From relaxed hideaways to high-end luxury: Manchester Airport’s lounge options for every kind of traveller
As Manchester Airport grows, so does its selection of lounges – offering a variety of spaces to retreat to ahead of your flight.
From The Executive in Terminal 2 – which opened in July promising a best-in-class experience, airport-first carvery and chef-led dining – to Escape, a budget-friendly lounge in both terminals suitable for families with a relaxed atmosphere and buffet menu, there is something to suit all tastes.
And for passengers looking for the ultimate upgrade, Manchester Airport is also home to aether, its dedicated private terminal, where guests can enjoy private security, an exclusive lounge and chauffeur-driven transfers directly to and from their gate.
Whatever your preference, the airport has you covered – and here, we run through your options.
Escape Lounge
Available in: Terminals 2 and 3.
Prices from: £36.99 in Terminal 2; £31.99 in Terminal 3. Children under 3 go free of charge.
Highlights: Family- and budget-friendly, relaxed atmosphere and buffet service.
Escape is open to customers travelling with any airline and in any ticket class, offering a tranquil retreat ahead of your flight for families, couples, solo travellers and business travellers alike. Available in both Terminals 2 and 3, Escape provides a relaxed space to eat, work or unwind, with freshly prepared hot and cold buffet food available throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy premium wines, beers and spirits, including fizz, as well as unlimited hot and soft drinks. Flight information screens and charging points mean passengers can keep an eye on their journey while their devices recharge.
For a limited time only, children can access Escape in either T2 or T3 for just £10* using the code MANT2OCT26 when booking the T2 lounge online, or MANT3OCT26 for the T3 lounge. See https://escapelounges.com/uk/airport-lounges/manchester/terminal-3/ for more details on the offer.
The Executive
Available in: Terminal 2.
Prices from: £57.99.
Highlights: An airport-first carvery service, outstanding runway views and premium menu.
Designed for both leisure and business travellers, The Executive combines sophisticated interiors with attentive service and floor-to-ceiling runway views. Its chef-led dining experience includes made-to-order dishes in a theatre kitchen setting and barista coffee, in addition to a hot food buffet plus deli and salad choices, accompanied by a selection of premium alcoholic and soft drinks. On Sundays, a carvery is available – a unique offering for a UK airport lounge.
aether
Available in: Premium terminal, open to passengers from all airlines.
Prices from: £199
Highlights: Rapid security screening, an exclusive premium lounge, chauffeur-driven transfers to your aircraft gate.
Passengers looking for something even more unique and memorable can opt for aether, Manchester Airport’s premium terminal.
Located in a standalone, intimate facility away from the main terminals, aether - which marks its second anniversary in November - is open to passengers regardless of airline or ticket class and offers an airport experience more typically associated with private aviation.
Upon arrival, guests enjoy panoramic airfield views from an exclusive lounge space and a carefully curated menu by award-winning chef Adam Reid. When it’s time to board their flight, guests are whisked through a private security check, with no waiting around, and then taken to their aircraft gate by private chauffeur.
The service is open to passengers travelling with any airline – although it's worth noting that hold luggage is only available to passengers flying with a partner airline (Airline Partners | aether).
Tom Waldron, Chief Experiences Officer at CAVU, said: “We’re proud to offer a diverse array of hospitality experiences at Manchester Airport, whichever airline you’re flying with and whichever terminal you’re travelling from.
“Our lounges are growing in popularity and we think that reflects the level of care and attention to detail that has gone into crafting these spaces and experiences. The quality of the facilities on offer in Terminal 2, after its decade-long £1.3bn transformation, means you can expect a best-in-class experience from the moment you arrive, and our purpose built lounge spaces are designed to complement that. Terminal 3 is now also receiving a multi-million pound investment and our Escape lounge gives those passengers the perfect spot to start their journeys.
“On top of that, we have a truly outstanding premium offering at aether, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a VIP experience.”
Other options.
Escape, The Executive and aether are all operated by CAVU, a subsidiary of Manchester Airports Group (MAG) – and are open to passengers travelling with any airline. However there are other options on site, too - depending on who you’re flying with and which terminal you’re travelling from.
Aviation services company Swissport operates Aspire lounges in each terminal. Guests can enjoy buffet service and relaxed spaces. The Aspire lounges are available to book for passengers travelling with any airline.
Emirates has also opened a dedicated lounge in Terminal 2, for its First Class and Business Class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members – with exclusive features like direct boarding, and a curated menu inspired by the flavours of the North.
* Available on new bookings made between 21 September 2026 and 31 October 2026 for travel up to and including 31 December 2026. Terms and conditions apply.