Long waits and lengthy journeys to the gate are just part of the airport experience for most people, except the ultra-wealthy. For the very rich, or substantially famous, moving through a public airport can pose its challenges.
But the truth is, not all celebrities have private planes. Lots of them fly commercial, and often.
Rather than bump into fans or experience large crowds, A-list celebrities, and the mega-rich have other means of traveling commercials. From valet rides directly to their gate to exclusive terminals at some airports, the rich and famous fly commercial differs slightly from the average traveler.
Star-Quality Airline Support
Most major airlines, like American Airlines, offer specialized services to make travel more convenient for its luxury passengers. American Airlines Five Star Select, offers personalized airport service, transport through within the airport by car or cart, priority boarding, and specialized dining. Five Star Select is available at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA) airports.
Guests also get access to the airline’s lounge. Other ways to remain lowkey include separate entrances and expedited security.
The cost for the service is around $650 per person.
Separate Terminals, Ultra-Exclusive Lounges
More airports are starting to adopt the private terminal or exclusive separate lounge, model for A-listers. Atlanta and LAX are both airports that experience frequent high-profile travelers, from the wealthy to Hollywood stars and major music industry talent. Both airports also have PS. Formerly named The Private Suite, PS offers specialized treatment to travelers at a cost.
PS amenities include skipping the lines with private TSA and customs, luggage handling, a BMW chauffeur to the plane via the tarmac, and a waiting area separate from the regular terminal. PS passengers have access to spa services, and chef-cooked meals, among other perks.
Guests can choose a private suite that looks similar to a hotel suite, or a shared “salon” that feels similar to a luxurious lounge. A-listers and well-known celebrities likely opt for the fully private suite. A one-time visit to the salon costs just over $1,000 and a yearly membership is around $5,000.
At other airports around the world, similar services exist. At London Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow VIP greets high-profile guests at their door. The luxury concierge service offers a private terminal area from home to the plane without ever interacting with the general public. It also offers private dining and a lounge area separate from the main gates.
Timing is Everything
Not all airports have separate entrances, or a PS Lounge, or even tarmac travel for passengers. Sometimes the options are limited and high-profile passengers have no other choice but to move through the regular terminal. In these situations, timing becomes the magic ingredient.
Rather than get to the gate early, or even on time, like most passengers, A-listers might opt to arrive at the gate just as the final boarding call happens. This allows them to slip onto the plane last, taking their likely first-class seat, unnoticed by other passengers who have already settled. Then the plane takes off. Upon landing, they might be the first to deplane to avoid any commotion or unwanted attention.
Unlike the average traveler, the famous and wealthy are likely to pay top dollar for privacy. And if they can’t fly private, that means spending it to make flying commercial feel as close to it as possible.