Miami International Airport now has a private, membership friendly terminal tucked inside the old Pan Am headquarters, giving wealthy or time pressed travelers a way to bypass the main terminals entirely. The slim two story space packs in private suites, a social salon, a day spa and chef driven dining, along with private Transportation Security Administration screening and chauffeured transfers straight to the tarmac. The service is pitched as both a time saver and a privacy play, with one time access running in the low four figures.
Officials Mark The Debut
Miami Dade officials and PS held a ribbon cutting on June 17 to unveil PS MIA inside the former Pan American Airways regional headquarters, the airport said. “Today’s opening of PS MIA marks a new chapter at MIA,” Miami Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said, according to the MIA Newsroom.
What Travelers Can Expect
Operator PS says the 34,000 square foot terminal offers five fully enclosed private suites, The Salon (an elevated social lounge), a central open air courtyard, on demand spa services and chef prepared dining. Guests are escorted through private TSA screening, then driven in BMWs or similar vehicles across the airfield directly to their commercial flight. PS notes that reservations are open and travel at MIA begins June 30, and the company lays out the experience on its site, PS.
How Much It Costs
One time access starts at roughly $1,295 for The Salon, and private suite usage can run about $4,950 for up to four guests, with membership tiers that lower per use rates and add perks, according to the Miami Herald. The Herald also reports that membership plans range from about $1,250 to $4,850 a year, with differing per use fees for members and non members.
A Restored Pan Am Landmark
The terminal remodel preserves much of the mid century building’s character, including original Pan Am insignia, gold paneling and the reflecting pools, while adding new furnishings and locally commissioned art. Designers leading the project sought to balance the building’s brutalist bones with Miami’s colors and materials, the airport release says. The MIA Newsroom provides images and design notes.
County Deal And The Numbers
According to Miami Dade County records, the county approved a 20 year lease for the Remote VIP Operations project that estimates $16 million in revenue over the term and guarantees the county a minimum annual rent of $600,000 or 7.5% of gross revenues, whichever is greater. The procurement documents note that the build out will be privately funded at no capital cost to the county and that the award followed a competitive RFP process. See the county record for the full contract text and financial terms at Miami Dade County.
Who Can Use It And How
PS says any commercial traveler can use the terminal, but flyers must sign up online and be approved in advance. WSVN reports that travelers typically need approval at least 48 hours before departure, and the company’s reservations page shows travel for MIA beginning June 30, according to PS. WSVN provides additional booking details and membership information.
