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Give the gift of aether this Christmas

2 December 2025
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If you’re looking to surprise loved ones with a truly unforgettable gift this Christmas, look no further than aether, the Private Terminal available to all, exclusively at Manchester Airport. Arriving or departing through aether elevates the unforgettable into something truly unique, making it the perfect gift if you’re planning a surprise break with a loved one or want to treat friends on your special trip.  

Discover the full aether experience, the right package to gift and how to book, and make this Christmas one your friends and family will never forget. 

The airport as you’ve never experienced it before  

aether’s Inclusive packages are the perfect gift for the traveller in your life. From the moment you pull up outside the Private Terminal building, to the moment you step out of your BMW-transfer to join your gate, every detail is built around giving you the most effortless, seamless experience possible. Here’s what aether guests can expect when departing from the Private Terminal.   

A calm space to reset and indulge before your trip 

When you give the gift of aether, you’re not just gifting a lounge; you’re gifting time and tranquillity. There are no queues or crowds, no stress, and you don’t need to search for a seat or something to eat. You’re greeted at the entrance by your aether Host, who will settle you in before attending to your every need during your visit.  

Our tranquil space is designed with you in mind, with stunning panoramic views of the runway and tasteful décor so you can sit back and share a peaceful moment with a loved one before your flight.  

A Dining Experience like no other 

Award-wining Manchester chef Adam Reid has curated a culinary journey that reimagines airport dining with seasonal, local ingredients. There are three set menus – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – to ensure guests are ready for their onward journey whatever time of day they’re travelling. 

The menus are centred around guest favourites such as the aether breakfast bun and ‘The French’ malt loaf & beef butter. Each dish is complemented perfectly by aether’s premium alcoholic and soft drinks selection.  

Unparalleled views as you travel to your gate 

At aether, time stands still. There’s no need to count down the time to departure; when it’s time to leave, your Host will come to collect you and escort you to the private security channel. This space is only ever used by one travelling party at a time, so you’ll never have to queue.  

The aether experience continues even after you’ve left the building. Your chauffeur-driven BMW transfer will be waiting just outside to escort you to your gate. This journey within a journey gives you an unparalleled view of departing and arriving aircraft as you’re driven across the airfield.  

If you choose an arrivals package, the service is the same but in reverse. You’ll be greeted straight from your plane by your aether Host, who will drive you to the Private Terminal in a BMW transfer. When you arrive, you’ll go through the private passport control channel, before settling into a tranquil space. While you enjoy your Dining Experience and complimentary drinks, we collect your luggage from the main terminal and return it to you so you’re ready for your onward journey.   

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Choosing the right package  

The package you choose to treat your loved one or friends to will depend on the departure airline of those taking the trip, and the luggage they’re carrying. aether has many participating airlines that allow you to depart from the Private Terminal with checked baggage. If you’re departing with a non-participating airline, you can choose either to travel with cabin baggage only, or to use our Main Terminal package. Read on to discover the right package to surprise your loved one with. 

Inclusive – Cabin Bags (Depart and Arrive)  

Ideal for shorter trips where you don’t need much luggage, or for those flying on non-participating airlines, our Inclusive – Cabin Bags package is suitable for guests departing from or arriving at aether with cabin bags only. The package includes access to the full aether experience, complete with Dining Experience, private security and chauffeur-driven car to your gate. If you’re planning a surprise trip to Vienna for New Year, or a romantic winter city break in Paris or Lisbon, Inclusive - Cabin Bags is the perfect choice.  

Inclusive – Checked Bags (Depart and Arrive) 

Our Inclusive – Checked Bags package is perfect for longer trips that require checked baggage. It’s available for any guest departing or arriving with one of aether’s participating airlines. We process your luggage for you and take it to your aircraft, while you sit back and enjoy the views and your Dining Experience before departure. If you’re planning to surprise your loved with some winter sun in the Dominican Republic or a ski trip to Chambéry, Inclusive – Checked Bags is the ideal package.  

Inclusive Checked Bags – Main Terminal (Depart Only) 

If you’re departing on a non-participating airline, it’s still possible to fly with checked baggage with our Main Terminal product. Simply drop your checked baggage at your airline’s check-in desk in the main airport terminal (T1 & 3 for Ryanair; Terminal 2 for all other airlines) before taking a complimentary transfer to aether where you can enjoy the full experience before departing. This package is the perfect choice for those departing for a longer trip on some non-participating airlines. 

Suite (Depart and Arrive) 

Suite is our most private way to travel for those guests looking for a discrete departure or arrival. You and your travelling party can enjoy the full aether experience in a Private Suite space dedicated to your group, with service on demand. If you’re planning the trip of a lifetime, with every possible luxury included, Suite is the ideal choice. 

A gift that loved ones will never forget 

aether has redefined the airport experience, with over 130 5* reviews submitted by delighted guests. Described as “effortless, indulgent, and utterly first-class” as well as “seamless perfection”, aether is a surprise that your loved ones will be talking about for many Christmases to come.  

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How to give the gift of aether 

If you’re purchasing aether for a travelling companion, the process couldn’t be simpler. Just enter your own details as the booking contact or lead guest – they won’t need to know anything about the booking until you’re nearly at aether. 

If you’re purchasing aether for a loved one but not travelling with them, you can still list yourself as the booking contact. Please make sure all flight details are entered accurately. We recommend informing the lucky recipients at least a few weeks before they travel. This allows you to upload their guest and baggage information (as the booking contact, you’ll need to create an account, where you can view the booking and add all required information), and gives them time to arrange parking if needed and familiarise themselves with where to go on the day. We may also make a courtesy call to the booking contact or lead guest up to a week before arrival to ensure everything is clear. 

If you’re not certain of their flight details – or if they haven’t booked yet – you could always give an IOU until everything is confirmed. If your aether experience is for a special occasion, you are welcome to send us a message so we can help you plan the surprise. 

This Christmas, for a limited time only, we’re offering 20% off our Inclusive Cabin + Checked packages. Book your aether experience before 26 December to enjoy our offer.