Introducing aether, our new dedicated airport terminal
Open to all passengers who fancy treating themselves to a special A-list experience before or after their flight.
11 things you need to know about aether
Imagine yourself relaxing before your flight in a plush private terminal with front row seats offering panoramic views of the runway. No queues to join, no bags to drag around, and no need to stay glued to information screens. Staff are on hand to whisper discreetly in your ear when it’s time to board, so you’re left with plenty of time to sip on fine wines and graze on high end nibbles.
This kind of seamless and elevated experience is usually reserved for first and business class passengers - or characters in a Bond movie - and it tends to come with a four-figure price tag attached. But aether is Manchester Airport’s new private terminal and it is accessible to all airline passengers at a price that won’t make your eyes water.
That’s right, anyone boarding a flight from Manchester Airport with carry-on baggage, can treat themselves to a premium experience before take off, regardless of ticket class. Passengers flying with one of aether’s airline partners can also check-in luggage at the private terminal.
What’s more, travelling guests can even invite non-travelling guests to join them in the aether lounge to wave them off. So if you’re off on honeymoon, travelling to celebrate a special occasion, or just fancy treating yourself to a stress-free A-list experience, here’s a handy guide to everything you might want to know about aether before you book.
What is aether?
A Private Terminal set within its own separate building, away from the main terminals, so it’s almost a world in itself. More than just a luxurious lounge, it’s a premium hospitality experience which is available to passengers who fancy some first class treatment before their flight. Let’s call it a ‘private jet’ level service, if you like, but one that’s open to commercial airline passengers.
An aether host will look after you during your stay, and will provide you with top-notch service, complimentary drinks and fine dining before you board your plane so you can start your holiday in style.
Where is it?
The aether terminal is located next to our Runway Visitors Park. You’ll find it on the southwest side of the airport, a calm oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminals. Its special location offers guests incredible views of the tarmac and all the different planes taking off. You can arrive by chauffeur, taxi, in your own vehicle, or be dropped off.
Can I park my car there?
You can opt for an additional Meet & Greet Parking option when you book. Simply pull up outside aether’s private terminal, hand over your car keys and one of our fully insured drivers will move your vehicle to our secure storage site for the duration of your trip. Your vehicle will be ready and waiting for you on your return - even if you depart from aether but arrive into one of the main terminals!
Passengers can relax and unwind, knowing that every aspect of their journey is taken care of. aether has also partnered with BMW who are supplying top of the range of models including the all-electric BMW i7 (featuring a 32-inch TV screen), the seven-seater BMW X7 and their latest luxury performance BMW XM, to provide lounge guests with a premium chauffeur-driven service across the airfield straight to your plane.
What does aether look like?
Scandi-chic with natural wood, marble and leather in calm neutral tones. The private terminal is housed within a smart, metal clad building with a wooden slatted walkway and landscaping. The main lounge area is furnished with contemporary seating and floor-to-ceiling windows offering incredible views across the airfield.
Relax in one of the plush leather seats, perch on a stool at the desk area with your laptop, or indulge in some reading in one of the comfy designer chairs. aether has enough room to fit 60 people comfortably, but expects to host only a fraction of that at any one time, so it never feels too busy. (Book early to avoid disappointment.) If you’re a superstar celebrity or with someone who requires privacy for whatever reason, private areas can be booked as part of a departure or arrivals journey.
How much does it cost?
There are different prices for different levels of service; ‘Express’ or ‘Inclusive’. Packages start at £90 per person for a speedy, trouble-free service, which is ideal for guests carrying cabin bags. This doesn’t include the full aether experience, but allows passengers to access the terminal’s private security and get chauffeured to their gate quickly and easily.
The full aether experience, which includes refreshments, starts from £150 pp for guests flying with cabin bags only. For those flying with our partner airlines who want to check-in bags, it costs £170 per person and includes a whole heap of benefits including a dining experience by Adam Reid, premium alcoholic and soft drinks, access to aether terminal private security, a chauffeur-driven car to your gate.
How does check-in work?
If you’re flying with one of aether’s airline partners you can check-in your luggage at the private terminal - and we’re adding more airlines all the time. Some airlines offer ‘twilight check-in’ the evening before. If you've use this service, you can take advantage of aether’s cabin baggage service.
Use your airline’s online check-in facility for your departing flight to generate a boarding pass. Your aether host will check that you have all the necessary documents for travel. Then you can enjoy the facilities of the aether lounge while your baggage is weighed, tagged, security screened and transported to your aircraft. Staff will lead you through security when it’s time to board. Then you’ll be chauffeured to your departure gate to board as normal.
Can I use aether if I require Assisted Travel?
Yes, of course. All you need to do is simply provide the details of your requirements when you book and your aether host will contact the Manchester Airport Assistance Team to arrange the necessary support for your journey.
Just remember to also notify your airline, tour operator or travel agent as usual so that they can assist you during your flight and at the other end when you disembark.
Tell me more about the food and drink
aether’s elevated dining experience has been curated by Adam Reid, chef patron of Adam Reid at The French at Manchester’s famous Midland Hotel. His award-winning culinary style has been described as ‘modern British cooking with a north west accent’. (Guests might also recognise the Manchester-born chef from his successful stint on BBC’s prestigious Great British Menu competition.)
Expect a range of deliciously refined sweet and savoury signature dishes and snacks. Just let the aether team know if you have any dietary requirements when you book and they’ll make sure to accommodate your requirements. The menu is accompanied by a hand-picked selection of premium alcoholic and soft drinks served whenever you would like them.
How long can I stay at aether?
If you're travelling with cabin bags, you must arrive at least 60 minutes before departure. Express travellers can access the terminal up to 75 minutes before their flight. If you have checked bags, you must arrive two hours before. The Inclusive experience offers use of the lounge for up to three hours before departure. aether opens from 4am - 10pm, seven days a week, so is perfect for flights departing from 5am (for Express), and from 6:30am (for Inclusive).
If you've booked an Inclusive package and your flight has been delayed, you may stay in the aether lounge for up to an hour after the scheduled flight departure time.
Can I still shop at Duty Free?
Duty free shopping is one of the perks of travelling abroad, so you might not want to miss out! But as the shops are situated in the main terminal, you’ll have to clear security screening at the aether terminal first. However, once you’re ‘airside’ you will not be able to return to the private terminal, so will need to make your own way from the shops to the departure gate.
If you would like to include some Duty Free shopping in your pre-flight experience, let the aether team know by calling 0808 812 6722 so that they can arrange for a chauffeur to drive you to the main terminal in style when you’re ready. Alternatively, you can shop online and reserve your duty free goodies up to 30 days before your flight, leaving you with more time to spend at aether.
Can I access the aether facilities after I land?
Yes! Simply get off your plane and step into one of the chauffeur-driven cars waiting to transfer you to aether (- even if your plane has been delayed!) Once in the Private Terminal, you will have use of a private passport control or domestic arrivals channel. How’s that for star treatment?
Then you can relax with some refreshments for up to two hours while your bags are collected and returned to you. This is ideal for morning flights when you need to wait before you can check into your hotel.
When you're ready to leave, your host can arrange a taxi to take you to your chosen destination. If you booked Meet & Greet Parking, your car will be waiting outside for you.
Discover aether
Reservations for the private terminal are now open so you can be one of the first to book for when aether officially opens on Monday 4 November 2024. For more information, visit experienceaether.com
Useful Links
The Private Terminal - aether
Click here for more information and to make a reservation.
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