While the paparazzi love catching a glimpse of VIPs at the airports, most go through their journey relatively unnoticed. VIPs manage to do this by using dedicated terminals which only cater to a handful of select passengers. Here are some of the places where VIPs can avoid the usual bustle of the airport!

Lufthansa first class terminal, Frankfurt

Perhaps the most well-known VIP terminal globally is Lufthansa's first class terminal in Frankfurt. As the name aptly suggests, the lounge is only open to the most elite Lufthansa frequent fliers (HON Circle) and first class passengers on SWISS or Lufthansa. The entry criteria alone ensure that VIPs will get much more privacy than any usual terminal.

Lufthansa First Class
A private vehicle will drop you to the aircraft when you wish to board. Photo: Getty Images

Passengers in the terminal can expect a staff member to complete check-in formalities in advance and no queues at security. The luxurious lounge is 1,800 square meters in size, with various seating, dining, and resting options available. There's more than enough to keep yourself occupied even on the longest layovers. When you're done, a private vehicle transfer will drop you right at the steps of the plane.

While the first class terminal is private, due to its entry criteria, it is actually one of the more accessible VIP terminals out there. Here are some of the more selective ones.

PS at LAX, Los Angeles

For the VIPs who prefer to stay away from as many people as possible, PS (Private Suites) at LAX might be the right choice. Located relatively far from the main terminal, PS travelers flying out of LAX can arrive at the terminal and have most check-in formalities taken care of in advance, along with expedited security and immigration. For those flying into, or transferring, from LAX, PS will pick you up in a BMW at your aircraft and handle all immigration or baggage procedures.

LAX Private Suite
The terminal has its own TSA and border control checkpoints, significantly cutting down transit time. Photo: PS

Once you've cleared security, passengers can enjoy the lounge, which includes private seating, luxury dining, a salon, spa, and more amenities. You're unlikely to find much missing in this terminal. Once you're ready to board, another BMW will usher you to the door of the aircraft.

On the way off a domestic flight, passengers can even opt to be picked up from the aircraft door and driven anywhere in the city. Bags will be picked up by the PS team while you're on the way, skipping the terminal entirely. 

LAX Private Suite
The lounge offers private seating and tarmac transfers to make the journey seamless. Photo: PS

The overall privacy of the terminal means it is highly unlikely you'll meet anyone except staff until boarding the plane, the ideal goal for most VIPs. However, all this luxury will set you back a decent amount. Membership costs $4,500 a year and each lounge use costs $2,700 or $3,000 for domestic and international flights respectively, according to the LA Times. That's on top of the price of your ticket of course.

Heathrow VIP, London

London Heathrow is one of Europe's busiest airports and frequently visited by many VIPs, prompting the opening of Heathrow VIP terminal. Used by Heads of State and government officials, the terminal is now also open to other VIPs who wish to skip the terminal (and associated publicity).

Heathrow Airport, COVID Tests, Quarantine
Heathrow is home to many VIP travelers every year, adding the need for a private terminal.  Photo: Heathrow Airport

Similar to other lounges we've discussed here, the VIP terminal offers separate entry to the airport, a sprawling lounge, and private car transfers to and from the airport and to the plane itself. The terminal also offers in-lounge VAT refunds, personal shopping service, and dedicated staff. A Michelin-star restaurant offers à la carte dining to VIP travelers.

Entry to the terminal costs £3,300 ($4,330) and is open to business and first class passengers exclusively, according to details from The Independent. For VIPs flying to London, the terminal is likely a no-brainer.

Fattal VIP Terminal, Tel Aviv

Another notable VIP lounge is the recently opened Fattal VIP Terminal in Ben Gurion Airport. The first VIP lounge in the airport, it is designed and run by the Fattal Hotel chain and offers a luxurious experience.

All the standard amenities of express check-in, security, and immigration are present (which is quite notable considering Israel's rigorous security checks). Additionally, there are also duty-free stores and a conference room inside.

Fattal VIP Terminal Tel Aviv
The terminal is owned by a famous hotel chain of the same name. Photo: Fattal VIP Terminal

More like a resort than a lounge, the terminal has hotel rooms and multiple dining and seating options for passengers. This includes private seating areas for families and groups traveling together.

Unlike other lounges on this list, the Fattal Terminal is relatively cheaper to access. One guest can gain entry for $395, while subsequent guests pay $220 each. However, private rooms and other services can cost more.

Notable mentions

While this article only covers VIP terminals near commercial airports, there are some offer their own runway as well. The well-known Jetex Dubai World Central Terminal offers a 2,000sqm space with luxury cars, shops, and restaurants along with its own runway and flight services. This terminal is for those who need a stop on their private jet flights but can be accessed by regular passengers as well.

Jetex-Private-Terminal
The Jetex private terminal in Dubai has its own runway for passengers flying privately. Photo: Jetex

Overall, private terminals offer luxury and privacy, two things generally valuable to traveling VIPs. The ability to skip the bustle of the airport and directly board your flight (or private jet) is likely a cost many are willing to pay.

VIP terminals have only become more popular in the last few years, with dozens of airports globally having some version of the service. Most large airports, such as Amsterdam, London, Vienna, New York, do have dedicated services for VIP travelers. This is usually why we see so many celebrities traveling as though they directly board the plane and skip the airport altogether. For the most part, they do.

Have you ever had the chance to visit a VIP terminal or first class lounge? How was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!