What is a VIP terminal?How to start your journey without going through the airport
With the upcoming launch of Aether at MAN, I wanted to build out a (very) shortlist of all the other VIP terminals at UK airports.
What is a VIP terminal?
It's a way to travel through a commercial airport without entering the main terminal. Avoid the crowds, stressful security processes and bog-standard eateries. Of course, this comes at a cost, which varies significantly depending on your airport.
VIP lounge prices may differ but the services across the UK's VIP terminals are pretty much the same. A private space, elevated food and drink, and being driven to your plane.
VIP terminals are not the same as private jet terminals. Although they are comparable in size and offerings, they cater to those travelling on non-commercial flights.
Comparing pricing for the VIP terminals
| Name / Airport | Privacy | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Windsor Suite, Heathrow | Private suite | From £3,630 for 3 people |
| Aether, Manchester Airport | Shared terminal | From £90 per person, to £170 per person |
| Signature Elite Class, Luton | Shared terminal | Now closed |
| Signature Elite Class, Gatwick | Shared terminal | From £1,500 for a family of four |
The Windsor Suite - Heathrow
Named after the late Queen and adorned with images of her, the Windsor Suite is a collection of eight private suites located at the end of Terminal 5. While it's technically in the main building, you don't have access to it the same way as T5 travellers. There's a separate entrance that you are driven right up to.
Inside, there are eight private suites - there's no sharing of this private terminal with any other passengers - and they are spacious and comfortable. Each suite comes with a TV and coffee machine, but you will be able to order food and drink from the menu. That has been designed by Michelin star winning chef Jason Atherton.
Like the other VIP offerings, you won't have to leave the private terminal in order to go through security or check-in.
What are the key benefits?
Await your flight in the privacy of your own suite. They're spacious, comfortable and come with food and drink. Whilst the Windsor Suites are attached to the main T5 building, you won't be bothered by the crowds in there. In fact your entire experience will be separated from those that travel through the terminal.
If you're into VIP experiences then this one probably has the most cachet. It's the UK's biggest airport, and out of all of the VIP terminals those one is the most inclusive, but just by a whisker.
How much does it cost?
Pricing for the "Black" service starts at £3,630 which covers three people who are arriving, departing or connecting at Heathrow. That puts this service beyond most regular travelers, or even those like myself who are happy to spent a little bit more to experience something interesting.
Aether - Manchester Airport
At a fraction of the cost of The Windsor Suite is Aether, due to launch in November 2024. There are no private suites for guests, but they say that they will admit no more than 12 guests at once, and it's arguably a more attractive terminal than The Windsor Suite, inside and out.
Located at the far end of the airport complex, in its own building with a private entrance, it offers great views across the airfield. As a traveller, it's the closest you can get to the runway.
Aether offers two services: Arrival and Departure. Both then have different price points based on whether you have checked baggage. All services include being driven either to or from your plane,
What are the key benefits?
Aside from avoiding the crowded main terminals, you can arrive just 60 minutes before your flight (on the express package). There's the promise of elevated food and drink, with a menu from chef Adam Reid. Of course, you never have to leave the private terminal apart from when you need to get on your plane. The terminal has its own private security, and a car will drive you to your plane (or from if you're using the arrivals service).
How much does it cost?
- Departing from the terminal costs from £90 per person:
- From £90 for the Express package: no food, hand luggage only, arrive no earlier than 75mins before the flight
- From £150 per person for the "Inclusive - Cabin Bags" package: includes food/drink, hand luggage only, arrive up 3hrs before departure
- From £190 per person for the "Inclusive - Checked Bags" package. This includes food/drink, checked bags, and arrive up to 3hrs before departure.
- Arriving to the terminal costs from £150 per person:
- From £150 per person for the "Inclusive - Cabin Bags" package, which includes food/drink but is for those with hand luggage only
- From £170 per person for the "Inclusive - Checked Bags" package, which means you get the food and drink on offer, but is for guests who have luggage in the hold.
Signature Elite Class, Luton
Closed and unable to book
This was another London option, but this time in the North of the capital at the leisure-heavy Luton Airport. Sadly it appears to be no more, but Signature also offers a similar experience at Gatwick (see below).
This VIP terminal was located on the airport campus, sharing a building with what appeared to be the private jet lounge for Luton.
Signature Elite Class, Gatwick
Gatwick's Signature Elite Class is located next to the North terminal but in a standalone building. Pricing sits close to the Windsor Suite, which is to say that it's not as accessible as Aether.
What are the key benefits?
Get driven straight to the VIP terminal, and then get driven to your plane when you're ready. Couple that with an elevated food and drink experience (including champagne, and speciality coffees).
How much does it cost?
Although prices are not displayed on their website, a recent review of the terminal stated that the cost was £1500 for two adults and two children.
