About
Welcome to aether.
Your effortless airport experience.
Offering thoughtfully designed, private space away from the main terminal, a seamless check-in, elegant Dining Experience by Adam Reid, even a dedicated chauffeur to your gate, this is more than a pre-flight service, it’s an experience.
We have re-imagined the airport process, and with it, considered every detail to provide the passenger with the most enjoyable start (or end) to their journey.
It’s what travel should be in the future.
It’s what aether is today.
/FAQs
/The aether service
Departures
If you are travelling with one of our Partner Airlines, you will be able to enjoy any aether service before your flight.
If your airline is not currently a Partner Airline, you can use aether if you are travelling with cabin baggage only and have checked-in for your flight online and are in possession of a valid boarding pass before travelling to the airport. If you are unable to complete the online check-in process, unfortunately you will not be able to use aether and a full refund will be provided.
Arrivals
You can use the aether service if you are arriving on any scheduled flight at Manchester Airport.
Children
Children may use aether, but they must be accompanied by a guest over the age of 18.
You do not have to pay for infants under 2 years, but you must tell us about any infants who will be travelling with you when you make your booking. This is so we can ensure that appropriate car seats are available and collect passport and other relevant information.
Large groups
Groups of up to 12 guests can book online (subject to availability). To enquire about a group of more than 12 guests, please contact us.
Express (Depart)
This service is available for guests travelling with cabin baggage only. Arrive at aether just 60 minutes before your flight is due to depart. Express (Depart) includes use of our security checkpoint and a chauffeur transfer to your departure gate where your airline will perform the final checks prior to boarding. Please note this service does not include checked baggage processing and is therefore not suitable for guests travelling with checked baggage. Vehicle transfers may occasionally be shared with other customers.
Inclusive - Cabin Bags (Depart)
This service is available for guests travelling with cabin baggage only. This service includes full use of the aether lounge – please see below for details of the facilities available. It also includes use of our security checkpoint and a private chauffeur transfer to your departure gate where your airline will perform the final checks prior to boarding. Please note this service does not include checked baggage processing and is therefore not suitable for guests travelling with checked baggage.
Inclusive - Checked Bags (Depart)
This service includes full use of the aether lounge – please see below for details of the facilities available. It also includes checked baggage processing, as well as use of our security checkpoint and a private chauffeur transfer to your departure gate where your airline will perform the final checks prior to boarding.
Express - Domestic UK and ROI Flights (Arrive)
This service is available for guests travelling with cabin baggage from the UK and Common Travel Area (including Republic of Ireland) only. The service includes a private chauffeur transfer to the aether terminal and use of our domestic arrivals channel. Please note this service is not suitable for guests travelling with checked baggage or those arriving on international flights. Vehicle transfers may occasionally be shared with other customers.
Inclusive - Cabin Bags (Arrive)
The service includes a private chauffeur transfer to the aether terminal and use of our passport control or domestic arrivals channel. You can then enjoy the facilities of the aether lounge before your onward journey. Please note this service does not include checked baggage processing and is therefore not suitable for guests travelling with checked baggage.
Inclusive - Checked Bags (Arrive)
The service includes a private chauffeur transfer to the aether terminal and use of our passport control or domestic arrivals channel. You can then enjoy the facilities of the aether lounge while your checked baggage is collected and personally returned to you before your onward journey.
Private Suites
These private rooms can be booked as part of a departure or arrivals journey and can be customised to your requirements. Please contact us to make an enquiry.
You can create a round trip by booking both a Depart and an Arrive service.
If you are departing and arriving on flights with different airlines, you will need to make two separate aether bookings.
/Arranging your aether experience
Yes. aether is a pre-book-only service. You can book online from 450 days up to 24 hours prior to departure or arrival. If you wish to book less than 24 hours prior to travel, please call 0808 812 6722.
Please complete your booking carefully. The information you provide is used to deliver your aether experience. Do not enter inaccurate information (for example, incorrect flight time) to make a booking, as this may result in your booking being refused or cancelled, or your airline refusing to accept you, or your baggage, for the flight.
aether is open between 4am and 10pm, every day except Christmas Day.
Express (Depart) service is available for flights departing between 5am and 10pm.
Inclusive (Depart) services are available for flights departing between 6:30am and 10pm.
Express (Arrive) services are available for flights arriving between 5am and 8:30pm.
Inclusive (Arrive) services are available for flights arriving between 5am and 8:30pm.
Departures
If you are travelling with one of our Partner Airlines, you will be able to enjoy any aether service before your flight.
If your airline is not currently a Partner Airline, you can use aether if you are travelling with cabin baggage only and have checked-in for your flight online and are in possession of a valid boarding pass before travelling to the airport. If you are unable to complete the online check-in process, unfortunately you will not be able to use aether and a full refund will be provided.
Arrivals
You can use the aether service if you are arriving on any scheduled flight at Manchester Airport.
If you are on a codeshare flight, you should book under the airline operating your flight.
You can depart aether with checked baggage if the airline operating your flight is a Partner Airline.
Some airlines at Manchester Airport offer twilight check-in, where you can check your bags in the evening before for some morning flights.
If you have used twilight check-in, you can enjoy an aether cabin baggage service.
This may be an option if you have checked bags and your airline is not currently a Partner Airline.
Please check your eligibility for twilight check-in before booking your aether service.
For more information on twilight check-in please see:
You will have the opportunity to inform us if you require assistance when you provide your guest details prior to travel. If we require more information, we will give you a call to discuss your specific needs.
The aether terminal is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access throughout. Our aether Hosts are trained to assist guests with reduced mobility, but we ask that guests can get into and out of the chauffeur vehicle themselves. We also require your wheelchair to be collapsible to fit into the vehicle’s boot.
If more specialised assistance is needed, we will arrange with Manchester Airport Assistance Team to support your journey.
You don’t need to contact Manchester Airport Assistance Team separately to booking aether, but you must notify your airline, tour operator or travel agent of your requirements as usual so that they can assist you during your flight and at the other end of your journey.
aether has a disabled WC but unfortunately does not have changing facilities.
/Before your aether visit
Once you have an aether booking, you will be asked for further information about your flight and the guests who will be travelling, including passport details and other travel documents.
You must provide this information 24 hours before your flight departure or arrival time, or you won’t be able to use aether.
Please complete this information carefully. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information may result in your booking being refused or cancelled, or your airline refusing to accept you, or your baggage, for the flight.
If your booking is a Round Trip, you should complete the information for both your outbound and inbound journeys prior to departure.
If you are departing from aether, you must use your airline’s online check-in facility to check-in for your departing flight and generate a boarding pass.
If you’re unable to check-in online and you are travelling with a Partner Airline, you should contact us on 0808 812 6722.
If your airline is not currently a Partner Airline and you’re unable to check-in online, unfortunately you will not be able to use aether. Please contact us on 0808 812 6722 and a full refund will be provided.
Inclusive - Checked Bags (Depart)
You must arrive at least 2 hours before your flight is due to depart. You can enter the aether lounge and use the facilities up to 3 hours before your flight's departure time, or from when the terminal opens at 4am (whichever is later).
Inclusive - Cabin Bags (Depart)
You must arrive at least 60 minutes before your flight is due to depart. You can enter the aether lounge and use the facilities up to 3 hours before your flight's departure time, or from when the terminal opens at 4am (whichever is later).
Express (Depart)
You must arrive at least 60 minutes before your flight is due to depart. There is no need to arrive more than 75 minutes before your flight's departure time. The terminal opens at 4am.
Inclusive (Arrive)
We will collect you from the aircraft. You can remain in the aether lounge and use the facilities up to 2 hours after your flight’s arrival time, or until the terminal closes at 10pm (whichever is earlier).
Express (Arrive)
We will collect you from the aircraft.
Inclusive - Checked Bags (Depart)
You’ll receive a personal welcome from our aether Host who will check that you have your boarding pass and documents for travel. Our Host will weigh and tag your checked baggage in your presence. You can then relax and enjoy the facilities of the aether lounge while your baggage is security screened and transported to your aircraft. Our Host will let you know when it is time to go through security screening. Normal UK security rules will apply. After security you will be chauffeured to your departure gate in a private vehicle where your airline will perform final checks and you will board as normal.
Inclusive - Cabin Bags (Depart)
You’ll receive a personal welcome from our aether Host who will check that you have your boarding pass and documents for travel. You can then relax and enjoy the facilities of the aether lounge. Our Host will let you know when it is time to go through security screening. Normal UK security rules will apply. After security you will be chauffeured to your departure gate in a private vehicle where your airline will perform final checks and you will board as normal.
Express (Depart)
You’ll receive a personal welcome from our aether Host who will check that you have your boarding pass and documents for travel. You will then be invited into our security checkpoint to complete security screening. Normal UK security rules will apply. After security you will be chauffeured to your departure gate where your airline will perform final checks and you will board as normal.
Inclusive - Checked Bags (Arrive)
You will be met from your arriving aircraft by your aether Host who will chauffeur you to the aether terminal in a private vehicle, where you will have use of a passport control or domestic arrivals channel. Normal UK Immigration and Customs rules will apply (international arrivals). You are then able to relax in the aether lounge while a member of our team retrieves your checked baggage and returns it personally to you before your onward journey.
Inclusive - Cabin Bags (Arrive)
You will be met from your arriving aircraft by your aether Host who will chauffeur you to the aether terminal in a private vehicle, where you will have use of a passport control or domestic arrivals channel. Normal UK Immigration and Customs rules will apply (international arrivals). You are then able to relax in the aether lounge before your onward journey.
Express - Domestic (UK and ROI Flights) (Arrive)
You will be met from your arriving aircraft by your aether Host who will chauffeur you to the aether terminal in a private vehicle, where you will have use of a domestic arrivals channel. You will then depart for onward journey.
/Getting to aether
Unfortunately not. If you wish to book a transfer from your home address to aether or your onward destination, our address is:
aether Terminal
2 Wilmslow Old Road
Manchester
WA15 8XQ
The aether terminal is located on Wilmslow Old Road on the southwest side of the airport, away from the main terminals. You can arrive by chauffeur, taxi, in your own vehicle or be dropped off. Please note that aether is not within walking distance of the main terminals.
If you wish to arrive at the aether terminal by public transport, you can take a taxi from the train, tram and bus station at Manchester Airport which takes 8-10 minutes and costs around £12.
There is no charge to be dropped off at aether.
Our address is:
aether Terminal
2 Wilmslow Old Road
Manchester
WA15 8XQ
aether guests can also pre-book parking for an additional cost.
With our Meet & Greet service, you pull up outside aether, hand over your 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.
If you depart using aether but arrive into one of the main terminals and would like to travel in your own car, our parking service can move your vehicle from one terminal to the other.
The service is Park Mark approved, so you can be confident that your vehicle will be safe and secure while you're away.
You can book your aether parking here.
/aether baggage services
You must comply with your airline’s terms and conditions (including checked and cabin baggage allowances) at all times. By using aether, you are not entitled to any preferential treatment from the airline you have booked to travel with above that included in your ticket class or additional services purchased direct from the airline.
All the usual restrictions apply – please see our Security Guide for details. Additionally, you may not transport firearms or ammunition, or pets (except service dogs) on departure or arrival through aether.
If you’re travelling with checked baggage, this will be weighed, tagged and security screened at the aether terminal. Our team will then transport your baggage to your aircraft.
If you are travelling with large items of checked baggage with dimensions larger than 100cm x 75cm x 45cm or other non-standard or special items of baggage (such as sports equipment), you should let us know prior to travel.
If you need to make a customs declaration as part of your departing or arriving journey, you are strongly advised to let us know before you travel. Please call 0808 812 6722.
/During your aether visit
The aether lounge has areas for dining, relaxation and work. All food and beverages are included in the cost of your aether experience. High speed Wi-Fi and device charging points are available. There are also TVs and a range of newspapers and magazines (digital and print). Printing is available through reception.
The aether lounge dress code is smart/casual. Matching attire (such as hen or stag items), fancy dress or any other items that may cause offence to other guests are not permitted.
You will have the opportunity to inform us of any dietary requirements when you provide your guest details prior to travel, or you can always send us a message.
Although our dining experience follows a set menu, we’ll ensure your dietary needs are accommodated. Our team will present the available options, allowing you to make the best choice to enjoy the experience.
We will endeavour of make a private room available, subject to availability.
The aether terminal is non-smoking and vaping is not permitted. However, there is a covered smoking area outside which you may use prior to security on departure or after passport control on arrival.
Guests using the aether lounge and suites are able to leave the lounge to use the smoking area.
If you would like to do duty free shopping, you can opt to clear security screening at the aether terminal before enjoying a chauffeur transfer to the main terminal, where the shops are situated. You will then need to make your own way from the shops to the departure gate. Please let us know prior to travel by calling 0808 812 6722 if you would like to go shopping, so that we can plan your visit accordingly.
/Amending your aether reservation
If you are an Inclusive (Depart) guest and your flight is delayed during aether operating hours (4am to 10pm), you may remain in the aether lounge for up to 60 minutes after the scheduled flight departure time. After 60 minutes, additional time is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
If your inbound flight is delayed during aether operating hours (4am to 10pm), you do not need to do anything – we will meet you when your flight lands.
You can cancel your booking via our website or by calling us on 0808 812 6722. If you cancel with more than 72 hours’ notice, we will refund you 100% of the booking price paid. If you cancel with less than 72 but more than 24 hours’ notice, we will refund you 50% of the booking price paid. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, no refund will be made.
Bookings made from 17 December 2024 can be amended up to 24 hours before travel via our website.
If you wish to amend a booking made before 17 December 2024, please cancel your existing booking and make a new booking.
Please see our Terms & Conditions for your full rights regarding cancellations and amendments.
If you have booked car parking at aether, please refer to Manchester Airport’s T&Cs which can be found here. You can cancel or amend your aether car parking booking here.
/Special requests
If you are purchasing aether for a loved one, you can enter your own details as the booking contact. But please ensure you provide correct information for all travelling guests. Please note, we may contact the lead traveller a few days before their aether experience.
Unfortunately, we do not offer gift vouchers at this time.
If your aether experience is for a special occasion, you are welcome to send us a message.
Each party of travelling guests may have non-travelling guests who may access the aether lounge, subject to availability and for an additional cost. Please contact us to make an enquiry.
Yes, if your airline ticket includes lounge access you can opt to clear security screening at the aether terminal before enjoying a chauffeur transfer to the main terminal, where the airline lounges are situated, in lieu of your aether lounge experience. You will then need to make your own way from the lounge to the departure gate. Emirates Economy Class passengers can enjoy the Emirates lounge for up to four hours before the flight departure for an additional cost. For pricing details, please enquire at the Emirates Lounge reception. Please let us know prior to travel by calling 0808 812 6722 if you would like to use the aether service together with an airline lounge, so that we can plan your visit accordingly.
Please contact us to make an enquiry.
Please contact us to make an enquiry.
/Contact us
If you have any other questions, please contact us or call us on 0808 812 6722.