Vip service

[coreydb]

VIP service is not really needed or necessary

 

[WAB]

You don’t need it until you do. We were checking in at Tambo and everything was backed up one hour plus to get through security. Gilbert called in some favors, got us into a private diplomatic hall I have not seen before or since, and we were through in five minutes. I have similar arrival stories. You’re buying an expensive hunt, are you really going to quibble about a hundred bucks?

 

[Green Chile]

Yes, it is different. VIP guys meet you when you step off the plane and take you through customs. They then hand you off to your rifle permit guy if you use one.

True but in some cases, it's the same person. Gilbert is an example of that. He met me before hitting customs for the VIP skip the line and then we went to get the guns.

 

[Hammergun]

Totally worth it and cheap. Spend the money.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have used the VIP with RiflePermits for 6 trips. Well worth it and will continue to use them. Speed thru customs and none of the pandhandlers will mess with you with those guys escorting you. They have gone and found missing bags and cases for me also. They can go places you can't.

 

[Green Chile]

Funny that you mention that Mark about how they don't mess with you. There's something subtle but true about how the process just flows better. You get less drama...you get less attitude. Gilbert will wink at me and say no worries...I got this. He knows everyone it seems. The ladies at the airport parking gates will yell greetings across the lanes to him, etc.

Next time you see Gilbert, ask him about his interesting experiences at the airport. Tell him you want to hear some of his stories! Ask him about his dream job in America...he's an interesting person!

 

[Philip Glass]

We'll be traveling without our own rifles and taking carry-on baggage only. Is there any reason to hire a vip service at Tambo?

Curious how customs is there and if a service expedites the process enough to make it worth it.

No you do not need it. Even with guns it’s has little value unless it’s your first trip and are unfamiliar with international travel.

 

[uplander01]

Small price to pay to have someone guide you through the process, when I travel that distance my brain is barely working, its worth it to me to pay and have the assistance

 

[Hogpatrol]

Got off an Airbus 380 with over 500 passengers at Tambo. Had the meet & greet and was glad for it. We all have a bank of time that takes no deposits. I'll take the VIP service every time.

 

[Stormy Kromer]

I used Rifle Permits my first trip. VIP service upgrade. Cost was reasonable and their help was tremendous.

I am going back next month and will use them again.

If I can afford a trip to Africa my friends and I can afford to chip in and pay wonderful local people to walk us from the plane through customs, get our bags and rifles them hand us off to the police to clear our rifles, then walk us by the hand to City Lodge til we're checked in.... Its' a bargain.

I am a long ways from being familiar with International Travel, and never will be. I'll gladly pay them for their help and advise. Any new traveler, or those considering going to Africa, take advantage of their service. It makes things easier for us newbies. Actually it makes the difference for some between deciding to go to Africa or not.

I can understand people who have traveled there many times not needing them, but for a lot of us it is still overwhelming. These people provide a tremendous service for a reasonable fee and I thank them for offering their service for a reasonable fee,

 

[Firebird]

1. If you are over 50, get up and walk around once in awhile-brush teeth, go pee or whatever.
2. If you can afford to, upgrade your seat!
3. VIP or meet and greet is a luxury, not a necessity. I have done it both ways and I really like getting off the plane in a place foreign to me and seeing a well dressed young man holding a sign with my name on it. I also rarely travel so am not especially comfortable with it.
4. It isn’t that much money and some agencies while include it in the fee if you are using their services-be sure to ask about it if you use a travel agent.

 

[375Fox]

You don’t need it until you do. We were checking in at Tambo and everything was backed up one hour plus to get through security. Gilbert called in some favors, got us into a private diplomatic hall I have not seen before or since, and we were through in five minutes. I have similar arrival stories. You’re buying an expensive hunt, are you really going to quibble about a hundred bucks?

That isn’t the VIP service you pay for though. Paying for VIP service is simply having someone meet you off the plane and walk you through customs. Gilbert is extremely good at his job and I’ll get a pre-approved rifle permit with meet and greet every time, but paying an extra $100 or $150 to get me through customs faster just isn’t worth it to me. I’ll suspect Gilbert would have done that for anyone that day he was helping whether they chose standard meet and greet or VIP.

 

[375Fox]

I used Rifle Permits my first trip. VIP service upgrade. Cost was reasonable and their help was tremendous.

I am going back next month and will use them again.

If I can afford a trip to Africa my friends and I can afford to chip in and pay wonderful local people to walk us from the plane through customs, get our bags and rifles them hand us off to the police to clear our rifles, then walk us by the hand to City Lodge til we're checked in.... Its' a bargain.

I am a long ways from being familiar with International Travel, and never will be. I'll gladly pay them for their help and advise. Any new traveler, or those considering going to Africa, take advantage of their service. It makes things easier for us newbies. Actually it makes the difference for some between deciding to go to Africa or not.

I can understand people who have traveled there many times not needing them, but for a lot of us it is still overwhelming. These people provide a tremendous service for a reasonable fee and I thank them for offering their service for a reasonable fee,

A lot of what your wrote is included with the pre-approved rifle service whether you choose standard or VIP. VIP meets you off plane, gets you through customs faster, and helps you collect your baggage. Everything after that point is included with standard meet and greet. They’d meet you just as you walked out of customs with standard meet and greet and walk you to police station holding your firearms then to your hotel. I recommended it to my dad going through Johannesburg because I think he needs the extra assistance. It’s valuable for some people, but to me paying for VIP off the plane is just a question of what 30 minutes is worth. I’ve waited for my bag more often than not after getting through customs so I don’t see the value. You are no different than a normal tourist until you exit customs and have to collect your firearm.