Air Astana has launched a new Meet & Greet service at three key airports in its network: Almaty, Nur Sultan, and Frankfurt. The service hopes to ensure a smooth travel experience and help travelers clear the new requirements for international flights. Let's find out more about how this service works.

Open now

Air Astana's Meet & Greet service is currently available at the airline's hubs at Nur Sultan and Almaty, along with a transfer service at Frankfurt Airport. The service costs €40 ($47.6) at all three airports, a relatively reasonable price for groups of travelers. At the airline's hub, Air Astana passengers can avail of the service for both departing and arriving flights.

Those who opt-in for departure will be met by an airline representative who will help travelers with their luggage and complete formalities (check-in, immigration, etc.). For arriving passengers, a representative will meet passengers at the door of the aircraft and escort them through immigration, security, and baggage claim.

Air Astana A320
The service is mainly meant to cater to passengers who might have special needs or are traveling for the first time. Photo: Getty Images

On their website, Air Astana recommends the Meet & Greet service to senior citizens, those with disabilities, those who need language assistance, first-time travelers, and business travelers. The expedited procedures could also benefit travelers who may arrive at the airport shortly before their flight.

Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests.

Transfer

Frankfurt has quickly emerged as a popular international destination for Air Astana, including during the pandemic. Considering the airline has eight weekly flights to the German aviation capital, it has opted to launch a transfer service for its passengers.

Travelers flying through Frankfurt and opting in for the service will be met by an airline representative at the door of the aircraft or arrival terminal with a name card. The representative will assist passengers to their next gate, in the same terminal or with an inter-terminal transfer.

Lufthansa Frankfurt Sunset
In the past, Lufthansa has operated flight LH2222 to multiple destinations. However, one stands out as being particularly amusing. Photo: Getty Images

While Frankfurt is a relatively easy-to-navigate airport, some travelers might like the comfort of someone looking out for them. These services can be helpful during tight connections or delayed flights too, since representatives can inform the connecting airline.

To avail of transfer services at any of the three airports, bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. It can be booked by calling any of Air Astana's ticketing offices.

Strong year

While airlines globally are struggling with the pandemic, Air Astana has seen its numbers bounce back in recent months. The first two months of 2021 saw the carrier mark its best financial performance in the last four years. Air Astana has been buoyed by a combination of strong domestic and cargo traffic, allowing it to kick off its recovery.

Combined with the huge growth of its subsidiary FlyArystan in 2020, the carrier could be eying a strong recovery this year.

What do you think about Air Astana's new Meet & Greet service? Have you flown with them before? Let us know in the comments!