Traveling with young kids, older parents, and pets can be quite the adventure, even for the most experienced families. From going through the security to juggling luggage, keeping the little ones entertained while making sure the elderly are comfortable can turn an airport trip into a bit of a circus if you’re not well-prepared. Interestingly, the global market for VIP Airport Services was valued at USD 1.92 billion in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 8.1% through 2033. This is fantastic news because it shows that more families and groups are realizing that VIP services aren’t just for business travelers or those seeking luxury. Today, we’re excited to share some helpful insights about VIP services, why they matter, and how to connect with a VIP concierge provider as reliable as airssist ahead of your travel dates to plan ahead and dodge any last-minute hassles.
Travel Trends of Families and Groups at Present
As travel makes a comeback and transforms, it’s come to the notice that more families and groups are prioritizing shared adventures. In the U.S. alone, over 100 million people plan to travel with their families each year, often taking advantage of VIP airport services to make navigating crowded terminals a bit easier. Families with Millennials and Gen Z are especially eager: a whopping 89% say their main reason for traveling is to spend quality time together. Predictions indicate that the demand for family travel could surge by more than 25% in 2025 compared to previous years.
In the past, many travelers were all about hitting those big bucket-list spots like Bali, Rome, London, or Paris. But now, the vibe is changing. According to Expedia’s “Unpack ’25” report, 63% of travelers would rather explore lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path destinations on their next getaway.
Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by 2025, international visitor spending will hit USD 2.1 trillion, with the entire travel and tourism sector contributing a staggering USD 11.7 trillion globally.
All these trends point to what’s driving family and group travel choices today: a desire for connection, a preference for quieter experiences over crowded attractions, and shared moments that truly matter.
The Contribution of VIP Airport Services to Travel Shifts for Families and Groups
With all these travel trends emerging, VIP services at the airport are stepping up in a big way, not just as a luxury, but honestly it acts as a smart solution that really adds color and value to the travel experience for families and groups. Many airport’s terminals fill up, immigration lines get longer, and layovers become tighter, traveling together can start to feel pretty overwhelming. That’s where VIP airport services come in, making transitions exceptional, faster, and more personalized. These extraordinary services don’t just make the journey easier, they also shape when, where, and how families and groups decide to travel, turning shared travel experiences into something much more enjoyable and manageable.
Sri Lanka, which is a major tourist destination for families and groups alike, welcomed 8.88 million passenger movements in 2024, marking a 17.6% increase from the previous year. Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which serves as the main international hub, has also experienced a surge in air traffic in 2025. In the first eight months alone, air traffic movements jumped from 38,607 to 44,185, reflecting a 14.4% rise.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, Changi Airport recorded 17.2 million passenger movements in the first quarter of 2025, which is a 4.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth is particularly impressive as it surpasses pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong and ongoing demand for travel at these already bustling terminals.
These increasing traffic volumes are leading to more congestion at airport counters and can affect traveling families and groups be it corporate, students or religious. For families with young kids or groups traveling together, passing through the crowds can be a true headache. This is exactly where VIP airport services come into play, providing much-needed relief.
VIP Services at Airports Further Explained
Traveling can often be overwhelming, especially during peak times. Before we get to the VIP services, let’s share a real life experience of a popular personnel.
In May 2022, Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej experienced this firsthand at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. Upon returning from the Cannes Film Festival, Kej encountered severe overcrowding at the immigration counters, with reports indicating over 1,000 passengers waiting in line. He described the situation as “pathetic,” highlighting that many counters were non-operational and staff appeared unprepared to manage the influx. Kej expressed his concerns on Hindustan, stating,
“Been in line for over an hour now. Currently, well over 1000 people are waiting, not all counters working, staff is clueless, inefficient.”
He further criticized the airport’s infrastructure, noting multiple redundant checks that passengers had to undergo, which exacerbated the delays. Kej’s candid account shed light on the challenges faced by travelers during peak times and called for improvements in airport management to enhance the passenger experience.
This incident underscores the importance of VIP airport services, which offer expedited processing, and a worry free journey for travelers seeking convenience and comfort. Here are some VIP airport services that both your entire family and each individual group member will truly appreciate:
Dedicated Greeter / Personal Agent
A staff member waits for you at a specified point (airbridge, gate, terminal entrance) and stays with your family or group. They have your name on a sign, help you through immigration/customs, and guide you through the airport.
Fast‑Track / Expedited Processing
These services help you skip the long waits at security, passport control, immigration, customs, or check-in. With a fast track at airports, you can breeze through these processes in no time. If you’re traveling with kids who might throw a tantrum or elderly family members who can’t stand for too long, then expedited processing at airports can be a really smart choice.
Luggage / Porter Assistance
You don’t have to worry about lugging around heavy bags or managing your family’s luggage when you have porter helpers to take care of it all. They’ll carry your bags, help with strollers or any mobility needs, and even transport your checked luggage to and from your vehicle or lounge. If you’re traveling in a group and have valuable items like musical instruments or medical equipment, booking a VIP service can help keep everything secure. They’ll safeguard your documents, instruments, and anything else you need to protect.
Lounge Access / Comfortable Holding Areas
If your flight is scheduled for an early time, or if there’s a bit of a wait between your arrival and your next journey, why not treat yourself and your family or group to some relaxation in a VIP lounge instead of hanging out in the crowded public areas? These lounges usually come with a range of amenities like snacks and drinks, comfy seating, and sometimes even showers or family-friendly spaces. For instance, the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul (IST) is huge and packed with various features, while the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney (SYD) has special areas designed just for kids, complete with entertainment options. If you’re after independent lounge access, the Centurion Lounges at JFK and LGA, along with the Chase Sapphire Lounges at the same airports, are often praised for their spacious settings and top-notch amenities, but just remember to check the access policies before you go.
Assistance With Transits / Connections
Traveling through airports, especially with kids or in a group, can be quite the adventure! If your trip includes layovers or connections between flights (even if it’s just moving between terminals), there are agents available to help you out. They can assist with immigration and transit formalities, and even help you re-check your luggage. Plus, if you want to stretch your legs and indulge in some shopping at the duty-free shops during your layover, airport personal shoppers are a fantastic option. They’ll take care of your kids while you enjoy some retail therapy, or if you’re traveling with a group, you’ll receive all the guidance and assistance you need.
Special Help (Mobility / Children / Families)
Many VIP services at airports offer buggy or wheelchair assistance, extra help if travelling with infants or young children, and sometimes even vouchers or complimentary add‑ons for children.
“Addictiveness” Factor: Benefits That Make VIP Hard to Give Up
It’s true! Once used, travelers will forever be addicted to these amazing VIP airport services for the comfort it brings not only to you but to your whole family and fellow travelers in your group. Hence, VIP service at the airport really makes a difference, once you experience that smoothness, hassle-free journey, it’s hard to go back to anything else. It’s not just about the luxury; it’s about the real benefits in time, comfort, predictability, and peace of mind that truly transform the way people travel.
What Makes VIP So Hard to Give Up
| Benefit | How It Plays Out for Families/Groups | Why It Hooks You (Even More than for Solo Travelers) |
| Time Savings | Families often face large checks in queues, slow immigration, delays at security, and managing children’s items (strollers, baby bags, etc.). VIP fast‑track and meet and assist let you bypass many queues. For a group, this can mean saving 30‑60 minutes (or more) simply by avoiding the busy public lanes. | When you have kids with short patience, or elderly members whose mobility is limited, every minute counts. Less waiting means less meltdown, less worry about missing connecting flights, everyone stays calmer, happier. |
| Comfort & Convenience | Dedicated lounges where children can play, separate seating so adults aren’t fighting for space, porter or assistance with luggage (especially bulky bags or multiple suitcases), buggy or stroller support, even escorting family through the maze of terminal corridors. | The relief is huge, no juggling bags and kids, no squeezing through crowds, no last‑minute sprint to the gate. Travel becomes more about the journey than just surviving the airport. |
| Reduced Stress & More Predictable Experience | With VIP, everything is more predictable: you know who is guiding you through immigration, who helps you find the correct path, where to pick up luggage, and how long formalities will take. For groups, these unknowns are multiplied, one delay for one person can ripple. VIP services often include an agent who keeps the group together and handles the tricky parts. | Having someone “hold your hand” through the process means less mental load. You can keep track of kids, make sure elderly or less mobile members are assisted, and enjoy the trip rather than constantly watching the time or worrying you’ll fall behind. |
| Exclusivity & Personalization | Families often have special needs: dietary (kids’ snacks), space for children to move, play, or rest, privacy for breastfeeding, etc. VIP services often let you specify these ahead of time, arrange for strollers, family seating, quiet spaces, etc. The experience feels tailored to your group, not generic. | When you feel the service understands and accommodates your family’s or group’s needs, it turns frustration into relief and sometimes joy. These small personal touches, kids entertained, groups catered, less waiting, smoother transitions, create memorable experiences rather than travel nightmares. |
| Enhanced Safety & Peace of Mind | Less exposure to crowds is safer for children, elderly, VIP or corporate groups; fewer chances of misplacing belongings when someone is rushing; secure agents to ensure all documents are handled properly; assistance for mobility, help getting through health protocol (if relevant). VIP often includes staff who anticipate the needs of family travelers. | Knowing that someone is managing the logistics frees parents’ minds. You’re not constantly scanning crowds, checking where you put the stroller, worrying someone will get lost, or that simple things will go wrong. That peace of mind allows you to actually enjoy travel time with your loved ones. |
If you need even more reasons why your whole family or travel group should opt for a VIP service, here are compelling ones:
- Emotional resonance
- Perceived value
- Behavioral anchoring
- Shared comfort and bonding
- Safety, peace of mind & special care
- Stress buffer & energy reserve
- Memorable moments for the kids (and the grown‑ups)
Emerging Trends in Family and Group Travel Using VIP Airport Services
Travel in 2025 is taking a new turn, especially for families and groups looking for meaningful and stress-free adventures. As more travelers focus on quality time and connection, fresh trends are emerging that are reshaping how families and groups plan their trips, and how VIP airport services are becoming essential in making their journeys even better.
The Rise of Multigenerational and “Grandymoon” Travel
Multigenerational Travel: Almost half of families are now including grandparents or other extended family members in their trips, showing a shift towards more inclusive and bonding experiences.
“Grandymoons”: Families are treating grandparents to special vacations as a heartfelt way to show their love and appreciation.
Social Values: This trend highlights deeper values like gratitude, creating shared memories, and strengthening intergenerational bonds.
Family Travel Trends
- Increased Travel Frequency: A good 66% of Americans either met or surpassed their travel goals in 2024, averaging about three trips per person.
- Wildlife and Eco-Destinations: Popular destinations are now offering kids hands-on learning experiences in nature, tapping into the rising interest in educational travel.
- Group Travel Interest: 47% of travelers are keen on multigenerational or family trips, marking a 17% increase from 2024.
The Growth of Group Travel
- Global group travel market in 2024 was about USD 168 billion, with steady growth expected through the coming decade.
- Corporate / business travel spending is rising fast; global business travel expenses are projected to increase significantly year‑over‑year.
- Digital platforms are seeing surges in direct bookings for group travel, people prefer booking via operators’ sites or apps rather than through middlemen.
- The business travel market in China alone was over USD 108 billion in 2024, with forecasts pointing to strong growth toward roughly USD 171 billion by 2030.
- As inbound visits surged under expanded visa‑free access, business visa facilitation became a critical differentiator for travel & concierge providers catering to corporate and group travelers.
Shape Up Your Family and Group Travel with airssist
With airssist, you can plan through any airport in the world to shape up your entire journey ahead for your family or group with the best VIP service available. With tremendous hospitality offerings in the concierge market, airssist has proven to be punctual, well trained, multilingual, local expertism, sustainable, and best at handling emergencies and works round the clock. From meet and greet to VIP terminal and chauffeured limo transfers, airssist is your go to solution. Consider booking with airssist today!
FAQs
Can VIP services really help when traveling with young children?
Absolutely. VIP options usually include escorts through terminals, priority lanes, and salt‑of‑the‑earth help with things like strollers, luggage, restroom access, and calming spaces. These make transitions much smoother when kids are tired or stressed.
Is there a minimum group size required to get VIP services or a discount?
Often yes, but it depends on the provider. Some services offer special rates once you hit a group threshold (e.g. 5‑10 people). Booking ahead can help secure better pricing and ensure sufficient staff.
What if our flight is delayed or we arrive late, can VIP services adapt?
Most VIP services are somewhat flexible, but there are boundaries. Providers usually set a window of time for arrival, departure, or connection services. If you’re significantly late, extra fees or re‑coordination might be needed. Always check the provider’s policy on delays.
Do VIP services guarantee faster immigration or customs clearance?
Not always. VIP services often include fast‑track or priority lanes and personal assistance, which can cut down waiting time. But actual speed depends on how busy the airport is, staffing levels, and security rules. VIP status doesn’t override airport regulations.
Is it worth the cost if some parts of the journey are already smooth?
That depends on your priorities. If the normal airport experience is manageable but you want more comfort, less stress, or consistent convenience, especially with elders, children, or lots of checked baggage, VIP services can make a big difference. If your priority is cost savings and you don’t mind some waiting, you might find the benefit less obvious.
