A SPECIAL terminal that offers a luxury travel experience at a UK airport is finally going to reopen after four years.
Once it’s up and running again, passengers will have access to chauffeur services to their planes, as well as special food and drinks.
ManchesterAirport.co.ukThe special terminal is set to reopen by September this year[/caption]
The PremiAir terminal at Manchester Airport first opened its doors in January 2020, and provided a “private jet experience” to all passengers.
However, it was forced to close just months later because of the Covid pandemic and is yet to welcome people back.
That’s set to change however, with the Manchester Evening News reporting that it could be open again by September this year, with tickets set to go on sale months in advance.
Originally, it had partnerships with 25 different airlines, but the MEN claim that even more are expected to sign up to the service once it’s up and running again.
The basic PremiAir service started from £50, which was available for hand luggage-only travellers.
All passengers’ security checks are done at the private terminal and people are then driven to their flights within an hour.
Meanwhile, premium service were available from £100 per person, and included private lounge access.
Inside the private lounge, passengers had panoramic views of the airfield, as well as free WiFI, magazines and newspapers.
A range of drinks were also available, including wine, champagne and beer, as well as meals made to order by an on-site chef.
The first class service was popular among both residents and celebrities, including footballers from Manchester clubs.
Those who paid for the service didn’t have to queue and all passengers had their checked luggage processed at the terminal.
All in the special terminal were then driven straight to their flights, meaning no waiting at the departure gate.
The special terminal didn’t just accommodate departing passengers either, with arrivals also able to fork out for special treatment.
For £125, those touching down received a private transfer from their plane to the terminal, where a dedicated passport channel for quick arrivals was there waiting.
Meanwhile, passengers were also given access to the special lounge while waiting for their checked luggage.
A full “round trip” experience was also available and cost £175 per person, including both arrival and departures access.
When it was first launched, the PremiAir website said: “PremiAir offers business and leisure travellers alike the ultimate travel experience, no private jet required.”
After trying out the service when it launched in 2020, TripLust wrote: “Everyone needs a little VIP in their life if possible and this certainly ticked all the boxes.
“They’ve hit a very high standard and I hope it’s kept up as the service gets more popular.
Everything was premium and it’s worth at least 50 pounds to bypass Manchester’s terrible (regular) security. The staff were excellent and seemed to be enjoying providing the new service.”
For those who want to have a first class air travel experience there are shortcuts that can cut the cost, while increasing chances of getting an upgrade.
Included in those is bringing treats and gifts to flight attendants, who may be able to offer you a better seat on board the plane.
Sun Online Travel’s resident cabin crew member wrote: “But if you scratch our back, we’re much more inclined to scratch yours.
“Free drinks, extra top ups, toiletries, snacks etc could all be coming your way and all you need to do is to make the first move.
“That could be as small as giving us chocolates, or it could be gift vouchers – the more generous you are, the more likely you are to get something in return.”
The same flight attendant also said passengers can chance their arm at the check-in desk by telling them that they’re travelling for a special occasion.
They added: “Telling the people at the check-in desk that you’re flying for a special occasion is likely to increase your chances too, even if it’s not true.
“Just tell them you’re travelling for your anniversary, your honeymoon, a birthday – anything.
“You never know, they might be feeling generous and find space for you in the upgraded seats.”
Meanwhile, this is when you should board your plane if you want to get an upgrade.
And this is how to get upgrades for cheaper than usual.
ManchesterAirport.co.ukThe terminal offers a first class private jet service to all passengers[/caption]