I Paid $1,300 to Skip the Airport. Was It Worth It?

I paid $1,300 to skip airport crowds and other hassles, never even setting foot inside the terminal. An SUV drove me through a security gate at Miami International Airport, past rows of planes and dropped me off right next to my plane. This is PS Miami, and it's part of a growing wave of pricey services for affluent travelers who want less friction without buying a private jet. PS, formerly called Private Suites, started as a paparazzi-free haven for celebrities in Los Angeles in 2017. It has since expanded to Atlanta, Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth. The Wall Street Journal spent $1,300 so I could size up the 34,000-square-foot Miami outpost, which opened in late June. It's basically a business-class lounge on steroids. The cost of a day pass at PS: $1,300-$4,950. No one cares if you're flying basic economy or first class, for a pricey day pass or a membership. The cost of an annual PS membership (excluding per-visit fees): $1,250-$4,850 for a pricey day pass or a membership. Three employees greeted me outside like I was arriving on a red carpet, carried my bags, and delivered my boarding pass to my seat in the lounge. Minutes after sitting down, a server asked if I wanted the Champagne and caviar service. When in Rome, I suppose! PS Miami also has $5,000 suites that accommodate up to 4 people. They come with showers, balconies, mini bars, and a drawer of Apple accessories free for the taking. Only one thing annoyed me about this extravagant experience. I was handed a bill just before leaving. The total: $211. Everything is complimentary, of course. to generate a tip. Of course I'm going to tip. But this just cheapened the experience. Did I need any of this? Of course not. But if you've got money to burn, what a sweet, sweet way to travel.