The ultimate luxury in air travel is evolving, with some affluent travelers now seeking the ability to fly commercial without ever engaging with the main airport terminals. This new class system, as reported by Robb Chateau, is centered around private terminals that offer a seamless, discreet experience. Services like PS (formerly The Private Suite) at LAX, and upcoming facilities at SFO, provide private TSA screenings, customs and immigration lines, and luxurious lounges. Guests are met on a gated driveway, wait in individual suites equipped with daybeds, stocked pantries, and private bathrooms, and are chauffeured directly to their aircraft in high-end vehicles like BMWs, bypassing the typical 2,200 steps from car to plane seat, reducing it to about 70.
While this concept originated in places like London Heathrow and has expanded to Dubai, Zurich, and Munich, PS pioneered it in the US at LAX in 2017 with a $22 million investment. The service aims to remove the common dreads of air travel, offering amenities such as champagne and caviar upon arrival, and options for massages or medical services in private suites. PS currently operates in Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami, with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also taking bids to build a similar private terminal set to open by late 2028.
The cost for this premium experience varies significantly. A single visit to a PS suite at LAX can cost around $4,350, or $3,250 for members. The shared lounge option, known as The Salon at PS LAX, costs $1,295 per person per visit, with membership reducing this to $995 or $895 depending on the tier. For instance, Starlux first-class passengers at LAX receive complimentary access to The Salon, effectively rebating the $1,295 ground experience. Although the service provides comfort and avoids crowds, it generally does not save time for international flights, as passengers still need to arrive two hours early. The demand for these services is evident, with over 1,200 memberships already sold across the PS network.
