Private Airline Terminals Expanded Across U.S.
New private terminals opened in Miami and Dallas, while San Francisco initiated plans for a massive facility.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Business Travel
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Following the September 2026 opening of new private terminals in Miami and Dallas, the aviation industry is accelerating the development of exclusive passenger facilities. These terminals provide high-end travelers with private TSA screening, dedicated customs processing, and chauffeur services.
Why it matters
Airports are increasingly prioritizing private terminal leases and partnerships to generate additional revenue through non-traditional infrastructure. These facilities cater to a growing demand for luxury transit by separating high-net-worth travelers from the standard commercial terminal experience.
Private terminal memberships start at $5,000 annually, with per-trip fees beginning at $1,295. Shared lounge access costs $1,095 per person, while private suites can cost up to $4,850 per group.
The players
PS
This company specializes in operating private luxury terminals that offer exclusive screening and chauffeur services at major international airports.
Clay Lacy Aviation
This aviation services firm focuses on fixed-base operator facilities and recently completed a major carbon-neutral project at John Wayne International Airport.
NetJets
This company provides private aviation services and recently completed a major remodel of its primary facility located at Teterboro Airport.
The details
Companies like PS manage these facilities at major hubs, where guests are driven by private vehicles across the tarmac directly to their commercial aircraft. Other operators, including Clay Lacy Aviation, have also recently invested $100 million into carbon-neutral facilities at sites like John Wayne International Airport.
Timeline
The PS Miami International Airport terminal opened in September 2026.
San Francisco International Airport expects to complete its new terminal by late 2028.
Travel Outlook
The expansion of private terminals in Miami and Dallas follows the successful model established by the Private Suite terminal service at LAX. This shift represents a broader movement toward bifurcating the airport experience to maximize luxury revenue potential.
Travelers looking to bypass standard security lines should budget for significant membership costs or per-trip fees to utilize these private services. Those flying through these hubs should check if their specific airline partners with the local terminal operator to ensure eligibility for chauffeur services.
The takeaway
The rise of private terminals reflects a permanent change in how high-frequency travelers interact with airport infrastructure. Budgeting for these services requires a clear understanding of whether a traveler prefers annual subscription value or ad-hoc per-trip convenience.
What happens next
San Francisco International Airport is currently in the bidding process for a 75,000-square-foot terminal expected to open by late 2028.
Further reading
For more on the logistics of premium transit, visit Business Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eoghan Corry's TRAVEL Extra.
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Do you support airports offering premium private terminals that allow travelers to bypass standard security lines?
