For decades, private airport terminals were the preserve of VIPs, but now more passengers have the chance to avoid the crowds and enjoy a seamless journey from kerbside to aircraft.
One of the best-known private terminals is PS at Los Angeles International Airport. Guests arrive at a dedicated facility away from the main terminals, pass through private security screening and are driven directly across the airfield to their aircraft. Similar services are available at airports around the world including Munich, Zurich and Dubai.
However, one of the most exclusive airport experiences in the world is here in the UK. The Windsor by Heathrow offers private suites, butler service, luxury dining and direct transfers to the aircraft, with prices starting at just over £3,000 for up to three people.
Aether, Manchester
And now, a newer, much more cost-effective option is now available in the UK, at aether, the private terminal lounge at Manchester Airport. It’s open to passengers flying with partner airlines, and travelling in any cabin and it offers a luxury experience starting from £199 per person.
Departing guests receive private baggage check-in, a seasonal menu created by Michelin-starred chef Adam Reid, complimentary premium drinks, private security screening and – when it’s time to board – a chauffeur-driven transfer directly to their aircraft.
Aether also caters for arriving guests, who are chauffeured from the gate to private passport control, their checked baggage is collected and returned, and they can have a meal and drink before heading home.
A private suite is also available, from £250 per person.
What agents say
Lancashire-based agent Greig Horabin, who runs luxury agency Just Ask Travel, has booked several clients into aether.
“It’s £60 for a lounge and around £200–£250 for aether,” he said. “You’re there for three or four hours, you have a beautiful BMW take you straight to the aircraft and you’re getting an à la carte meal rather than a buffet.
“Take out the lounge price, take off £50 for the fact you’re having an à la carte meal, take off £50 for not having to queue up for the plane, another £50 for a BMW and the view, and then take off the rest for the ‘smug factor’ – it’s definitely worth it,” he said.
“It’s as close to flying on a private jet as you can get without actually flying on one.”
Sarah White, who runs Wanderlux Luxury Travel in Hertfordshire, said she’s had clients living close to Manchester who have used aether.
“If they’re flying with one of the bigger airlines that has its own lounge, they typically don’t need it,” she said. “But some of my European clients will fly with easyJet even when they’re booking a luxury trip, either because of the cost, the flight times or simply because it’s a short flight. In those cases, they might look at upgrading the beginning of the experience instead.”
Other options
Although Manchester is the only airport to have an aether-style private terminal in the UK, there are VIP services at other airports, such as meet-and-assist services, where passengers are greeted on arrival, escorted through check-in and security, and accompanied to their lounge or departure gate.
London City Airport offers fast-track security and premium services designed to minimise time spent in the terminal, which are popular with business travellers, while airport concierge service VIP Fly operates kerbside greeting, luggage assistance, priority check-in, fast-track security, a lounge experience and priority boarding at Birmingham, Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
Meanwhile, some of the UK’s finest airport lounges still offer an exceptional pre-flight experience, particularly for passengers travelling in premium cabins or holding elite status.
Heathrow has the best options, with the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse often regarded as the gold standard of airport lounges, including restaurant-style, a la carte dining, cocktails and attentive service.
The Concorde Room at Terminal 5 remains one of the most exclusive lounge experiences in the UK, reserved for British Airways First customers and selected elite frequent flyers. Private cabanas, waiter service and premium dining create an atmosphere closer to a private members’ club than an airport lounge.
Emirates’ flagship Heathrow lounge offers fine dining and direct boarding from the lounge to selected aircraft gates, while Qatar Airways’ Premium Lounge is a calm sanctuary away from the bustle of Terminal 4.
Meanwhile, the Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow is open to travellers regardless of airline or cabin class, giving guests an accessible taste of luxury with hot food, drinks, showers and comfortable workspaces.
At Gatwick, No1 Lounge remains one of the UK’s most popular pay-to-enter options, with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and runway views, making it popular among leisure travellers.
