5 Ways to Travel Like a VIP at LAX

From expedited customs entry kiosks and exclusive lounges to complimentary makeovers and express massages, there are plenty of ways for travelers to live it up like a celebrity at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). With a valid boarding pass for same-day departure, travelers can now go into any LAX terminal and explore a wide range of dining, retail and lounge options. Here are some tips for travelers looking to live large.

Looking to relax and refresh? Economy passengers can purchase a day pass to gain access to airline lounges for some pre-flight refreshment and relaxation in a social or quiet space, some even with a view of planes on the tarmac. Also, first-class and business-class passengers can enjoy a hot shower, a curated selection of culinary dishes and other amenities in some of the best airline lounge spaces in the world.

PS at LAX
For the ultimate VIP travel experience, become a member of PS, a private luxury terminal at LAX. Instead of 2,200 footsteps from car seat to plane seat, members of PS can do it in just 70 footsteps. Private TSA screening and access dedicated customs and immigration services is done in the building, and PS team handles ticketing and luggage. Members spend their preflight in totally private suites, each with its own bathroom, food service pantry, two-person daybed, and a runway view of aircraft landing and taking off. For the individual traveler, PS created the Salon, a new social lounge with all the benefits in a shared, social setting. When it’s time to board, members are driven in a BMW 7-Series sedan across the tarmac directly to their aircraft. For more info about membership and to book a trial experience, visit the PS website.

Those who prefer to explore the terminals can enjoy world-class dining options, thanks to the recent multi-million dollar renovation efforts that introduced many L.A.-based concepts to LAX terminals. Travelers can savor a petite filet mignon at B Grill by BOA Steakhouse in Terminal 7, or pop open a bottle of wine or champagne at SeaLegs Wine Bar in Terminal 2. 

Simplified Arrival is an enhanced international arrival process that uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that are already required for admission into the United States. This process provides travelers with a touchless process that further secures and streamlines international arrivals while fulfilling a longstanding congressional mandate to biometrically record the entry and exit of non-U.S. citizens.

There’s nothing like a pampering massage or facial to relax the mind and body before boarding a flight. Travelers can treat themselves to massages, manicures, pedicures and facials at XpresSpa at Tom Bradley International Terminal and Terminal 5 (temporarily closed). Unwind with a variety of relaxation and beauty services at Be Relax, located at Gate 12 in Southwest Terminal 1.

Beauty experts and fine spirits connoisseurs will find their own slice of paradise at the Duty Free Shops (DFS) in Tom Bradley International Terminal. Travelers can enjoy two-minute complimentary makeovers from Bobbi Brown, hand massages from Jo Malone, skincare consultations from La Prairie and also free samplings of rare spirits and liqueurs that are exclusive to LAX, without the need to purchase anything. If in doubt, DFS also have shopping consultants ready to help travelers find the perfect gift for loved ones or themselves.

From travel info to transportation, dining, shopping, layover activities and future projects, read on for guides to LAX.