HIGH FLYER
First look at the £3million revamp of Heathrow’s VIP terminal used by royalty and A-listers
Famous guests include Prince William and Boris Johnson
LONDON Heathrow's VIP terminal used by the rich and the famous has recently undergone a mega £3million renovation.
The Windsor by Heathrow is found by Terminal 5 and has been used by everyone from royalty to prime ministers.
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Part of a three-year refresh, the first phase includes eight upgraded lounges which look more like a fancy hotel room.
Inside are plush sodas and marble tables, as well as a discreet silver button to press for service. as well as a redesigned atrium.
Artwork including Banksy and Warhol are on show and can even be bought via QR code.
Charlotte Burns, VIP Lead at Heathrow, said: “The Windsor by Heathrow is more than just a rebrand, it’s a testament to our heritage in pioneering luxury travel.
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“From the moment you step out of your front door, to the second you board your plane, we ensure that every detail is taken care of – making your journey seamless, relaxing and unforgettable.”
More is to be revealed about the next phase update.
Having first opened in 2008, famous guests have included Prince William and Kate, as well as Prince Harry.
Ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Pope are even said to have used it.
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However, it welcomes around 50,000 passengers a year.
Other perks of the lounge include a chauffeur who picks you up from your door and takes you straight to the lounge.
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The driver will also take you straight to the plane on the tarmac as well.
A private shopper will take you through the Heathrow terminal, while a personal butler will help with everything else.
Once inside the lounge, there are private bathrooms, huge TV areas and even bombproof glass.
Charlotte Burns, Heathrow’s VIP lead, . “The [other] airline lounges are beautiful but you don’t get the privacy that our customers crave."
Don't worry about going through the queues at security, as a personal officer will deal with your luggage and immigration.
Food is Michelin starred, with everything from snacks to three-course meals created by chef Jason Atherton.
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Dishes include beetroot risotto or Earl grey chocolate mousse.
Anyone flying with business or first class can use the lounge, although it is mainly used by British Airways, Qatar, Etihad and Emirates passengers.
You will have to start saving - the price to use the terminal starts at £3,812, which covers up to three people for two hours.
There is an even more exclusive lounge that most people can't use.
The invite-only Royal Suite is mainly used by the current monarch, so King Charles, and foreign heads of state.
This is also undergoing a huge renovation.
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Famous stories of the Windsor Suite
VIP liaison officer Sonia Dixon spilled the beans on famous guests she met to FT.
Former Prime Minister Edward Heath
She said, on the ex-prime minister who was running late for his flight: "He came out of his car and his face was all red, and I could tell he was really flustered.
"I go straight out and tell him not to worry because his flight has been delayed - and, as I’m talking to him, I realise we’ve linked arms and I’m sort of patting his belly."
Princess Diana
Little was said about Princess Diana apart from her bring "polite but rarely keen to chat."
Mikhail Gorbachev
Sonia said: "He went along shaking hands and then, right at the end, he picks me up, swings me round and puts me down again.
"My colleague was thinking, ‘Oh my God, is this what we do in this job?’”
We tried out Manchester's new private terminal - here's what we thought.
And we rounded up some other VIP airport services you can book even as an economy passenger.
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