Moscow Airport VIP Service

[Charles]

Has anyone used the VIP service at the Moscow airport that is offerred by various travel services.  I would be interested if anyone has used it and thinks its worth the money.  I've used it in Simferopol because of reports of customs hassles there, and was wondering if anyone had any views on using it in Moscow, in particular, how much time do you save after exiting the plane.

[johnnydudeman]

... in response to Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by Charles on Jun 26, 2002

I've don't think I've ever had to wait more than 45 minutes going through passport control at any Moscow airport and I never experienced any "shakedowns" in customs.  At the SVO passport control there are usually one or two long lines for Russian nationals and three or four lines for foreigners (savvy travelers will "walk briskly" to get to the passport control line first).  But, the lines usually look worse than they really are.

The real nuisance at SVO are the mafia taxi brokers preying on the "Americanyets" who don't already have a ride waiting (and sometimes even when you do).  Whether you use VIP or not, its probably a good idea to have a car and driver there waiting for for you.

[Apk1]

... in response to Re: Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by johnnydudeman on Jun 27, 2002

My first time to Moscow, a "REAL" taxi driver approached me as I exited customs...the guy walks right up to me and speaks in perfect english...$50 to center of city, and hands me his business card. He tells me only "HE" can give me a reciept. My girl (now my wife) tells him to buzz off, and he looks at me and says..do you let her handle your business?  I smiled and said...yep!  She had a gypsie cab waiting that she paid only $8....

And yes...it is good to "RUN" down to passport control to beat the long lines.

[WmGo]

... in response to Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by Charles on Jun 26, 2002

they have "VIP" service in Russia like exists in Ukraine.

[Apk1]

... in response to I don't think, posted by WmGo on Jun 27, 2002

I went through passport control 3 times to Moscow last year, I do not recall any VIP service....everyone gets off the plane and heads downstairs...to find a short line in passprt control. There is a seperate line for diplomats, but I do not recall any special holding area for VIP services.

The lines vary...due to how many flights land at the same time..and how many passport agents are working. This time of the year it will be a long wait because the planes are full. If you waited untill late fall or early spring, the planes are half empty...with little lines, and cheaper air fares.

[Bobby Orr]

... in response to Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by Charles on Jun 26, 2002

Do not waste your money.  I have been through Moscow with layovers five times now.  One time was the trip from h@ll with the two hour wait plus lost luggage.  The other four times I got through without problems all within 1/2 an hour and two flights within 15 minutes including luggage.  It all depends when you arrive, what day it is and how many flights are coming in together with you.

[rickmoe]

... in response to Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by Charles on Jun 26, 2002

Just curious, for one to go through customs in Simferopol, what city outside Ukraine can one fly from?? Thanks

Rick G

[Charles]

... in response to Re: Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by rickmoe on Jun 26, 2002

There are four basic ways to get to Simferopol:  1) through Kiev and take a train (long!) or Air Crimea (surprisingly good!)  2)  through Istanbul, but plan on a long layover in Istanbul and the prices tend to be higher than the other routes.  3)  through Moscow on Aeroflot.  You will have to do an overnight layover in Moscow but if you've never been there it's not bad.  and 4) during the summer there are nonstops from Frankrut on selected days during the week.

[Alfred]

... in response to Re: Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by rickmoe on Jun 26, 2002

Moscow on Aeroflot, Tashkent on Uzbekistan Airways, Prague, Tel Aviv and others on Aero Svit (http://www.aerosvit.com/eng/flights/15/).

Possibly Frankfurt on Lufthansa and Viena on Austrian Air

Note: this is not complete and some flights may be seasonal.  You might try asking on the Brama board if you need more than this.

[squirecam]

... in response to Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by Charles on Jun 26, 2002

Went through Moscow Airport in May 2002, and waited in passport control over 2 hours.

If you (potentially) dont want to wait that long, then it may be worth it. However, other people report much shorter wait times than my experience.

Squirecam

[Charles]

... in response to Re: Moscow Airport VIP Service, posted by squirecam on Jun 26, 2002

I've had the same experience - the 2 hr wait - and would like to avoid that.  Thanks.  And your trip report was good, too!