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The High Price Tag on United’s New Luxury Private Terminal at LAX

Flyers who require absolute privacy when they travel have a new option when departing Los Angeles. United Airlines is partnering with The Private Suite to create a secure and discreet terminal and lounge experience. Those who opt for the service will get secure VIP treatment from the moment they check in, to the moment they are escorted to their plane.

Airline security at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will soon have a new meaning for select United Airlines flyers. The carrier announced they will partner with The Private Suite to create a full VIP experience for high-profile customers.

The Private Suite is owned and operated by Gavin de Becker and Associates, a firm that provides security consulting to clients including the Central Intelligence Agency and the Supreme Court of the United States. Features of the new service include private check-in, airport escorts and an eight-person logistics team to ensure the personal security of every Private Suite flyer.

When flying from LAX, flyers will check in at The Private Suite and go through a private security screening. From there, they are welcomed to enjoy the co-branded lounge space prior to departure. When it comes time to board in business class, flyers will be escorted to their aircraft by a suite agent driving a BMW 7-Series.

The Private Suite Experience from The Private Suite on Vimeo.

Use of The Private Suite is not limited to those departing Los Angeles. Passengers from 14 destinations will also have access to The Private Suite and all its benefits thanks to a dedicated escort. If a flyer is arriving on an international flight, agents will meet them at the gate before taking them to a private customs checkpoint and onwards to ground transportation or their connecting flight.

“We are excited to offer this new experience for our customers who are seeking additional efficiency, comfort, privacy and the ultimate service during their travels,” Janet Lamkin, United’s California president, said in a press release. “The partnership with The Private Suite affords our customers the opportunity to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that makes travel through LAX the best in class.”

Utilizing The Private Suite at LAX will come with a high price tag. According to a FlyerTalk discussion, pricing could start around $1,250 for domestic service and $1,495 for international service on top of the business class fare. Launch routes for The Private Suite service includes Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Sydney Airport (SYD), Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) and five Hawaiian airports.

 

Image Sources: The Private Suite

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9 Comments
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AndrewM May 27, 2018

I thought we already have these type of service for Politicos flying in and out of Washington Dulles!

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bhrubin May 25, 2018

There isn’t any (international) First Class any more on United. There will be some small fraction of United customers, perhaps even corporate customers, who will pay for this service. It likely costs United little and promotes the service to many, so it’s a win win. As to the cost, the United pricing is significantly less per person than the typical Private Suite fee structure—though maybe not for a larger family. Any extra TSA costs associated with this are born by The Private Suite. That’s part of why they charge so much. Privacy, convenience, and ease of transport are others.

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TheBarron May 25, 2018

This is very nice, but definitely geared towrds the 1% crowd and they aren't flying Business class, but rather First Cla$$! Talk about spendy - Ooof - Ka-ching!

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RaoulM May 25, 2018

I would imagine that the $1495 charge to use the lounge covers that

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flyerCO May 25, 2018

Not the taxpayer. Most of CBP at airports is funded by fees.