Among Heathrow’s 83.9 million passengers, a select 50,000 guests a year have access to this star treatment.
Heathrow is taking the art of the private lounge to a new level with an upgraded terminal where VIPs can peruse pieces from the likes of David Hockney, Tracey Emin, and Francis Bacon.
The Windsor by Heathrow, as it’s now called, is an exclusive VIP suite inside the London airport, that caters to high profile fliers from world leaders to A-list celebrities.
The private terminal has been refurbished to a startlingly luxurious degree, with prices starting at £3,812 (€4,575) for up to three guests, who must be flying first or business class.
“From our carefully curated interiors to our exceptional service, we provide our guests with an unparalleled experience that reflects the finest of British hospitality,” says Charlotte Burns, VIP lead at Heathrow.
Deep-pocketed passengers can also enjoy a private chauffeur service in an electric BMW from front door to plane door, a private butler service, and exclusive dishes from a Michelin-starred chef.
Heathrow has a rich history of luxury lounges
The Windsor by Heathrow signals “a new chapter in luxury travel” according to the airport – but a fair few chapters predate it.
Heathrow launched the world’s first airport VIP service in the early sixties, initially serving only royalty and diplomats.
The Windsor Suite came on the scene in 2008, and the commercial service was officially rolled out a year later, in time for the London 2012 Olympics.
Members of the British Royal family, the Pope, and celebs such as the Beckhams have all made use of Heathrow’s luxurious side, where all airport formalities are handled by the dedicated VIP team.
The luxury airport lounge-cum-gallery where you can add to your private art collection
The Windsor’s eight private lounges also double as a private art gallery, showcasing museum-worthy artworks from around the world. Modern British artists such as David Hockney, Tracey Emin and Francis Bacon, as well as American icons like Andy Warhol, feature on the walls.
These pieces won’t be hanging around for long though: guests can purchase them through a QR code, and the collection gets refreshed every two months so frequent fliers don’t get bored.
Fine dining is a given, of course Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton has curated the suite’s menu since 2016, and is marking its reopening with a signature dessert dish of English butter shortbread with praline cream, Earl Grey tea ice cream, custard sauce, and charred mandarin.
But other ‘personal touches’ may surprise outsiders.
For special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, the VIP team promises to go the extra mile, with chefs on hand to bake cakes for last-minute surprises.
The Suite accommodates family pets, particularly dogs, when asked. And bespoke menus are crafted for Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, and even the quintessentially-British summer tennis championship: Wimbledon.
Then there’s the personal shopper, who will “navigate the back corridors of Heathrow” to take guests to their favourite stores in Terminal 5, such as Cartier, Burberry, Fortnum & Mason, Dior, and Rolex.
Europe’s other luxurious airport lounges
Heathrow has certainly pushed the boat out with The Windsor, but it’s not the only deluxe place the super-rich can await their flights in Europe.
Frankfurt Airport’s first-class lounge has its own terminal, where guests can make a day of it in private bathing rooms (one featuring a jacuzzi) before hitting the whisky-replete bar. A personal assistant is also assigned to each VIP to keep stress firmly at bay through the boarding process.
As a souvenir, first class passengers – who must be flying with Lufthansa – are reportedly gifted a collectible rubber duck.
SWISS Air’s First Class Lounge in Terminal E at Zurich Airport is also a destination in itself. Lounge guests have access to two hotel rooms with a double bed, a private bathroom, and panoramic views of the Alps.
The mountains also take centre stage on the 352 square metre terrace, where first class fliers can watch planes take off before their turn – champagne in hand.
Michelin-chef designed delights are on offer at Air France La Première Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, too, alongside complimentary spa treatments.
While off to the east of Europe, Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge at Ataturk International Airport was refurbished in dazzling style in 2019, serving high fliers at gastronomy stations.
