GETAWAYS • Airports
Even during its quieter moments, LAX is notorious for its ability to spike one’s cortisol levels.
PS offers a reprieve for pro travelers looking to bypass the airport’s chaos. The value proposition is straightforward: arrive at what’s essentially a private terminal, and wait for takeoff in either The Salon (above) or a Private Suite. The Salon is comparable to a spacious first-class lounge with impeccable service. (The hospitality is managed by a former general manager of Aman hotels.) The Private Suite offers a private room that accommodates up to four people, complete with a daybed, lounger, and outdoor area.
Both options come with a premium price tag. The best deal seems to be The Salon membership, with an annual fee of $1250 a year, plus $850 per person per trip. The all-access membership carries an annual $4850 cost, plus $750 per person per trip, or $3250 per trip for use of a Private Suite.
The benefits are tangible. On a recent trip, I had my tickets managed for me, relaxed for an hour with newspapers and coffee in the Salon, and then was driven directly to an Emirates flight to Dubai for pre-boarding. For foreign passport holders, the real value might be in the service on arrival at LAX. As soon as the plane's door opens, a PS rep greets you, escorts you to a private immigration and customs area within the private terminal, and then whisks you away in a car. Invaluable. –Colin Nagy
→ PS (available at LAX and ATL).