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Airport Ambassadors Answer Questions with a Smile

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Travelers through Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) may have noticed volunteers sporting neon green or blue polo shirts walking the concourses welcoming passengers with a smile. These are SLC’s new Airport Ambassadors who are ready to lend a helping hand to passengers and answer questions to help ease their way through the concourses.

For first-time or infrequent flyers, out-of-towners and everyone in between, SLC’s Ambassadors are cheerful, friendly and ready to help. While passengers are enjoying the added help, the volunteers are rewarded for their efforts along the way.

Airport Ambassadors get together for a lunch in their honor at the Salt Lake City International Airport, April 11, 2019.

“I like meeting the people that come to our airport,” said Clark Robinson, retired SLC accountant turned Airport Ambassador. “Whether they are from Utah, just passing through or if this is their final destination, I like letting them know we care about them.”

Airport Ambassadors assist with a variety of questions, whether it’s directing travelers to the appropriate gate, the nearest restroom or a tasty place to grab a bite. They also help passengers navigate the concourses, answer questions about ground transportation services and connecting flights, and help calm anxious flyers.

Russ Pack, retired airport executive who enjoys volunteering, says travelers are grateful to have a live person to talk to when they need assistance.

“Passengers have kind comments about being able to have an in-person conversation with someone who can help them and who knows their way around,” said Russ. “Every week I go home from my shift feeling greatly affirmed, not only because of all the great things people say about our airport, but because it feels like Airport Ambassadors are positively impacting the folks who travel through SLC.”

In addition to assisting travelers in the current facilities, Ambassadors will be vital to helping passengers find their way in The New SLC Airport when it opens in September of 2020. Anyone interested in becoming an Airport Ambassador can learn more about the program and apply via the airport’s website.