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United is launching a new service, allowing its passenger to purchase access to The Private Suite at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Private Suite offers, as it sounds, privacy for travelers as it’s located in a separate, private terminal at LAX and advertises a dedicated lounge, lounge-to-plane transfers and more.
“Access to The Private Suite will be included in certain business-class fares. United has negotiated a highly preferential rate for use of the exclusive service. The Private Suite experience will initially be available through select corporate travel booking desks and travel agents, and later available for purchase on united.com or through the United app as part of a premium-cabin ticket fare.”
TPG reached out to United for clarification but did not immediately hear back.
So, what does access to The Private Suite entail? Passengers departing from LAX will get access to private check-in and baggage handling, private TSA screening and US CBP for international trips before heading to the lounge itself, where there is a full bar and food service. Then, when ready to head to the aircraft, you’ll be driven in a BMW 7-Series to the aircraft. Both departing and arriving passengers at LAX will have access to The Private Suite through United. If you’re arriving from an overseas gateway, you’ll be met at the aircraft and escorted to private customs and immigration processing.
For now, pricing details remain unclear. However, on the United Private Suite site, a notice tells United flyers to email entertainment@united.com or contact their corporate travel booking desk or agency partner to ask if they’re a participating member of the program. Also, the site states: “With this service, you’ll save $4,500 on The Private Suite’s annual membership fee that’s normally required for travel with other airlines.”
The Private Suite must be booked at least 48 hours prior to travel, and purchased access is for one guest only — there are no discounted child fares offered. At this time, only flyers traveling to or from one of the aforementioned cities are eligible when flying on United metal — Star Alliance travel is not eligible at this time.
While we don’t know specifics on pricing right now, it’s likely that it will cost a decent penny. According to The Private Suite’s website, it 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.
For premium flyers with a high budget, this looks to be a good addition from United — similar to the likes of first-class products offered by other carriers, such as Lufthansa. TPG did a Facebook Live of his recent experience at The Private Suite LAX:
Sweet living at The Private Suite LAX
Sweet living at The Private Suite LAX!
Posted by The Points Guy on Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Source: thepointsguy.com