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A Luxurious Airport Experience? It’s Possible at LAX’s PS Lounge

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View of PS lounge coffee table with coffee cup and espresso beside books and a vase with flowers


As part of my job, I travel at least once a month. Although certain aspects can be improved (like investing in Global Entry, which has allowed me to keep my shoes on and electronics in my bags at security screenings), air travel is generally an unforgiving slog. I don’t expect much from the experience other than eventually getting to where I’m going. But on a recent trip from Los Angeles to London, I had the chance to experience a very different (and very luxe) way to travel through an airport: the PS private lounge.

PS aims to help people rethink the typical defeatist attitude toward flying. Located in its own corner of Los Angeles International Airport (otherwise known as LAX), the lounge is a private terminal for anyone hoping to escape the drain of modern air travel. PS offers private suites, complimentary food and drinks, concierge services, and its own TSA checkpoint for paying customers. Since its inception in 2017, it’s been a hit with business travelers and A-list celebrities looking for a crowd-free way to fly.

In early 2021, PS further expanded its services by opening up a “Salon,” or communal lounge space for travelers. It’s still a luxurious, privacy-focused experience (it’s housed two miles away from the main LAX terminals), but it now comes at a price point that makes everyday travelers merely gasp rather than outright faint.

The Salon starts at $695 per person (that’s on top of what you’re paying for the flight itself). It gets you access to the sleek communal lounge, complimentary cocktails and snacks, a dedicated TSA checkpoint, and private transportation to your flight. For $3,450, you can upgrade to a private lounge (with room for four), which includes free drinks and chef-prepared meals, among other perks. Add-ons, including checked bags, salon or massage services, cost extra.

You can also opt for an all-access membership for $4,850, which entitles you to a wide range of services, including chauffeured rides from LAX to your home in L.A. (for domestic flights only) and cheaper lounge fees. Joining as a Salon member ($1,250) gives you discounted access to the PS Salon.

I should pause this recap to point out the obvious: Because of its price tag, PS isn’t readily accessible to the majority of travelers. But if you’re willing to drop major cash for a truly luxurious airport experience, this is the way to do it.

Courtesy Image

Even with the high pricing, PS has its merits. While waiting for my first international flight in two years, I started to see how the company’s services could feel like a worthwhile splurge—at least for those with the means to do so. Designed by Cliff Fong, the earth-toned Salon is undeniably relaxing; being offered a glass of champagne within moments of arriving also helped me chill out. In the communal lounge, you can sprawl on plush couches rather than those uncomfortable chairs at terminal gates. And for those who crave complete solitude, you can always book a private suite.

In another airport first, I didn’t have to enter a Squid Game-style competition with other passengers just to snag a power outlet. Despite being a nominally communal experience, the PS Salon is built for discretion and privacy—great if you’re having a personal conversation, but not so helpful if you’re trying to eavesdrop to figure out just who else is paying for this experience. (Obviously, when it comes to their guests, PS won’t name names. But if you spend some time surfing Instagram you can identify a few of their more notable clients.)

Another highlight: eating food that tasted like it was cooked that day, rather than microwaved at 30,000 feet or in the back of a Dunkin’ Donuts. I’m a vegetarian, so I opted for the hummus platter (and later a cookie and a matcha latte, because why not), but the menu has all kinds of treats—even caviar.

PS lounge interior showing a marble bar and a plate of food and a cocktail
Courtesy Image

As pleasant as it was to read and relax for a few uninterrupted hours before my flight, the real VIP experience came when it was time to board the plane to London. About an hour before takeoff, a representative retrieved me and we walked from the PS Salon to an adjacent building. There, I was handed my already stamped passport, and a single TSA agent waited patiently while I loaded my carry-on onto the scanner. In all, the security process took less than five minutes, rather than costing me half an hour and most of my sanity like it usually does.

On the other side of security, a suited driver met me and drove me onto the tarmac, passing rows of parked planes. It was a swanky and novel experience; I regretted not booking a flight during daylight hours to fully appreciate the unique view of the busy airport. He parked right next to my airplane and escorted me from the car up an elevator to the terminal to join the rest of the passengers lining up at the gate. Then I was off to London.

All in all, it was a far cry from the typically hectic and uncomfortable experience of navigating an airport.

Chances are you already have your own airport rituals to make flying a little less painful. But if you’ve got the means to take the road less traveled on your way out of town, I highly recommend the view from PS.


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10 Best Porters to Drink Right Now

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A bottle of Deschutes Black Butte Porter




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Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

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Barbell Back Squat


The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.

“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.

If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.

Directions

Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.

Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength

Circuit 1

Marius Bugge

A. Barbell Back Squat

Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts renegade row
Marius Bugge

B. Renegade Row

Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side

Circuit 2

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing renegade row Dumbbell Bentover Row in gym
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bentover Row

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 
Marius Bugge

B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised 

Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 3

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Marius Bugge

A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat

Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Marius Bugge

B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side

Circuit 4

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing pullup
Marius Bugge

A. Pullup

Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Athletic man wearing gray T-shirt and maroon shorts doing Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Marius Bugge

B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press

Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps

Circuit 5

A. Dumbbell Pushup

Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps

B. Biceps Curl

Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps


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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout

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The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout




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