I initiated my first class journey to Japan by flying with Starlux Airlines’ A350 first class from Los Angeles (LAX) to Taipei (TPE). The excitement truly began prior to takeoff, as Starlux directs its first class passengers to PS LAX, which is akin to a private terminal featuring personal service, à la carte dining, and limousine rides to the aircraft.
Visiting PS LAX was an absolute delight, particularly since this was included with my ticket (considering it typically costs $1,295+). While I wouldn’t claim this is an amazing bargain or that it provides significant time efficiency, it undeniably offers a wonderful way to commence a journey, and it certainly transforms the airport experience.
Besides PS LAX, you can also discover PS ATL, PS DFW, and PS MIA, with similar concepts and pricing across the board (though, as you might anticipate, the decor differs — PS LAX being the first outlet, I assume the newer locations boast even more impressive designs).
PS LAX pricing & booking procedure
I must highlight that, since access to PS LAX was included in my Starlux first class fare, my booking process for PS LAX varied from what others would encounter, and I wasn’t required to pay an additional fee. First, let’s discuss the general pricing and booking procedure, and then I’ll detail my specific experience.
You can view the PS pricing below, with uniform costs across the various locations.
PS membership & visit fees
Under all circumstances, entry is allowed up to three hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time. If you are traveling internationally and checking luggage, you are advised to arrive at least two hours beforehand, while domestic travelers are asked to come at least 90 minutes prior.
What distinguishes The Salon from the Private Suite?
The Salon is a communal lounge provided by PS, allowing multiple guests to utilize the space simultaneously; thus, it isn’t entirely private, but I understand it aims to offer a social ambience (connecting with “like-minded” individuals willing to invest $1,295 to enhance their pre-flight experience), which some individuals find appealing 😉
On the other hand, the Private Suite presents a more exclusive concept for PS, where you have a suite designated solely for your use, complete with a living area, a restroom with a shower, and more.
As evident, a PS visit generally costs $1,295 per person without a membership, but this fee can drop to as low as $895 per person with a membership. Additionally, some programs grant an allotment of complimentary visits. For instance, Amex Centurion Cardholders and even American Concierge Key members occasionally receive free visit entitlements with PS.
Typically, you are required to book PS at least 24 hours in advance, and PS emphasizes that if reservations are made within 24 hours, a 45% service charge may apply, depending on guest accommodation. Reservations can be made directly through the PS website.
For Starlux, first class travelers can secure PS LAX by contacting the exclusive first class service line at least three days prior to departure, excluding the day of travel.
PS LAX booking with Starlux first class ticket
There’s an online form available for submitting inquiries, or you can simply call the service line.
PS LAX booking with Starlux first class ticket
Interestingly, at most outstation locations, Starlux either provides chauffeur service or access to a private terminal. As indicated above, Los Angeles is the only US city to feature a private terminal experience, yet it’s also the sole US city lacking chauffeur service.
Shortly after submitting my request, the Starlux first class service line reached out to me, asking to confirm the number of checked bags I would have, as well as how I planned to arrive at PS LAX. I then received my confirmation from PS within the hour. The service was truly impressive.
PS LAX location & arrival experience
PS LAX is situated at 6875 W Imperial Hwy in Los Angeles, so that’s the address you’d provide your driver. The facility is positioned on the far south side of the airport (as indicated by the red pin below), south of runways 25L and 25R, right next to the private jet and cargo areas.
PS LAX location
In theory, the main advantage is the ability to bypass the primary section of the airport. However, since I had just arrived that same day from Miami, I needed to take a rideshare from the airport terminal to PS. The overall arrival experience feels quite impressive.
As I approached, there was a gate where the security personnel requested my details. Upon verification, I