This California Airport Is Planning A New Luxury Terminal Addition By Late 2028

At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), plans are underway to build a new luxury terminal for commercial flights, which could open by the end of 2028. The terminal would be located near Signature Aviation, around a 10-minute ride from the airport, and allow commercial airline passengers to pay a fee to access private security screening, a luxury lounge, and chauffeur service to the plane when it's time to board their flight. 

Airport officials expect high demand for the service among travelers seeking greater privacy and efficiency in their flight experiences — people like celebrities, public figures, and globetrotting business executives. "This is more for people that don't have their own airplane that still fly commercial but want to pay for an elevated experience. That's really the niche we're trying to hit here," said SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel, per ABC7 News. With its cable cars and quirky cafes, San Francisco may be America's "coziest city," but it's also one of America's wealthiest, and the recent growth of the local AI industry is only adding to this affluence. In this context, adding a luxury airport terminal to a Bay Area airport seems like a timely move.

Luxury travel firm Private Suite (PS) already operates similar terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Another one is in the works at Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) in Paris, one of the most stressful airports in Europe. Their services range from around $900 for a single use to around $5,000 for an annual membership.

On its website, PS explains that its service allows travelers to access the airport through a "back door," escaping not just long lines but also the noise and chaos of the main terminal. And thanks to the firm's exclusive partnerships with both TSA and Customs and Border Protection, passengers avoid hassles and delays on both ends of the flight and are freed up to enjoy their travel experience. "My experience could not have been easier, and it was a far cry from the chaos inside Atlanta's main terminal, even if you have access to Delta Sky Clubs or the Centurion Lounge by American Express," said Stefanie Waldek, who described her experience at the PS Atlanta terminal for Luxury Travel Report. 

PS offers several tiers of services, all of which include private security screening, complimentary drinks, gourmet meals or snacks, and transportation across the tarmac between the terminal and the plane. Customers purchasing the basic service, The Salon, enjoy complimentary valet parking and access to an elegant shared lounge. This space is social by design but smaller and more private than one you'd find in the main terminal.

Stepping it up a notch, PS passengers get a car wash along with their complimentary valet parking. Rather than a shared lounge, they are treated to a spacious private room with a daybed, entertainment center, stocked pantry, and private restroom plus a BMW ride to the airplane. The private suite can accommodate pets and up to six people. An additional service, PS Direct, provides private transportation between the commercial aircraft and a customer's home or hotel. These private terminal perks are sure to delight customers, but not everyone can afford them. Alternatively, check out these airports around the world with some of the coolest amenities, many of which are free.