An artist rendering shows the private arrival area at a new $22-million facility catering to celebrities and others who want to pay a premium for privacy as they depart from or arrive at Los Angeles International Airport. The facility called the Private Suite opened Monday, May 15, 2017, and offers an exclusive entrance, one-on-one security screening and plush lounges. (The Private Suite at LAX via AP)
Sorry, paparazzi. Celebrities who are sick of being stalked by photographers at Los Angeles International Airport can now find some privacy — not to mention luxury — at a new terminal.
The facility called the Private Suite opened Monday and offers an exclusive entrance, one-on-one security screening and plush lounges. And privileged travelers get a private car ride across the tarmac to and from the aircraft, head-of-state style.
The terminal is available to anyone who can afford fees up to $4,000 for a single flight.
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Here are some things to know.
PRIVACY PLUS CONVENIENCE
It's being called "premium class" — a terminal far from the crowds and lines of public concourses. Celebrities, executives and other wealthy travelers are greeted on a driveway that's behind gates to keep photogs at bay. A team of eight attendants handle their luggage and whisk them through a dedicated security gate into one of more than a dozen suites. There VIPs can nap on daybeds, watch TVs, snack from stocked refrigerators and use their own private bathrooms. When it's time to catch their flights, passengers get a ride in shiny BMW sedans across the runway and straight to the planes.
Private Suite officials estimate the typical LAX passenger takes 2,200 steps from car seat to plane seat. For those who pay for the pampering, it's a mere 70 footsteps, according to the service.
It's available for all departing and arriving commercial flights at LAX.
COMFORT AT A PRICE
Access to the Private Suite is available for a fee of $3,500 for each domestic flight or $4,000 for each international flight. That covers up to four passengers. Those who purchase an annual membership for $7,500 will get a discount of about $1,000 on per-flight fees.
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PRIVATELY RUN
The new facility was built for $22 million by Gavin de Becker and Associates, a security consulting firm, at no cost to the airport or taxpayers. The Los Angeles company said it's the first terminal of its kind in the U.S. — but it's based on a facility at London's Heathrow Airport that offers private high-end service for members. Private terminals also can be found at international airports in Dubai, Munich, Zurich and other cities. De Becker said it's in negotiations to open a similar one at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
The company said the terminal has created 125 new jobs and will generate $35 million in revenue for the airport over the next nine years.
The terminal benefits the airport, the company said, because it reduces the potential for drama and delay from celebrities and other attention-getting VIPs moving through public areas.
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