Let’s face it – arriving at the airport three hours early and dealing with check-in and security procedures is one of the most stressful parts of the travel experience. A new service in London, Heathrow by Invitation, lets the average traveler live like a celebrity with some serious VIP treatment at the airport. For those departing from Heathrow, all security procedures are taken care of in a private lounge area, where food and drinks are also served. A limousine then whisks passengers straight to the plane, bypassing any contact with the common folk in the terminal. For arrivals, that same limousine picks up passengers at the aircraft; passport control and customs are handled without waiting in line. While Heathrow by Invitation normally costs £1,500 (about $2,345) for up to six passengers flying business- or first-class on select airlines, first-time clients staying at the Athenaeum can reserve the service for just £408 (about $640) – and the hotel will throw in limo transfer to or from London to boot. Just request the Red Carpet Runway service to arrive at the airport in true VIP style.

For general trip-planning information, see our London Travel Guide, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to book your flight to Heathrow.