London Heathrow Lounges – Find An Aiport Oasis Above the Crowds

Escape the crowds and experience luxury in the London Heathrow Lounges – this guide covers how to access and choose the ideal lounge for you across Heathrow’s four terminals.

Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports and about 80 million people pass through it every year, far surpassing the figures for London Gatwick. Across its four operating terminals, Heathrow offers an extensive selection of airport lounges where travelers can find a peaceful refuge away from the bustling crowds.

This guide provides a terminal-by-terminal overview of Heathrow’s major lounges, with details on lounge locations, amenities, and access policies. Whether you want to maximize relaxation before your flight or need a place to work on long layovers, Heathrow’s lounges have you covered.

Terminal 2 – The Home of Star Alliance

Terminal 2 serves as the Star Alliance hub, with lounges from United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, and more.

United Club Lounge

United’s lounge offers complimentary snacks, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, and travel amenities like luggage storage and boarding pass printing. It’s available to United Business/First passengers and United Club members. The décor is contemporary with lots of chrome, glass, and neutral tones. Seating includes both lounge chairs and countertop working areas.

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Lufthansa’s business class passengers can enjoy the terminal’s largest lounge. The dining area serves hot breakfast in the mornings and light snacks like sandwiches and salads later in the day. At the bar, guests can order premium alcoholic drinks. Relaxation zones have armchairs and sofas, while working zones have desks and European power outlets. The bathroom facilities are expansive with granite surfaces.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Air Canada’s lounge has a buffet with hot and cold Canadian-inspired meals like butter chicken and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. Complimentary drinks include beer, wine, and spirits. Bathrooms and showers are available to freshen up in. For work needs, there is a business center with computer workstations and printers.

Terminal 3 – Oneworld and More

Terminal 3 primarily serves Oneworld alliance members like British Airways, but also independent lounges.

British Airways Galleries Club Lounge

British Airways’ lounge for business class flyers has private bathrooms, dining areas serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and light meals. Local beers and wines are complimentary. Relaxation spaces have armchairs with runway views. Complimentary Wi-Fi and work tables allow you to be productive.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

With its cocktail bar serving premium bloody marys and mojitos, brasserie-style dining with menu items like English breakfasts and fish and chips, and spa treatments like shoulder massages, Virgin’s lounge exudes upscale cool. It’s available to Upper Class ticket holders.

Plaza Premium Lounge

This independent lounge provides pay-in access to facilities like light dining with sandwiches, salads and hot noodle dishes; refreshments like house wine, beer and barista coffee; shower suites with luxury toiletries; and a common seating area with lounge chairs and sofas. Rates are hourly or daily.

Terminal 4 – SkyTeam and Partners

Terminal 4 serves SkyTeam alliance members like Air France and Delta, plus other partner lounges.

SkyTeam Lounge

This shared lounge is available to premium passengers of SkyTeam airlines. The complimentary dining area offers light meals, snacks, and alcoholic drinks like beer and wine. Work stations have EU and UK power outlets. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the tarmac and runways.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Like Terminal 3, Terminal 4 has a pay-in Plaza Premium Lounge with light dining, refreshments, showers, and common lounge space available by the hour or day. It offers an affordable lounge experience.

Delta Sky Club

Delta operates multiple lounges for loyal customers. Complimentary snacks like bagels, nuts, yogurt, and fruit are served. Seating includes areas for resting and working while charging devices. Wi-Fi, TVs, and services like luggage storage and boarding passes are also available.

Terminal 5 – The British Airways Terminal

Terminal 5 is the largest and newest terminal, serving as British Airways’ main hub. BA’s lounges dominate here.

British Airways Galleries First Lounge

British Airways’ most luxurious lounge offers à la carte dining from an extensive gourmet menu. Complimentary champagne and fine wines are served. Swanky private cabanas with day beds allow you to relax in solitude. Pre-flight pampering includes luxury spa treatments. It’s for First Class and Executive Club Gold members.

British Airways Galleries Club Lounge

Also available in Terminal 5, the Galleries Club Lounge provides business class travelers with elegant pre-flight spaces like relaxation zones with runway views, complimentary dining areas, and premium bars. Upscale amenities like private bathrooms and luxury shower suites are also offered.

British Airways Arrivals Lounge

Rare for airports, British Airways offers an Arrivals Lounge in Terminal 5 for passengers to refresh post-flight before onward journeys. Guests can enjoy breakfast, showers, and rejuvenation services.

Choosing the Ideal London Heathrow Lounges

With this overview of Heathrow’s main lounges, you can tailor your choice based on:

• Airline class of travel and frequent flyer status
• Desire for luxury vs. affordable pay-in lounge access
• Need for pre-flight pampering or post-flight refreshment
• Requirement to get work done during connections

No matter your purpose, the airport lounges above the crowds provide an oasis of calm at one of the world’s busiest hubs. Review lounge locations and access policies to decide the ideal space for your needs.