Air travel has never been egalitarian but a new service from United Airlines takes the separation between rich and the rest of us to another level. United and The Private Suite are now offering well-heeled customers access to newly-built, private terminal far from the madding crowd. Customers who buy access enjoy a private and personalized check-in and baggage handling as well as private screening by security and customs officers. They are then driven across the airfield in luxury sedans to board their aircraft. A United-branded lounge at the new terminal includes individual suites and restrooms and features a full bar and top-tier food service. The airline is including access to The Private Suite in certain business-class fares and says it has negotiated “a highly preferential rate” for the service. United doesn't say what this is but membership normally costs $US4,500 annually. Access is available to United customers flying to or from New York/Newark; Aspen, Colorado; Hawaii; London Heathrow; Los Cabos, Mexico; Melbourne and Sydney, Australia; Shanghai; Singapore; and Tokyo Narita who purchase the service. READ: United boosts Newark in east coast juggling act. Customers arriving from overseas will be met at the aircraft and escorted to private customs and immigration processing. A Private Suite logistics team of eight people is assigned to each booking, ensuring a seamless airport experience without traffic, lines or wait time. The service will initially available through select corporate travel booking desks and travel agents, and later available for purchase on united.com or through the United app as part of a premium-cabin ticket fare. “We are excited to offer this new experience for our customers who are seeking additional efficiency, comfort, privacy and the ultimate service during their travels, United president Janet Lamkin said in a statement. "The partnership with The Private Suite affords our customers the opportunity to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that makes travel through LAX the best in class. As California's global airline, our customers expect the best, and United is delivering on that promise." Competition between airlines for premium class customers continues to be strong with full-service airlines continuing to release spectacular new cabins, dedicated airport facilities and sophisticated lounges. Gulf carrier Etihad in 2014 introduced a suite for the ultra-rich called The Residence which featured a living room, separate double bedroom and ensuite shower room. Guests in The Residence will also get a  personal Butler and a dedicated VIP travel concierge team. More recently, Singapore Airlines released a new first class suite with a plush swivel armchair and a separate bed. READ: Singapore Airlines' new attitude at altitude. The importance of premium travelers to airlines when it noted premium cabins accounted for 5.4 percent of total international origin-destination passenger traffic but just over 30 percent of revenues in January-February.