One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAX Now Has A Paparazzi-Proof Terminal
Ballin' in the new VIP lounge at Terminal 5 (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Delta's newly remodeled terminal at LAX is showing us how to really travel like a VIP. That is, of course, if we have the cash and celebrity status to require such deluxe treatment.
Following a five-year, $229 million overhaul, LAX's remodeled Terminal 5 now offers major perks for VIP passengers flying Delta, including a paparazzi-proof entrance and a Porsche shuttle from the tarmac. Not a bad way to travel, if you can afford it. So, while most of won't have the chance to see Kanye smile as he's whisked to his flight, we will at least be able to still enjoy the terminal's new dining court with Ford's Filling Station, a bigger ticketing lobby and new jet ways.
As elite Delta One passengers, celebrities and other high-profile travelers can steer clear of TMZ by pulling up to the VIP Delta One lounge entrance—hidden behind frosted glass sliding doors—to discreetly check in. From there, they'll take an elevator to a private corridor, that funnels them to a premium security line, according to the Hollywood Reporter. A private handler will then escort them to the new Sky Club, where refreshments and private showers await. But if that's not enough luxury for you, there's an even more exclusive way to be a jet-setter at Terminal 5.
If celebs really want to leave the airport in style and avoid prying eyes and cameras, you can opt for the unadvertised 'VIP Select' service. With $350 and a first-class ticket, Delta will dispatch a Porsche hybrid, directly to the tarmac to greet travelers from their flight. (They'll send either a Panamera sedan or Cayenne SUV, in case you're wondering.) The Porsche will then whisk them and their fine luggage out of the airport through a special gate, and take them to a "secret subterranean location somewhere on Century Boulevard," where your personal driver/Uber black, will pick them up. Ciao, paparazzi.
While we may not be getting the VIP treatment anytime soon, we do hope that the food options are better once we're on-board.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
