Atlanta Airport’s New Private Terminal Begins at $1,000 per Visit—Here’s Our First Look

As the holiday season approaches, frequent flyers are all too familiar with what to anticipate: the usual chaos of crowded airports, insufficiently staffed check-in counters, and congested security lines.

But what if you could navigate the nation’s busiest airports without ever entering the terminal, standing in long TSA queues, or enduring the chaos at the boarding gate?

Fortunately, there is a solution if you reserve a spot at a PS lounge (for private suite), a private terminal service that emerged in 2017 with its first facility at Los Angeles International Airport. (What better place to launch a service for those who prefer to travel discreetly?) PS is not just another airport lounge; it offers an exclusive curb-to-aircraft experience, complete with its own security lane and customs processing, door-to-plane chauffeur service, and first-class luxuries like champagne and caviar. In essence, it provides a glimpse into the private jet lifestyle without the exorbitant price tag of flying private.

However, this luxury comes at a price. A single visit starts at around $1,000. (The rate per visit decreases with membership; see details below.) Aside from the usual VIPs from the business and entertainment sectors, PS also attracts leisure travelers looking to treat themselves on special occasions, Amina Porter, CEO of PS, shared with Dinogo during an Atlanta interview, where PS recently opened its second lounge. In fact, PS is experiencing significant growth. “In five years, we aim to establish a presence in every major city,” said Porter. Next year, the company plans to launch a third location at Dallas Fort Worth Airport, followed by Miami in 2025.

In November, I had the chance to experience PS’s latest facilities on both my arrival and departure, including the pickup service and a guided escort directly to the plane. Here are my key insights.

Arrival at Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson Airport

My Delta Air Lines flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport landed ahead of schedule just after noon. As I exited the plane, I spotted a greeter holding a sign with my name, ready to escort me to the promised ground transfer to the lounge. By instinct, I started toward the terminal but was quickly guided to a side door leading to a set of stairs. Navigating the narrow metal steps, I wished I had opted for sneakers instead of low heels. With a tote bag and a purse in hand, I gladly handed them over to my attendant.

A white BMW sedan awaited on the tarmac, with the driver skillfully maneuvering around the expansive Delta jets, which appeared impressively massive up close. It felt like a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the world’s busiest airport, showcasing its extensive terminals and five runways. Ten minutes later, we arrived at the PS facility, adjacent to a site operated by Signature Aviation, which manages private aviation terminals.

A PS private suite

Entering through the subtly labeled doors, I was welcomed into a beautifully furnished Private Suite, one of three spacious rooms available for groups of up to four people, priced at $4,850 per stay. Solo travelers often opt for the more economical choice, the Salon, a shared area resembling a business-class lounge but without the crowds. This option costs $1,095 per visit and includes various PS perks.

For small groups, the tastefully designed suites provide an ideal escape, ensuring complete privacy along with an array of extra amenities. Upon arrival, I was promptly offered a glass of champagne and a plate of caviar with blinis and sour cream—a customary welcome for all PS guests. To unwind further, PS also offers a variety of spa services that can be scheduled ahead for an additional charge (unless you're a member). I chose a 30-minute chair massage from the resident masseuse, but options also include manicures, pedicures, or even haircuts—all within the suite. Additionally, there are bathrooms equipped with showers and toiletries for those looking to freshen up.

Lunch in the Salon

Alternatively, you can spend your preflight hours in the Salon, a bright space with sweeping views of the airport through floor-to-ceiling windows and a diverse selection of reading materials, including newspapers and magazines. Here, you can order a drink and a chef-prepared meal from an extensive menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Since it was mid-November, in celebration of the upcoming holiday, I opted for the “Gobbler,” a hearty sandwich filled with roasted turkey, stuffing, and lingonberry coulis on brioche. Initially, I had the room to myself, but by midafternoon, a few other guests arrived. Unlike the crowded airport lounges, PS requires advance reservations and limits the number of guests allowed at one time; members receive priority for bookings.

Departure time

Just like my arrival experience, departing from the PS haven—though I was reluctant—was effortless, especially since the PS staff had already ensured my check-in was completed upon my arrival. (Had I checked a bag, they would have taken care of it and checked it in with the airline for me.) I briefly interacted with a friendly TSA agent in a private screening area, which featured its own baggage scanner, before hopping into the waiting BMW to head to the plane. I boarded via stairs that led directly to the aircraft door, drawing curious glances from passengers waiting in a queue that seemed to extend down the jetway. As someone who typically boards in one of the last groups, it felt a bit like hitting the jackpot.

The bottom line

For occasional users, the one-time fee of $1,095 is the most suitable option, according to CEO Amina Porter. For those who utilize PS more than twice annually, she recommends the All Access membership, which costs $4,850 per year and grants access to Private Suites for $3,550 or the Salon for $750 each. Membership includes priority bookings and complimentary perks like valet parking, car washes, and spa services. There’s also a more affordable Salon membership priced at $1,250 annually, allowing access to the Salon for $850 per visit and to a Private Suite for $4,850.

While the pricing may not suit everyone, PS offers significant value for travelers willing to indulge, says Paul Tumpowsky, CEO of Skylark Travel in New York City. He has numerous clients who have experienced the LAX facility. “Considering the cost of a last-minute business-class ticket on a long international flight, adding an extra thousand dollars to the ticket price isn’t excessive,” he noted.

Moreover, he emphasized that for travelers concerned about personal security, the exclusivity of PS private terminals provides an extra layer of reassurance. “Privacy is crucial for many individuals,” Tumpowsky stated, “and this service is an excellent way to mitigate risks and enjoy a premium experience.”