“The best spaces feel more like high-end hospitality than a preflight pit stop,” he adds.
This story is part of The New Era of Work Travel, a collaboration between the editors of WIRED and Condé Nast Traveler to help you navigate the perks and pitfalls of the modern business trip.
In order to cater to different tiers of travelers, both airlines and credit card companies have debuted new “lounge within a lounge” concepts—reservable, private spaces ideal for a power lunch or power nap. Last year, Air France introduced private suites within its already-exclusive La Première lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). These 500-square-foot sanctuaries are connected to the main first-class lounge and feature a spacious living area, a bedroom with a double bed, an outdoor patio, and a dedicated butler. Meanwhile, Chase’s “Reserve Suites,” private rooms with a personal attendant, include a welcome caviar service, á la carte dining, and an ensuite bathroom with Augustinus Bader amenities. The smallest suite, with a four-person capacity, costs $2,200.
Easing Airport Stress
Beyond in-lounge amenities, easing airport stress for business travelers is about eliminating points of friction. Karp says that includes “skipping the line to enter, accessing a private security checkpoint, or avoiding crowds altogether.”
In 2023, Delta Air Lines opened an exclusive check-in area at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Delta One customers. Tucked away on the arrivals level, the 4,200-square-foot space not only offers white-glove assistance (hot towel, anyone?) but also a special TSA lane and direct access to the lounge upstairs.
