Let's take a step back. A few months ago, United launched a new service, allowing its passengers to purchase discounted access to The Private Suite. However, only premium passengers on select routes were eligible, and it still cost more than $1,000 per person.
For the time being, United is expanding the service to all of its customers traveling through LAX, regardless of cabin, and is offering highly reduced rates for first-time visitors — $375 one-way or $700 round-trip for domestic flights; $500 or $950, respectively, for international. These rates include up to four travelers, so if you're a family of four, you could theoretically skip the chronic congestion surrounding the main terminal area and get the VIP treatment for less than $100 per person.
Ordinarily The Private Suite charges $2,700 one-way for a domestic flight or $3,000 one-way for an international flight if you’re a member ($4,500 annually). If you’re not a member, the cost of entry jumps up to $3,500 or $4,000 for a domestic or international one-way flight, respectively.
The difference when booking through United is that instead of getting a completely private suite, you have access to a United-branded lounge. But don't be fooled; the United lounge is basically just a double suite — not a United Club. In other words, you may share the suite with other United passengers, but you'll still have access to all of the usual Private Suite amenities like a self-service bar, stocked food pantry and most notably, the private TSA checkpoint. You'll also still be driven to your aircraft in a BMW 7-Series, though the ride may be shared.
"As you know, the service is far more expensive than United's offer to its customers. United is subsidizing the entire cost for their passengers because they believe in the service, and want to give something great to their customers," Joshua Gausman, co-founder and COO of The Private Suite, said in an email.
Facebook Live of TPG's Experience at The Private Suite LAX
This is probably the cheapest way you'll ever be able to experience The Private Suite at LAX, so if you want to cross it off your bucket list, now's the time. To book, head to the members page on The Private Suite's website, click "book the experience" and fill out your personal information. You'll then be taken to a booking page to fill out your flight information. In the affiliate code box, enter UAP0818 for domestic flights or UAXP1808 for international. The discounted rates are valid for travel through March 1, 2019, and must be booked at least 48 hours prior to travel. If you're booking the service for a layover, you must be going from one United flight to another.
All photos by the author.
