, while Gold and Diamond members enjoy even more exclusive perks, including personalized services and private terminal access.

Expanding the Platinum VIP Experience

Dublin Airport’s Platinum VIP services have expanded their capacity with the addition of four new suites, bringing the total to ten. These suites, featuring bespoke Irish furnishings and curated menus, cater to corporate executives, celebrities, and those seeking a unique travel experience.

The expansion is expected to accommodate an additional 26,000 passengers annually, increasing the overall capacity to approximately 66,000 guests. The service is available year-round and offers personalized assistance, dedicated check-in, and streamlined security procedures.

Carolan noted that the pricing for the Platinum VIP service is competitive, starting at €475 for the first person, with reduced rates for additional guests. This service is designed for those who value a premium travel experience.

Dublin Airport is also revamping its Fast Track services, moving to a new location in the Mezzanine Area of Terminal 1. This upgrade aims to enhance the customer experience with improved facilities and direct access to lounges.

As part of a broader transformation, the airport lounges are undergoing a comprehensive rebranding process, with four of the five lounges being updated to reflect their unique identities. This initiative is expected to significantly increase seating capacity from 477 to 780 seats, accommodating a larger number of guests and enhancing their overall experience.

With ongoing improvements and innovative offerings, Dublin Airport seeks to elevate the travel experience while addressing the needs of both leisure and corporate travelers. The recent tour for the travel trade and media serves as a testament to the airport’s commitment to excellence in service and customer satisfaction.