Words by Ellen Jones
Photography by Galina Julianam, Courtesy of PS ATL
It’s often said that travel is not only about the destination but also the journey. What makes the art of getting there memorable? Unexpectedly getting bumped to first class or a random connection or chat with someone you met along the way? No matter what enhances the journey for you, there are a plethora of services that can elevate the travel experience, from avoiding the torture of endless lines to the comfort of an exclusive lounge in which to sip a solitary beverage or engage in conversation with a new-found friend.
With these helpful hacks, you can redefine your perspective on the airport experience, from expediting processes to getting more luxe for your money. Consider this a passport to your dream escapes as we reveal how to access them faster, more easily, and often for less.
The Salon at PS ATL. Reserveps.com
Fast-track the Global Entry application process
If you frequently globe trot outside the United States, you know what a drag customs clearances can be. Joining the DHS Global Entry Trusted Traveler Network includes TSA PreCheck® benefits at more than 290 airports nationwide and will expedite your return from abroad… but there’s an epic backlog of applications, and scoring a timely in-person interview is as rare as a well-rested red-eye flight.
To fast-track your fast-track process, look to Appointment Scanner. As its name suggests, this handy service constantly checks for last-minute cancellations, and you can sign up for instant alerts via text or email as soon as a Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI appointment becomes available at your choice of over 100 enrollment centers nationwide. Recently, two of Silver Creek’s brokers utilized Appointment Scanner to reduce their nine-month wait for a Global Entry interview to mere days. Visit appointmentscanner.com to learn more.
Relax in private jet luxury when going commercial at PS ATL
Far more than just a pre-flight respite, the sophisticated PS ATL raises the bar on the private lounge experience to stratospheric heights. And you don’t need to be flying private to use it. Exclusively for commercial fliers, PS ATL is a private terminal that combines an elegant lounge, luxurious private suites, spa services, and a chauffeur to drive you home after your return flight.
PS ATL offers different membership tiers, allowing perks as simple as a complimentary cocktail in The Salon lounge to the ultimate privacy and comfort of the Private Suite experience that gives you your own sanctuary, complete with a daybed, chef-prepared meals, spa treatments, and seemingly unlimited amenities.
Perhaps PS ATL’s most alluring highlight is that you don’t even have to step foot into the airport, and those TSA screenings are lightning-fast. The space itself is five-star hotel-level gorgeous. In fact, be warned, PS ATL is so mesmerizing you may end up missing your flight.
PS ATL amenities can be experienced without membership, starting at $1,095 per person, and an annual membership is available from $1,250 per person; add travelers, concierge service, valet parking, spa services, and more for additional fees. Visit reserveps.com to learn more.
Inside the private suites sumptuous bathroom at PS ATL. Reserveps.com
Skip airport lines with cutting-edge tech
When you want to get to the gate without the hassle of waiting in endless security lines, CLEAR can whisk you there via your own private lane. Like a VIP queue-jump club, a CLEAR Plus annual membership will give you access to its CLEAR Pods. These are essentially futuristic robots that scan your eyes or fingerprints and your boarding pass a la science fiction fantasy, before an Ambassador personally escorts you straight to the front of the security line.
With over 100 CLEAR Lanes at more than 55 airports nationwide, you can enjoy the unparalleled convenience of breezing through security checks with efficiency and finesse. No more fretting over unexpected traffic or each tick of the clock. Instead, relish the moments you save relaxing and unwinding in a restaurant or lounge. CLEAR even allows you to save your spot in advance using its RESERVE function, so book a time and beat the line.
CLEAR Plus individual membership is $189 annually; children under 18 are included, and three adult family members or friends can be added to your account for $99 per person. Visit clearme.com to learn more.
Hop from state-to-state by chopper or jet
In your aerial odyssey, the helicopter is not merely a mode of transportation; it redefines the art of exploration as you soar above city skylines and natural wonders. Whether traveling domestically or within Europe or Canada, sidestep congested highways and security by chartering your own private helicopter, seaplane, turboprop, or jet.
Look no further than the prestige aviation private hire operator, BLADE. In just a few taps on its app, you can charter or book a scheduled seat or entire aircraft. Hop from the Hamptons to NYC’s chic BLADE Lounge, hover between South Florida and the Bahamas in style, or hop from Vancouver to Victoria or to an Alps resort in France or Switzerland. The skies are your playground! Visit blade.com to learn more.
PS ATL’S Private Suite. Reserveps.com
Fly privately for a fraction of the cost
When stretching to your own jet is a shade out of reach, empty-leg flights allow you to experience the opulence without the exorbitant price tag. When a passenger has chartered a one-way flight from here to there, the return journey will be empty. This is when vacant private jet seats are offered up at a discounted rate.
Aviation companies like JetOne, LoneStar, and JetLevel list “empty-leg” journeys on their websites, so search regularly based on your departure and destination preferences. Bear in mind you’ll need to be flexible with dates and destinations and that empty-leg journeys are often announced with short notice. Get ready to embark on a private air adventure that aligns with your budget without compromising on the lavish experience you desire.
Insure with concierge perks
Did you know that alongside coverage for the unexpected medical malady or baggage loss, your insurance provider may offer a rather pleasing perk? Enter the travel concierge. No longer just a safety net for unforeseen events that upset your plans, the travel insurance industry’s integration of concierge services adds a welcome layer of personalized care that transcends the ordinary.
When you want to snag that coveted restaurant reservation, secure box seats for a Broadway hit, or get the insider lowdown on your destination, having a dedicated concierge will save you from scrambling for last-minute bookings or settling for less-than-ideal options. Your trip won’t just be covered — it’ll be curated.
Explore your options for concierge services from travel insurance providers such as Allianz, Generali, Travel Insured International, or AXA.