The $1,295 airport upgrade bringing private-jet perks to commercial flights

Where is the private-terminal model expanding?

PS currently serves Los Angeles International (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami International (MIA). Its separate terminals combine hospitality with dedicated screening and airfield transfers for commercial passengers. PS ↗

An October 15 post by Adam Nathan highlighted the trend and plans at SFO and Dulles. The airport documents put those projects at different stages: SFO is soliciting proposals, while Dulles has selected a contractor.

SFO: The airport’s current Private Terminal Ground Lease notice lists a proposal window of December 2–16, 2026, opening and closing at 2 p.m. Pacific. That differs from the post’s statement that bids have already closed. The current notice does not establish a confirmed opening date or passenger price. San Francisco International Airport ↗

Washington Dulles: On July 15, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority approved a contract with daa International for a facility serving commercial airline passengers. Its resolution specifies a 30-month construction period and a 20-year contract term. The estimated $125 million is the total contract amount across that term, not a stated construction budget. MWAA Resolution 26-11 ↗

For travelers planning a trip now, the distinction matters: an announced project or awarded contract is not a service reservation. Use the operating network and confirm availability for your flight.

What does a private terminal change about flying commercial?

A service such as PS changes the journey to the aircraft. Guests arrive at a separate building, use dedicated TSA screening and travel across the airfield to their commercial flight. International arrivals can use the terminal’s customs and immigration process. Screening still takes place. PS ↗

The two main PS lounge options offer different levels of privacy. The Salon is a shared space with dining and shared aircraft transfers. A Private Suite provides a room for your party, its own restroom and a private chauffeur transfer. The Salon is restricted to guests aged 21 and over; suites accommodate families. PS experiences ↗

That makes the service relevant to someone who likes an airline’s nonstop flight or premium cabin but wants a quieter departure. Once aboard, the passenger travels on the airline’s normal service.

How much does PS cost?

PS lists nonmember Salon access at $1,295 per person per visit and a Private Suite at $4,950 for up to four travelers, one way. The airline ticket is purchased separately. PS pricing ↗ PS FAQs ↗

Membership fees are additional to usage charges. Applicable taxes, fees and optional extras can add to the bill; confirm the complete reservation price. PS pricing ↗ PS FAQs ↗

The four-person calculation: Four nonmember Salon visits total $5,180 (4 × $1,295). A $4,950 suite is $230 less, or $1,237.50 per traveler when split four ways. This compares the listed base charges for one use; airfare and other charges are excluded. PS pricing ↗

For a solo traveler, the shared Salon is the lower-cost entry point. For a group, compare the total party price before assuming individual access is the better deal.

What should travelers check before booking?

Confirm the airline, airport and required arrival time before adding PS to a trip. Airline participation varies by location, and the reservation confirmation specifies when to arrive. PS remains subject to airline check-in and baggage requirements. PS FAQs ↗

• Match the service to the party. Travelers under 21 need an option other than the Salon. Pets are permitted in Private Suites, subject to airline approval and paperwork. PS experiences ↗ PS FAQs ↗
• Budget for each use. Departure, arrival and connection services can create separate charges. Ask for the itinerary’s complete total and any applicable discounts. PS pricing ↗
• Keep airline disruption in mind. A private terminal does not change the operating airline’s schedule or remove the possibility of a delayed flight. PS FAQs ↗

When does a private jet still make more sense?

Private charter becomes the more relevant comparison when the flight itself needs to change: the airports, departure time or exclusive use of the cabin. A private terminal attached to a commercial ticket addresses the ground experience; whole-aircraft charter lets you request an itinerary around your group, subject to operational constraints.

Our assessment is that airline travel plus PS deserves consideration when a convenient nonstop already exists and airport privacy is the main goal. A charter comparison is more useful for a multi-stop business day, a destination poorly served by airlines, or a group that needs its own cabin.

Compare the complete journey: airline fares for everyone plus terminal services and transfers, against a written whole-aircraft quote for the same travel dates. The $1,295 terminal fee alone cannot tell you which trip costs less.

Our San Francisco airport guide and Washington, D.C. airport guide explain the local charter alternatives. Semi-private flights are another distinct option: a seat on a shared flight, with the route and timetable set by the provider.

Planning your next trip? Start with our private jet charter cost guide to understand how to compare a whole-aircraft proposal with your commercial itinerary.