As brought up in an earlier topic, LAX is going through major terminal changes, and this May a brand new “secret” V.I.P Terminal opened. There has been a V.I.P service/lounge since 2015 but this article really gave me a deep insight as to what travelers can experience as long as they have the money for it.
These rooms are meant to give celebrities and the affluent more privacy and easier access to their flights but also alienate the rest of travelers.
This is a very good way to incorporate space at the airport and the need from Los Angeles and International travelers to make LAX more attractive to travel in and out of.
What are your thoughts on this?
Does it alienate people?
Have you seen this terminal?
Are there any terminals like this at your home airport?
Why does it alienate the rest of the passengers? If someone is willing to pay that much to have a little privacy (I assume plenty of people in LA who don’t want to pose for 1000 selfies as they walk through the airport) and not have to sit and wait for their plane next to a screaming family of 4 kids, more power to them.
Seats behind home plate cost more than top row in left field. It’s capitalism. It’s kind of how it works.
Agreed, this is a wise endeavor for an area like Los Angeles. I’m confident that with good service they’ll pay this project off and become quite profitable in no time.
At LHR there is the Royal Suite, located between T4 and the Cargo Terminal, which is used only for Heads of State as well as our Royal Family when traveling long haul. Within the other main terminals are various Super VIP suites which are similar to above for the super rich who can afford not to rub shoulders with the great unwashed. If I am lucky I manage to get into a Business Lounge otherwise its cramming your self into a palace which looks like a shopping centre with the New Years Sales in full swing.
It is nothing really but a super exclusive first class lounge for rich people. Totally fine with me. I’d use it if I had the money 😎 It does not alienate me as long as passengers are all the same in terms of flight safety.
(You also see this ultra-expensive-development when it comes to offering private suites on aircrafts such as the A380)
I say fair play to whoever goes in them, yes it does alienate the public however for the mega-rich, they need that tranquility and peace and quiet. If they can afford it, we can’t judge them. It is their money and they are free to spend it on what they want - regardless on others’ views. At the end of the day, they have probably worked hard for the money ((or inherited it from their rich fathers, that’s another story)
Looks awesome! (And very expensive as well) There are no terminals like this at my home airport right now, I don’t think it’s really needed as I’m not gonna be able to afford that anyways 😝
It is the city of Los Angeles, people are walking around in $400-$1000 pairs of jeans, $250 haircuts and driving high end vehicles priced at $100,000 +
I am going to try this when I leave LAX for Dubai in the summer, so I’ll share some pictures, however I think I want to leave a bit early from the private terminal and go to the lounges in TBIT.