On Prince Harry’s recent trip back to London to visit King Charles (whose cancer diagnosis was just made public) he stayed in Heathrow Airport’s most exclusive lounge while he waited to board his flight back to California. 

The Windsor Suite is specifically reserved for VIP passengers. It costs approximately $3,000 an hour and is regularly used by members of the Royal Family and high-profile figures. What makes this lounge so special, you ask? 

Looking at images of the interiors it doesn’t look too dissimilar to more communal airport lounges, except that it’s equipped with bomb-proof glass and netting to hide from paparazzi. But, the interiors are not what makes this suite special. It’s the service that comes with the Winsdor Suite that sets it apart. 

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Guests of the suite are picked up from their homes or hotels and are chauffeured to Heathrow Airport. Doormen at the suite will greet guests and escort them to one of the eight private suites where they’ll be introduced to their butler. Travellers can choose how they spend their time in the suite. Ordering food is recommended. The menu is curated by British Michelon-starred chef Jason Atherton. 

One of the best perks is that guests get to skip the check-in and security queue. On arrival, the staff in the suite take traveller’s passport, flight details and luggage. Check-in is handled by the staff and airline guests are flying with. Airlines will weigh and tag luggage and issue staff of the Windsor Suite with guests’ boarding passes and baggage tags. 

Even customs are handled in the privacy of the suite. Border officers will come to the suite to check passports and if any further checks need to be conducted they will be done so in the privacy of the lounge. 

When it’s time to board you will be chauffeured on your plane so that guests can completely avoid the chaos of the airport and board their flight directly. Sounds like a treat, but what is the cost of convenience? About $3,000 an hour! See you in the security line.

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