Travel Escort idea
 

Imagine a travel escort service offered through a mobile app. Travelers can sign up on the app and request an escort that will help them out in their transfer layover. A lot of transit airports can be confusing and daunting and you don't want to get lost or miss your next flight. Through the app, you get matched with a travel escort. A travel escort is a local from the airport city that knows the airport well. He also signs up on the app and is able to take escort requests. As a traveler you upload your itinerary (for the escort to see) and you pay through the app. Easy and seamless.
What do you think? Would you purchase such a service? How much you pay for it?
Much thanks!

I have never found an airport so daunting that I would hire someone to guide me through it.
Our cellphones often don't overseas and the Sim cards we've bought are only for our final destination.

I can't imagine why I'd need such a service. Airports all over the world are pretty easy to navigate, IME. How much would I pay for such a service? Nothing.

I actually could have used such a service in Mexico City--hands down, the most confusing airport I have ever been in, and I've been in quite a few.

Problem is, sometimes the assistance is needed inside the security cordon, where the escort will not be allowed to go. And airports around the world are widening their security cordons. I would not be surprised if entering an airport without a ticket were to become impossible in some places.

Furthermore, we figured it out in Mexico City, and would not have had time to wait for someone to come help anyway--and there are many forms of assistance already available inside an airport, for free.

isaacbok, I do not think this is a winning idea, sorry!

Doubtful you'll find viable market. Budget travelers don't want to pay "extra" for anything, business travelers are all too familiar airports and don't require that kind of service, very wealthy travelers can get "real" VIP treatment if they so desire., and anyone with mobility issues can get a "skycap" to escort them. That leaves the casual flyer - most of those are intelligent enough to read and follow the overhead signs as they negotiate their way through an airport or, if they need assistance can easily ask for directions at the nearest "information Booth".

Like others have said - it's really not that difficult to find your way through an airport. I've done it all over the world - never met an airport where I couldn't get from Point A to Point B even if it meant changing terminals.

The travel escort won't be allowed anywhere they might be useful. There are already airports you can't enter without a ticket (e.g. India and Pakistan), I expect this to spread, and most transits already occur beyond security.

I'm not sure why anyone would use this? If you need physical assistance, you can get it thru the airlines (wheelchair, etc.).

In addition to all of the above,
<A travel escort is a local from the airport city that knows the airport well.>
is this really a thing that exists?

It's not as though locals frequent the airport, as a rule, so how are you going to find these escorts? I know my city's airport well because I travel, but...how to put this...most people who can afford to travel are not going to want to take this (surely) low paying and very spotty gig.

The term ‘escort’ can mean different things. The traveller might discover he is not getting quite what he hoped for! ��

"What do you think?" This should become one of those humorous threads that continues for awhile.

"Would you purchase such a service?" No.

"How much would you pay for it?" zippo.

This is a solution looking to create a problem.

Stupid idea. Look for a map of the airport online before you leave if you're going to be pressed for time when you land.

Now, escorts for travelers with long layovers is an idea worth pursuing. Or better yet, a "Single Serving Friend" app that will match people who are traveling, have some time to waste, and don't want to waste it alone -- they can get together for coffee or a beer or a meal or a couple's chair massage.

<i>A lot of transit airports can be confusing and daunting and you don't want to get lost or miss your next flight. Through the app, you get matched with a travel escort. </i>

Better idea: have the app serve up interactive maps of the airports.


<i> A travel escort is a local from the airport city that knows the airport well.</i>

Sp, either a frequent flier who won't have time for this nonsense or someone who works at the airport who wants to spend their time off at the airport.

Brilliant.

Welcome to Fodors, Isaacbok! :))

Good for you for doing some research here. My experience:

One time we arrived late to meet a connecting flight at Heathrow and an airline employee escorted/hustled us to the gate, but then we were flying First Class thanks to miles.

Another time another airport (almost missed connection) our travel agent had an employee of some kind (airline? airport?) get us from one part of the airport to another to make our connection. We tipped said person. Don't know what other compensation they might have gotten.

So some variations of this service do exist; if I were at an unfamiliar airport with a different language/alphabet (think Russia etc.) I might pay for a transit helper to get me from here to there, to the legitimate taxi stand, etc. What would I pay? Maybe $5 at use; maybe 99 cents for the app on the phone. For areas I am more familiar with (Western Europe), wouldn't be something I need. Also I am talking high stakes missed flight (transatlantic to west coast).

I have never found an airport that was a challenge to anyone of normal intelligence. I'm sure there are some that may be difficult - very out of the way places in third world countries with few people speaking english - but it doesn't sound like you would offer help in those places.

So - no, I see no need. And wouldn;t pay anything.

I really do not know if I would consider that travel escort app. Perhaps, its not advisable for me because when I go out of the country, I always book my travel in a trusted travel agency that includes airfare, accommodation, transfer and tours.