Air travellers seeking the ultimate in privacy, comfort and efficiency are increasingly turning to VIP terminals at major UK and European airports.
These exclusive facilities – often tucked away from the hustle of the main terminals – offer a discreet and luxurious experience for passengers flying on scheduled airlines.
So whether you’re a business executive, ‘celebrity’ or simply want your holiday to have a special start, VIP terminals deliver premium services – such as private check-in and security, border control, lounges and chauffeured aircraft transfers.
Unlike airline-specific lounges, VIP airport terminals operate independently and cater to any airline or class of travel. From the refined ambience of Windsor by Heathrow, the modern Bavarian charm of the VipWing at Munich or the culinary excellence at Manchester’s Aether terminal, each location offers a bespoke experience.
This guide explores the top 11 VIP airport terminals across UK and Europe, outlining the main features and pricing.
Aether – Manchester Airport
Manchester has its own high-end private facility for those who wish to avoid the main terminals.
Aether has its own private security with a large main lounge facility on offer including a wide-array of designer seating and a private dining multi-course menu curated by chef Adam Reid. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide great runway views.
There are various packages available:
- Express – those departing with cabin bags only can make use of the private terminal security and then be chauffeured to their gate or the main terminal directly. No aether lounge access is available and the cost is £110 per person. Arrive up to 75 minutes before departure.
- Inclusive Cabin Bags – this is available for departing/arriving passengers with cabin bags with use of the lounge and dining plus a chauffeured transfer to/from the aircraft. The cost is £230 per person. Arrive up to 3 hours before departure. Book aether (cabin bags only) via the official Escape Lounges site here (make a search and you should find aether as an option)
- Inclusive Checked Bags – this is the same as above except it includes checking in your baggage. The cost is £250 per person. Arrive up to 3 hours before departure.
For the checked bag service It is open to passengers (in any class) of the following partner airlines:
British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Hainan Airlines, SAS, Turkish Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
The aether terminal is located on Wilmslow Old Road on the southwestern side of the airport near the Runway Visitor Park. It is advisable to arrive by car or taxi.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport VIP Service
Amsterdam Schiphol airport offers a tailored service for VIP groups of up to 20 passengers. This includes separate security, baggage check-in and transfer to aircraft by luxury vehicle.
Access is granted to one of 7 private lounges at the Schiphol VIP Centre. This is located at Arrivals 4, beyond Starbucks towards the Excellence Parking.
The contemporary styled lounges were designed by Marcel Wanders and offer high quality food and drinks with an attentive service.
This video below gives a flavour of the experience:
Access is available to any passengers – departing, transferring or arriving who opt to pay for the service.
Costs for departing/arriving passengers in 2025 it is €585 (1st passenger) plus €360 (per additional passenger).
For transfer passengers it is €785 (1st passenger) plus €530 (per additional passenger).
All rates exclude 21% Dutch VAT.
ALTITUDE at Brussels Airport
Altitude is the private terminal at Brussels airport which offers the range of services bypassing the main terminal:
- Private check-in, security and immigration control
- Lounge facilities, food and drink and meeting rooms
- Showers
- Limousine transfer to aircraft
- Tax refunds on purchases
The standard price for departures and arrival is €450 for the main passenger and €290 for each additional passenger.
Transfer passengers are charged at €630 for the main passenger and €406 for each additional passenger.
Prices exclude Belgian VAT.
VIP Services at Frankfurt Airport
VIP Services has a dedicated private terminal at Frankfurt airport (FRA) which offers passengers of any airline the personal option to bypass the main terminal. It has dedicated security, border control and baggage handling.
Opened in 2023, it has a number of high-end private lounges, suites and meeting rooms. There is a main lounge, library room, restaurant, bar and cigar lounge on site.
The base cost is €515 (€545) for the first arriving/departing (transfer) passenger and €290 (€400) for each additional passenger.
Private lounges and suites can be booked as an add-on, costing €150-€550.
The Frankfurt VIP Terminal is located next to Terminal 1, Arrival Area A, Tor 19.
Lufthansa First Class Terminal – Frankfurt Airport
We have to include the well known facility from Lufthansa which is exclusively for the airline’s first class passengers and HON Circle members. It can be accessed for transfer and departing flights.
The Lufthansa First Class Terminal at Frankfurt is 1,800m² and is open daily 05:30-22:00.
It offers private check-in, security and border control which is overseen by a personal assistant. Transfer to the aircraft is available by luxury vehicle.
The lounge includes high-end ‘Wining and Dining’ area with à la carte menu, a cigar lounge, 4 shower suite (one with bathtub and the infamous Lufthansa rubber ducks), 5 private office units and 2 day rooms. Perhaps the one downside is that the view from the terminal is rather drab.
It is located a short walk from Frankfurt airport terminal 1.
Signature Elite Class – London Gatwick Airport
There is a small VIP private aviation terminal at London Gatwick close to the South terminal. It is run by Signature Flight Support, which has one of the world’s largest network of Fixed Base Operations (FBOs).
This is available to paying passengers (arriving or departing) on any airline who wish to bypass the main terminal.
The service includes check-in, security formalities, customs/immigration clearance and vehicle transfers to/from the aircraft.
There are 3 small waiting lounges for passengers which have drinks, light snacks and newspapers/magazines. The lounges were recently refurbished.
The cost is £660 for the lead passenger and £310 per additional passenger.
Windsor by Heathrow – London Heathrow Airport
The Windsor by Heathrow is a VIP facility located at the southern end of Terminal 5 and is open to to paying passengers.
The service costs from £3,177 + VAT (£3,812 or $4,700) for up to 3 passengers. That is around £1,270 per passenger. This is the most expensive VIP terminal on this list although the airport claims it is used by 50,000 passengers annually.
This includes the following:
- chauffeur transfer within a 25 mile radius of the airport
- access to one of the 8 private lounge suites, which have been recently redesigned and refurbished and adorned with international contemporary art
- all security and border control formalities which are within the facility
- an extensive food and drink menu (curated by chef Jason Atherton) which is available 05:00-22:00
- meetings are possible with up to 2 non-flying guests
- personal shopper service is available
- chauffeur transfers to or from the aircraft
Despite the higher price-point this is a popular service for a certain travelling segment and allows you to effectively bypass the main terminal and other travellers.
Note, it is available to business and first class passengers only – departing/arriving and transfers. More info can be found here
See our London Heathrow Airport Lounges Guide
VIP Terminal – Malta International Airport
La Valette Club runs a VIP terminal at Malta International Airport (MLA) adjacent to the main airport terminal. Check-in and border control is handled within the facility. Guests can make use of a private lounge with a fully-stocked bar and snacks. There are works desks also available.
Passengers can opt to take a private transfer by luxury vehicle to the aircraft.
The cost is €230 for the first passenger and €175 for each additional passenger.
VIPWing – Munich Airport
This is a dedicated 1,700m² high-end private facility at Munich airport (MUC) which offers passengers of any airline the personal option to bypass the main terminal. It has the dedicated security, border control, customs, VAT refunds and check-in.
It has a bar and buffet area, a beer garden serving Bavarian specialties, smoking suite, lounges with designer furniture, 2 shower suites, a relaxation suite and a number of meeting rooms,
The base costs are:
- Departures – €560 for the first passenger and €290 for each additional passenger.
- Arrivals – €530 for the first passenger and €270 for each additional passenger.
- Transfer – €750 for the first passenger and €380 for each additional passenger.
Private suites can be booked as an add-on for €560.
The Munich VIPWing is located at Terminal 1, with access via Module E.
VIP Terminal – Vienna Airport
Vienna airport also has a VIP Terminal which offers the following facilities for passengers on any departing or arriving flight:
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- A receptionist handles your arrival at the terminal
- A private, discreet security and border control check with no lines is available
- Checked luggage is arranged
- A range of private lounges with à la carte meals and drinks
- Limousine transfer to/from aircraft
There are 3 different packages available, with all rates including Austrian VAT:
Silver costs €450 for the first passenger and €225 for each additional passenger – children 0-5 free. This includes use of the facilities for 1 hour with welcome snack, 1 checked bag.
Gold costs €490 for the first passenger and €245 for each additional passenger – children 0-5 free. This includes use of the facilities for 2 hours with full dining, 2 checked bags and shower facilities.
Platinum costs €740 for the first passenger and €370 for each additional passenger – children 0-5 free. This includes use of the facilities for 3 hours with full dining, 5 checked bags and shower facilities. It also offers valet parking or limousine transfers to/from Vienna.
The VIP terminal is a separate facility located on the western edge of the airport at Niki Lauda Allee.
VIP Line – Warsaw Chopin Airport
VIP Line is a private zone within Warsaw Chopin Airport next to terminal A. It includes individual check-in, passport control, customs clearance, discreet security screening and limousine transport to/from aircraft.
Lounge facilities offer comfortable seating, meals, drinks and meeting space.
Costs for departure/arrivals are PLN 1,600 (€377) for the first passenger and PLN 1,000 (€236) for each additional passenger.
Children aged 2-12 are charged at PLN 300 (€71). Transfer passengers pay an extra PLN 200 (€47).
Annual cards are available for purchase offering 10, 30 or 50 visits.
VIP Airport Terminals in UK and Europe – Summing Up
We have reviewed some of the principal VIP airport terminals around the UK and Europe. These allow travellers on scheduled airlines the opportunity to bypass the main airport terminals, akin to a private aviation experience.
These facilities appeal to those looking for a high-end, low-profile way to travel, avoiding the normal queues of the airport and thus saving time and hassle. It can make for a great start to your journey.
- First published on 13 May 2025.
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