EasyJet offers use of private jet terminal – for same price as business class flights

The low-cost airline is launching a distinctly upmarket add-on

(Flickr/Franklin Heijnen)

EasyJet is not known for offering a luxury experience; the budget airline’s strength is in delivering cheap as chips flights with a decent enough customer experience. And it generally does that very well.

But its latest partnership is all about providing an upmarket option. EasyJet has teamed up with private-jet logistics company Signature Flight Support to give passengers the chance to access the facilities of the private jet terminal at Luton Airport.

Opting for this exclusive experience means guests will whizz through customs, immigration and security in minutes, away from the riff-raff, before enjoying complimentary food and drink and being driven to the aircraft by a private car.

The cost of this chance to pretend you’re an A-lister – before the inevitable come-down when you board a regular, no-frills easyJet flight – is so out of step with its normally budget-friendly prices, though, that one has to wonder who’s going to use it.

Terminal access will set luxury-chasing punters back £475, plus an extra £125 for each subsequent passenger on the same booking. While it’s a nice extra to have a breezy, stress-free airport experience, for these prices you could book business class flights to a number of destinations via a quality carrier. For example, British Airways return flights to Ibiza cost from £328 in July, flying Club Class. This includes access to the lounge and free food and drink on board, plus a better seat with more leg room.

Andrew Middleton, head of ancillary revenue for easyJet, said: “While easyJet will always be famous for our low fares and fantastic on board service, for some passengers this is a chance to combine those things with a VIP experience for their loved ones and we think it will be particularly popular for those celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary or other special occasion or for those travelling on business.”

However, with such a high price point, travellers looking for a VIP experience without breaking the bank might find it preferable to opt for a more expensive flight with extras thrown in. Alternatively, companies such as No.1 Lounges offer access to an airport lounge, regardless of your ticket type, from as little as £24. For an extra £10 passengers can upgrade to a Clubroom Lounge, which includes complimentary meals and unlimited Champagne and cocktails.