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The New VIP Terminal at LAX is Insanely Expensive

April 29, 2017
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3 min read
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The New VIP Terminal at LAX is Insanely Expensive
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Rumors surrounding a celebrity-only terminal have been swirling around Hollywood's... favorite... airport, Los Angeles International (LAX) for a while now. Well, the VIP terminal will be officially opening its doors May 15, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Simply called The Private Suite, the new terminal, which is situated in its own secluded and protected location, will be available to celebrities (and other VIPs) for a hefty sum. First, there's the $7,500 annual membership fee, then you'll pay an additional $2,700 per domestic flight and $3,000 per international flight for the privilege of using the exclusive space (both fees cover groups up to four people). While taking 10 domestic flights in one year could set you back almost $40,000, there's no denying you'll be traveling — or at least waiting for your flight — in the lap of luxury.

Each member of The Private Suite is assigned a team of eight employees, each with a different role. The first gets members into the gated compound — yes, you read that right — shielding VIPs from paparazzi (and normal people) who are hoping to sell their photo to US Weekly. After entering the compound, a second team member will escort guests to their private suite where they will find a private bathroom, a well-stocked pantry, seats and a day bed, all with a view of the runway.

When it's time for their flight, guests will be escorted through their own private TSA screening, and then it's off to the airplane, by way of a BMW 7 Series. Once guests exit their BMW, they will find yet another team member waiting to escort them on to the aircraft. Three other team members work behind the scenes dealing with special service requests and luggage.

The Private Suite is operated by a private security firm known as Gavin de Becker & Associates, and has already sold over 1,200 memberships. Mr. de Becker summed up the mission of The Private Suite, saying that “They can have sex in here, change clothes, have arguments — we never come in and never knock on the door without a phone call first to the room,” says Mr. de Becker. The suites, he says, “give people the one thing they never get at an airport: peace.”

Featured image by UIG via Getty Images

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.