Excellent £99 offer for the aether private terminal at Manchester Airport

aether, as regular readers may remember, is the ‘pay to use’ VIP terminal at Manchester Airport.

It originally opened in November 2019 as PremiAir. Little did we know that covid was around the corner, causing the terminal to shut before it could get established. After a closure of almost five years, the terminal re-opened its doors in November 2024 under a new name – aether.

The key thing to know is that ANYONE can use aether if they are flying on a participating airline. 

We ran a detailed review of aether here so we won’t repeat ourselves.

The key things to know are:

• aether is nowhere near the main terminal and you cannot walk between them.  It was built next to the Runway Visitor Park, on a land which was originally given over to plane spotters.

• aether is located on the edge of the airfield facing the runway. It is astonishing how close you are to passing aircraft.

• There are no shops, no takeaways and no long walks through busy crowds. You literally have your own private security and immigration channel, plus your own driver to take you to your aircraft.

• aether has teamed up with Manchester chef Adam Reid to create its menus. All food is served a la carte and is cooked to order, and everything is included in your entry fee.

What does aether usually cost?

Here are the current standard rates for aether – I’ll get to the summer special deal in a minute:

• Express – for hand baggage only passengers who do not want to eat, you can pay £99 per person.  You will clear immigration and security in aether and be immediately driven across the airport to your departure gate.  You need to arrive at aether 60-75 minutes before departure.

• Inclusive with cabin baggage – for hand baggage only passengers. You pay £179 and can arrive from three hours before departure. You have full access to the facilities including food and drink. You will clear immigration and security in aether and be driven across the airport to your gate 60 minutes before departure. 

• Inclusive with checked baggage – as above, but your luggage is taken from you when you arrive and transferred separately to the main terminal. The cost is £199.

What is the aether summer deal?

If you book by 31st July, although you can travel at ANY future date, aether is running a special deal which is very attractive.

Essentially, you get a slightly limited version of the £179 package for the same £99 price as the standard ‘no lounge, go straight to security’ package.

For £99, you get:

• Entry to aether from two hours prior to flight departure
• 1 hour in the lounge area
• 1 welcome drink
• 1 drink with a main
• 1 dish from a set menu
• Tea and coffee
• Private security screening
• Chauffeur-driven car to your gate

You’re not getting unlimited alcohol and you’re not getting to choose from the full food and drink menu, but £99 is laughably good value – especially when compared to the standard Manchester Airport experience over in the main terminal ….

You can find out more, and book, on this page of the aether website here. You’ll also find details on how you can combine it with valet parking if you are coming in your own vehicle.