Private terminal for celebrities, wealthy travelers arriving at DFW Airport

DALLAS – Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the Dallas Business Journal here.

Celebrities, business executives and other wealthy travelers will soon be able to fly in style and with more privacy at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

On Thursday, the airport’s board of directors approved a 10-year lease agreement with PS VIP Services that will allow the company to open a private luxury terminal with amenities such as chef-cooked meals, chauffeur service and daybeds. The board waived the airport’s minimum annual guarantee for the first two years of the contract, and PS will pay $32 million in rent to DFW for the remaining seven years. The deal also includes a five-year option.

DFW will be the third PS office. The company, founded by security consulting firm Gavin de Becker & Associates, opened its first private terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in 2017. A second terminal will open at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport later this year. PS no longer associated with Gavin de Becker.

PS’s 12,200-square-foot facility will be located adjacent to DFW’s corporate aviation facility, located north of Terminal A. It will include private suites in addition to PS’s signature lounge concept called “The Lounge.” According to the company, the design, amenities, and chef-led culinary program will “reflect the uniqueness of Dallas and Fort Worth, blending Western heritage with contemporary cosmopolitan sensibilities.”

Travelers will have access to private security and customs clearance. They are also personally escorted to the bridge of their aircraft and back in a BMW sedan.

“As we strive to expand our footprint across all major US airports, we are proud to announce Dallas Fort Worth as the third location where PS will bring our luxury experience,” PS CEO Amina Porter said in a statement. The DFW region and airport have been important to us as a brand and mark another key milestone in PS’s continued development as a leader in reimagining airport travel.”

Flying in luxury will cost a lot. According to the PS website, an all-access membership costs $4,850 per year, in addition to $3,450 for four people in a private room and $695 per person for a living room. Membership includes free parking and spa services including massages, haircuts/barbershops and manicures.

Non-membership users pay $4,650 for suite access for up to four people and $995 per person for the lounge. Other services are available at an additional cost, and valet parking is $90 per night.

For DFW, the deal with PS is that the airport is looking to provide travelers with luxury travel to boost revenue in the post-pandemic era.

In January, the airport board approved a 10-year lease with JPMorgan Chase & Co. to move the financial giant’s “Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club” concept to Terminal D. Lounge operator Plaza Premium Group opened an independent lounge in Terminal E at DFW in 2020. Another lounge operated by the company on behalf of Capital One opened Terminal D in 2021. Last year, the PPG CEO told the Dallas Business Journal that he also wants to bring the short-stay hotel concept to the airport.

“DFW Airport is excited about this newest opportunity to transform travel for our customers as PS brings its unique service to our airport,” said Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President, Revenue Management and Customer Service. “DFW welcomes PS and the opportunity to enhance the customer experience with this unique new traveler experience. They can get a more personal touch on their flights and back to DFW.”