Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is launching SkySquad — a reservation-based curated service to improve the airport experience for anyone who needs an extra hand from curb to gate and back again.
Families and caregivers with young children, seniors, and individuals in need of language services can book a personal airport assistant to help navigate the airport, carry bags, car seats, strollers and more.
Please note throughout COVID-19, all assistants wear cloth facial coverings, socially distance when possible, use hand sanitizer throughout the airport journey and adhere to a staff checklist to ensure they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and exposure.
Upon booking a SkySquad assistant meets the traveler at their car (for departing passengers) or plane (for arriving passengers). The assistant then provides an extra hand with navigating the check-in process, assisting through security screening and getting settled at the gate. Services are also offered for return flights to navigate getting off the plane, obtaining luggage at baggage claim and securing ground transportation.
SkySquad’s multi-lingual assistants are background checked and security screened by the TSA and FBI and issued badges by the airport. Their training includes customer delivery standards to anticipate needs and assist and expedite through airport processes. While waiting at the gate, SkySquad assistants can help watch luggage while customers use the restroom, purchase food and/or shop. SkySquad assistants stay with their customers through the boarding process even assisting to the plane door.
“In addition to being SkySquad’s first expansion outside of its launch markets of Dulles International and Reagan National airports, we’re thrilled to welcome this small business start-up and woman-owned business to CVG,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG Airport. “SkySquad offers travelers another level of control and greater peace of mind. We are pleased to continue expanding amenities and services available to our passengers, especially during these difficult times.”
"SkySquad's mission is to make travel throughout the airport less stressful and more enjoyable,” said Julie Melnick, chief executive officer, SkySquad. “Our service can ease anxiety for parents, caregivers, and loved ones who need assurance that the travel experience is hassle-free and easy."
