Most pay as you go lounges are uninspired. Yeah, sure, they’re usually secluded from the main terminal and there’s usually some snacks and drinks to be found, but worth extra time at the airport? Rarely. The T2 Plaza Premium Lounge at London Heathrow knocks that to the side, with an attractive space, better than average lounge food and kind service.

It may not be a first class lounge from Singapore or Emirates, but realistically they’re completely different worlds of expectation. For lounge entry via a travel rewards credit card, like Amex Platinum, or a lounge membership, frequent flyer status or business class ticket, the Plaza Premium Lounge at T2 is excellent.

Here’s what to expect, if you make the trip. With many London Heathrow terminals including 3 and 4 closed indefinitely, more people than ever will be funneled into this space, including Virgin Atlantic passengers and others.

Getting Into Plaza Premium LHR T2

The Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2 is nearest Duty Free and transit security in the main initial terminal, after coming down the escalators or elevators and having cleared security. If you’re looking into Duty Free shopping, it’s as far to the left as possible. If you’re inside Duty Free, it’s as far to the right as possible.

Entry into the Plaza Premium Departure Lounge at T2 is available as a purchase to anyone traveling, via frequent flyer status with an airline utilizing the lounge, via access through the Amex Platinum Global Lounge Collection.

Many airlines which normally fly from other Heathrow terminals are temporarily using this Plaza Premium lounge for their business or first class passengers.

The Plaza Premium T2 Departure Lounge Space

Ok, negatives first. Or really, just the one.

There’s no natural light in the Plaza Premium Departure Lounge at T2. If you’re seeking A380, 787, 777 and A350 plane watching views, you’d do better in the main terminal. If it’s about space to knock out some work, rest, grab some grub or even a shower and a nap, this is the spot.

Despite a lack of natural light, the high ceilings in the lounge give it a distinctly upper class feel, and the design aesthetic elevates things well above a cafeteria for frequent and or savvy travelers.

Once admitted, the bar is the first thing found, just off to the left, with seating areas through either area of that initial bar area and hallway. The lounge does an excellent job of creating spaces for everyone, with varying partitions, to keep most spaces from feeling over exposed.

Read as: if you want to sit solo, there’s plenty of quiet and private solo seats. If you’re with a group, peel right, past the buffet to the far side and there’s more group oriented nooks.

Plaza Premium T2 Lounge Amenities & Food

One amazing feature, particularly for a pay as you go lounge, is the shower facilities. Being able to grab a shower in transit, or immediately before a long haul is a joyous feeling. Depending on your method of entry, a shower may cost extra, or be all part of the deal.

If you make a right entering the lounge, you find a well managed buffet. There’s a selection of hot and cold foods, all of which are above passable. It’s not Eric Ripert or Gordon Ramsay whipping up the soups, Indian dishes or other options, but it’s a good effort. Salads and light bites are solid too.

Covid-19 protocols have been very impressive in the lounge, where the buffet is “no touch”, where you simply tell a person what you’d like, they plate it all up for you and you move on. You can take the food anywhere, and stop by the well equipped bar for a drink en route.

Draught beer, wine, spirits and all the usuals are available in the lounge, and some airlines have Champagne held back for their customers who use the space, so it never hurts to ask!

Wifi connection is very good in the lounge, at least every time I’ve been, so it’s an excellent place to upload, or download before a flight. There’s usually some tele on in the background too.

With every lounge, it really all comes down to service though. While there’s no singular point of extraordinary, so many things are done really well, and with personality. The managers seem to bring out the best in their team, and every person I’ve ever asked for help, or inquired about something, has always been extremely kind.

Plaza Premium T2: A Great Place To Kick Back

Now that Plaza Premium has dropped Priority Pass access, I’d expect this may be one of the quieter and nicer lounge spaces in T2 for a while to come. There’s a lot to like in here and with fewer people having free and automatic access, there may be a little more room for refinement.

Sure, I’d love big sun soaked windows or views, but for an easily accessible lounge I think it’s worth a trip in, or for a long pre-flight wait – to pay for entry. Is it worth an early start just to have extra time in the lounge? No. But, perhaps that’s because I’m a jaded traveler who’s spent too much time in lounges, and prefers every moment at home. If you’re not there yet, go for it!

The Plaza Premium Departures Lounge at LHR T2 is a great place to work, a great place to relax and just a really charming airport lounge done right.

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It’s not new, it’s not massive and it’s not the London Heathrow Clubhouse, but that’s pretty much where the complaints stop. All these years later, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at JFK Terminal 4 is still fabulous, and one of the few lounges in the USA I bother turning up early to enjoy.

Like all Virgin lounges, the space is one thing, but the service and amenities take things up another notch, so here’s what you can expect if you visit this cocktail den in the airport…

Getting there: Once you clear the ever painful security queues at JFK T4, you’ll make your way down the escalator and want to head left, if facing the planes. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is found in the “A” gates of the terminal, near the end of the gate areas. Up a quick lift or flight of stairs and voila. You’re there.

Entry into the Virgin Clubhouse is determined by these rules, which primarily means those flying in Upper Class or Delta One to London, or people with Delta or Virgin Atlantic elite status.

Upon entering the space you’re presented with a left or a right. Left takes you to the billiards table, the bar and some cozy seating areas facing the tarmac of T4. Right takes you to quieter seating areas, and if you keep walking, the dining room.

What makes this lounge so amenable from the start is the variation in seating. If you want to be social, be social. If you want to kick back with your feet up, there’s space for that, and if you need to tuck into some work to pay for your luxury travel lifestyle, you can do that too.

Service is available in any seat, which genuinely makes it your choice.

At the cocktail bar, or anywhere you sit – yes, you really can eat or drink anything on the Clubhouse menu anywhere in the lounge – you’ll find all the classics. There’s Lanson Champagne, Aviation Gin and all the Virgin Atlantic cocktails you’d expect.

On the rotating food menu, there’s always a mix of light bites, more substantial meals and health centric options. Come hungry…

As far as other amenities go, the spa remains a staple of the Virgin Clubhouse experience. It’s hard to beat a complimentary treatment or paid massage while facing the tarmac as big jets stroll in and out of T4. Showers are of course available too.

Bring your boarding pass with you to the spa area to confirm what’s “free” and what’s not.

Hot tip: if you want an appointment, make that your first stop when you arrive at the lounge, even before securing a cozy place to sit. It’s usually not too difficult, but it’s always better to have options.

If you wish to separate eating and lounging, which can be advisable in life, the restaurant area of the lounge is where you can take in a seated meal. It’s effectively on the opposite end of the lounge from where you walk in and generally offers great views along the wall.

You’ll find lounge regulars laptop out, enjoying the scenes below with a glass of wine. If you’re smart, you’ll secure one of those dining tables along the wall and hold onto it for dear life as the sun sets.

One thing that separates this lounge from many other business class lounges is that waiter service available at any seat, and actually *generally* done with a smile. That’s probably down to Luquesha and Clem, who run the place with masterful precision.

Standard life rules apply here in the lounge as well: be kind to others and they too will be kind to you. Be a DYKWIA “big time” business knobhead to others, and you might find your stay less cordial. For the love of god, please keep your calls brief and at a polite volume – we’re all in this together.

Whereas most lounges are do it yourself, which is fine for business class, the x-factor of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is that it feels more first class thanks to the personal, a la carte service. Further, when it’s time to board, all guests are given a notification over the loud speaker.

No Virgin Atlantic gate is more than a couple minute walk away, so it’s nice to savor every last minute in the lounge, rather than standing in a queue trying to convince people you need to shuffle past them.

So how does the Virgin JFK Clubhouse stack up against other lounges?

If you could wish for anything that this lounge doesn’t offer, it would just be more space. Even then, it’s only bested by a few first class lounges in the USA, let alone business class. Occasionally, the lounge get fairly full with customers from both Delta and Virgin thanks to the partnership, but most of the time there’s plenty of space with varied seating.

Basically, it’s not nearly as large as the Heathrow Clubhouse, but it’s still great, particularly by US standards, and despite the extra foot traffic from the new partnerships. So far, the amenities and standards of food and drinks have remained in tact. There’s always room for more ; )

So just how early should you arrive before your flight to make the most of the Virgin Atlantic JFK Clubhouse?

Honestly, that’s on you. It’s a fantastic place to unwind, have a few drinks, eat a bit and prepare for your flight to London. Being that it’s not massive, I wouldn’t go too overboard, unless you’re looking for a place to hide in a corner and work though. But if you if you enjoy these sort of spaces, do give yourself at least an hour of pleasure before taking off.

This place is fun, and it feels like everything you’d hope an airport experience can be. The team in the lounge continues to elevate the experience above the space, and as long as that remains the case, it’s worth an early arrival before London. Just make sure you can walk at the other side…

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Basically, you should expect United at its best on flights to and from the British capital, and at Polaris lounges in major US gateways, but as Heathrow still features the old, less refined version of a “United Club” lounge space, you should curb your enthusiasm on departure. If you do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this just slightly above average place for people who fly more than others or pay more than others wait for a flight.

Long story short, the United Club at London Heathrow Terminal 2 won’t be winning any awards any time soon, but it’s a very solid Heathrow lounge. I had a good time and if you read this, you might too.

United Club LHR T2 Location – Gate B46

Since virtually all “long haul” flights out of T2 leave from the connected “T2B” terminal away from where you first enter the airport, you’ll have quite a walk along the escalators and moving walkways to reach the United Club space, nearest gate B46, which happens to be near where ANA flies from.

I mention this, because if you’re simply flying short haul within Europe, you may find the Lufthansa offering nearer security in the main terminal to be just fine, as it will save you 10 minutes in each direction. I wouldn’t say the United Club is worth the length diversion.

If you are flying long haul out of T2 as a Star Alliance Gold, or business class passenger travelling on a Star Alliance airline, you’ve got choices in the satellite terminal of T2B, and each airline lounge is easy to “hop”. Singapore Airlines and Air Canada each operate lounges within steps of the United Club by Gate B46, and each one does something better than the other.

For example: if you like spicy food, like a biryani, the Singapore Airlines Lounge is where you’ll want to eat. Don’t worry, you can always hop back to the United Club…

The United Club LHR Lounge Space

This is still a “United Club”, meaning it’s not a rebranded and refreshed “Polaris” lounge, but it’s got more funk than your average United Club. After a quick escalator ride, you’ll find yourself facing the check in desks, which kindly note that Star Alliance Gold flyers can bring a guest. That probably saves the most FAQ from the get go.

The United Club at Heathrow T2 is spacious, varied and fully stocked, with the benefit of nice high ceilings and some natural light. That’s a lot more than many lounges can ever say for themselves. For all travellers, staying “connected” is a key, and this space has fantastic power ports available virtually anywhere you sit, including the elevated dining tables, which also make nice work spaces.

Being a United Club, it does tend to be more crowded than one might hope from United’s more elevated Polaris lounges, but in fairness I never struggled to find a seat, even if it was closer to other passengers than I may typically prefer. You could say the same about plenty of other airlines at LHR, so fair enough.

Hot tip: if you go to the end of the lounge and stay right, there’s a lovely circular space that tends to stay quiet, since most people give up and plonk down before reaching it. It’s perfect for reading a book or having a quick bite in peace, so long as some a-hole isn’t having a DYKWIA phone call in the room at the same time. You can’t make that $h!t up.

Basically, keep walking until you hit a solid wall, the back of the lounge is more tasteful and less trafficked than the front, and you’re always pretty much equidistant to the bar, in case you’re into that sort of thing.

Visually, the United Club at LHR T2 has got some appeal, but it also feels a bit like a lower end W Hotel trying to be hip, without actually doing a full makeover. It’s got a few design elements, some flare, but it can feel a bit cheap and contrived in the daylight.

So what makes this lounge good? A very solid bar, great variation in seating areas, an excellent help yourself coffee, water and soft drink station and the option of getting a bit of natural light. Oh, and showers. An airport shower is one of the greatest travel rituals before a long haul flight and United does these very well for a business class offering.

Shower rooms are to the right as you walk into the lounge space, about halfway down the hall and are of very solid quality. Despite crowding in the lounge, there didn’t appear to be *too* much of a wait.

Food And Beverage

I wouldn’t say “come hungry”, and if you happen to be, I’d probably say to head over to the Singapore Airlines lounge, but if you need a quick snack, a *decent* cup of coffee, or some bog standard hot plate food, this will do the trick. If you’d like to toast the trip however, this is a great spot.

It’s not often I’d advocate perhaps waiting for airplane food, but you’re not missing much from in here. Think: heat lamp eggs, bacon and other standard buffet items. The packaged sandwiches aren’t all that appealing but won’t kill you and occasionally you’ll find a decent hot buffet item.

But the crown jewel here is the bar. There’s decent, borderline nice wine, some cocktails with a bit of creativity and very nice bartenders who are happy to serve. Being close to the windows, it’s a great social space and one of the nicer areas you’ll ever find in a United Club.

What To Expect From The United Club Heathrow

With any hope, this will get a full head to toe makeover and become an entirely new space with a more a la carte food concept and further upgraded beverages. Until then, it’s a perfectly acceptable place to spend an hour before a flight, answer a few emails and drink something that makes you happy.

I certainly didn’t have any “pinch me” moments, the way some spaces like a Cathay Pacific or Virgin Atlantic lounge just give you a “wow” factor, but I also thought it was genuinely better than I expected from United.

As noted, I went elsewhere for food and was glad I did, but I did return for natural light before a long haul flight. I can’t wait to see whether United really goes for it with this lounge, or just leaves it be.

With all Newark to London flights featuring a flagship Polaris business class seat, and Polaris lounge at Newark, it only seems fair that this one get the royal treatment too. After all, it’s in London.

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As travellers, we tend to see the worst in things, and over time most airport lounge experiences fuel that negative mindset. Nice drinks are replaced with swill, food quality diminishes and service with a smile turns to eye rolls that are vile. But at the Qantas First Class Lounge in Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport, the best features of time have stood absolutely still, and every time I visit hoping to be disappointed, I leave full of joy – and calories.

Perhaps it’s my lucky timing, but every time I’m in the lounge, I tend to haphazardly find out that the menu has just changed, that someone from the incredible Rockpool Hospitality team is there testing out dishes, and what was intended to be a few hours of work, ends up being all play…

The Qantas LAX First Class Lounge

Getting In: You must be a Oneworld Emerald member, or flying first class on a Oneworld airline to access the lounge. If you’re an American Airlines Executive Platinum or higher, you’re only eligible on international flights, since American restricts domestic lounge access. For elites of foreign Oneworld programs, you can access the lounge even on domestic itineraries.

After snaking through the inevitable queues of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX, you’ll find yourself with a relatively short and rewarding walk up to the Qantas First Class Lounge. It’s up a level if you’re in TBIT, next to the Korean Lounge and it’s accessible via walking ramps from the other nearby terminals, including where American flights depart too.

As nice as the new American Airlines Flagship lounges are, it’s tough to argue with this one as the premier Oneworld lounge in Los Angeles. If you’re flying First Class, this would be my choice for food every time, unless you’re a big Krug Champagne fan, in which case the new AA Flagship First Dining Experience is what you need.

Qantas has done an almost miraculous job with this space, considering it doesn’t have the instant wow appeal of their Sydney or Melbourne International First Class Lounges. There’s no angled vaulted ceilings or impressive tarmac views, but somehow you don’t end up missing them all that much once you tuck into one of the signature sofas, or better yet – the dining room.

As far as features go, the lounge offers great shower rooms, which are hardly ever busy, a la carte dining and waiter service throughout. There’s a VIP room through the smoked glass and according to View From The Wing, there’s even some hidden extra premium booze for first class and Chairmans Club flyers behind the bar, though it never hurts to ask even if you’re not one of those.

The lounge also offers the Qantas x Sofitel partnership, where you can have garments pressed, shoes shined and anything else you might need “ironed out” – wink, wink – ahead of your journey. This stuff is free for first class guests, but some services are usually available to others as well.

Basically, enjoy the comfy chairs, but you’ll probably find yourself somewhere in the dining room with laptop out, headphones on and friendly white coat service looking after you.

It’s All About The Food And Drinks

My advice with the Qantas First Class Lounge at LAX is to keep walking. The red couches and comfy group setups near the entrance are grand, but there’s not much to look at, and you’re away from the star of the show. Yep, as much great food as there is in Los Angeles, the food here deserves its own star, and it’s worth having a meal here. Tthat’s not something I ever really say at an airport.

I always try to avoid eating on planes, and this is a space where I savour every morsel – and glass of wine – until the last minute before boarding.

The menu, like a great restaurant, changes four times a year to incorporate seasonal dishes, and for each change, Qantas sends a chef from the Rockpool Group in Sydney to get all the chefs and dishes up to standard. On my most recent visit, I absolutely loved the well seared duck curry and the tuna tartare starter, as well as the key lime pie. Yum. Drool.

And yes, the Salt & Pepper Squid is still world class.

As to liquid refreshment, the Qantas LAX First Class Lounge serves Perrier Jouet, Mumm, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut and Rose Champagne as well, in addition to a steady mix of seasonal cocktails.

The predominantly Australian red and white wines are always of a very solid standard, and unlike most lounge wines are worth a pour. With time to kill, a tasting of both the wine list and the extensive a la carte food menu is always a great idea.

Is This The Best Lounge In The USA?

If there’s anything that sets this lounge apart, aside from the food and beverage, it’s the staff. This lounge always feels like an actual team who are proud of their work and intrigued by the dishes, rather than a group who are simply clocking in. I’ve even been told by lounge staff to complain about the food when the angry Aussie chef is in town, just to wind him up. Aussies love a little banter.

There may be larger and more visually impressive spaces in other US lounges, but this is the one I consistently look forward to, even if I’m sure I’ll be disappointed on the next visit. Somehow, 5+ years later, it’s yet to though…

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Rather unfairly, London Gatwick gets a hard time from people, many of whom haven’t even actually flown through the airport. Thats’ not to say some of it isn’t totally warranted, it’s just that not all of it is. In 2017, British Airways rolled out new lounges at London Gatwick, including a Galleries First lounge for Executive Club Gold, Oneworld Emerald and passengers actually flying First Class.

Two years in, I felt like it was time to put the lounge through its paces once again, and see how it’s fared since the opening years ago. In short: it’s solid.

After navigating through the scaffolding and other passenger friendly features of Gatwick which have earned the airport its mediocre reputation, you finally reach the nice, clean scaffolding free British Airways Galleries Lounges in the South Terminal.

Up an elevator you go, and you’re instantly presented with a friendly welcome desk. Keeping the theme of life on board, Gold, Oneworld Emerald and first class passengers turn left into Galleries First, while Silver, Oneworld Sapphire and business class flyers can turn right into Galleries.

The first impression is good: there’s big floor to ceiling windows, relatively high ceilings and on most occasions, plenty of empty seats. Does it have a mystique, vibe or real allure –  not really – but that’s true for most of BA’s lounges. It’s sophistication over style, though I do believe there’s more room to intertwine the two.

If you’re a plane geek, you’ll be quite happy here. The large windows offer uninhibited views of the approach path into Gatwick, allowing you to catch a British Airways Boeing 777, Cathay A350 or an Emirates A380 from 300 feet all the way down to touchdown. It beats TV these days, for sure.

If you turn left into the lounge, an immediate right and straight on until you hit an aisle will lead you into where all the goodies are. As far as things to keep you preoccupied go, the BA Galleries First Lounge has plenty, with a generous supply of high end booze, a business centre, help yourself buffet and screens with the latest news and sports.

Oh, and there’s one weird quirk here. Despite British Airways penchant for reserved styles and rather uniform spaces, there’s an over the top Austin Powers-esque seating area all on its own. I have no idea how or why it’s there, but it’s fun, and I like it, in a very odd way.

For spirits fanatics, most people look no further than the Johnnie Walker Blue, which is bountifully stocked in the Gatwick Galleries First Lounge, in addition to some non blended Scottish treasures and American bourbon. BA Galleries First at Gatwick currently offers Canard Duchene Charles VII for a blanc de blanc Champagne, and Jeeper Rose.

For those actually flying first class out of Gatwick, you’ll need to wait until on-board to enjoy Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle, unlike out of Heathrow where the Concorde Room offers the same champagne as on board.

In terms of food, don’t get your hopes up. It’s just fine, and the buffet can patch an empty stomach, but it’s nothing to write home about. Breakfast is an entirely typical British fry up buffet, though there are some pastries and also yoghurt and healthy alternatives to be found. At other meal times, expect canteen style food, albeit fairly tasty stuff.

One nice addition, which is perfectly acceptable for airport coffee is the Union Coffee Roasters self service bar, which is certainly an improvement over the previous iteration. Outside of Australia there’s hardly ever any coffee really worth speaking of in an airport, but this is passable. A focus on alt milks and good “to-go cups” would definitely help elevate this setup further.

As to creature comforts and business travel necessities, the Galleries First Lounge at Gatwick has done a mostly excellent job. If only that extended to more proactive staff, that’d be even more true.

There are power ports at most seats, and the business area of the lounge, tucked behind the buffet is quiet and comfortable with plenty of space and gadgets to fulfil any business needs. It’s just really nice to see a business centre laid out thoughtfully, as opposed to most,  which were clearly afterthoughts on what to do with an extra closet.

British Airways doesn’t often announce specific departures from Galleries First, so it’s important to keep an eye on the screen and note the time it takes to reach a gate. Most are between 4-8 minutes walk, but some require an additional bit of time, so if you like your priority boarding and want to queue up before everyone else, be sure to pad a few minutes ahead of your flight time.

What makes this lounge difficult to judge is the Oneworld Emerald slash “first class” designator, of which it’s really not anywhere near the standard offered by Cathay Pacific, Qantas and others in their first or Emerald only lounges. At Heathrow this is solved with the Concorde Room for actual first class passengers, but here at Gatwick, it’s just a bit of a stopgap that makes it a slightly above average business class lounge.

Sadly, I wouldn’t even say it’s amongst the best business class lounges in the world in terms or food or service. Nonetheless, it’s a great place to kill some time, have an expensive scotch on BA and enjoy the runway views, which are sensational.

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Every airline – scratch that – some airlines, have things that they tend to do better than just about any other. For Cathay Pacific, that thing is “first class”, and that absolutely extends to their lounges. If the airport can offer a happy place, it would be difficult to think of a more enjoyable spot to kill some time at London Heathrow than the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge in Terminal 3. Here’s a full review, and what you can expect inside.

How to get in: all Oneworld sapphire members flying on a Oneworld airline can access the Cathay business class lounge next door, but the Cathay First Class Lounge is reserved for Oneworld emerald members travelling on a Oneworld airline, or those booked in any Oneworld airline in first class. Here’s info on business hours and other features.

The Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge LHR T3

Everyone entering T3 must pass through duty free, but after you do, follow the signs and stay left towards the lounge signs. After passing through Prunier Caviar House and a sea of people, you’ll end up in the lane where all the lounges are, and presumably find yourself face to face with the Qantas lounge. When you do, turn left to find the Cathay Pacific lounge.

After going up the elevator, a lounge host will check your boarding pass, and if you’re eligible for Cathay First, you’ll be directed to make the first right into the first class area. When you do, you can’t help but feel at ease.

The lounge unfolds much like the beloved “Pier First” in Hong Kong, with soft tones, wood accents and beautiful statement piece plants. There’s a help yourself pantry, a quiet space for work, a full service a la carte dining room, and of course, the “throne” seats, which offer uninhibited tarmac views from the comfort of a reclining chair. Those seats, they go fast.

 

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Chill vibes.

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So where does the lounge excel? Crowd control for one, quiet for another, and outstanding food to finish it off. The a la carte menu changes with frequency, while keeping a few staple dishes. The service is always professional and the Ilse Crawford spaces make it feel as if you’re tucked into a nice Soho restaurant, and not stuck killing time at an airport.

I love the focus on satisfying menu options like a burger, or fish and chips, but also health conscious options, with all allergies clearly laid out on the menus as well.

The Cathay First Lounge in T3 typically offers Laurent Perrier, a vintage option and often a Grand Cru Berry Bros champagne, in addition to a steady mix of red and white wines, a beer tap, canned beer and high end spirits.

If you want a cocktail, you can order one from a server, but bear in mind it will be brought over from the business class lounge, so if you favour that sort of drinking, you may want to relax over there. You can never go wrong with a mojito before a flight.

Cathay First LHR T3 Showers, Amenities And Features

It’s not a big deal, but the one downside of Cathay’s First Class section is that there are no loos. If you want to use the restroom, you’ll need to exit the first class lounge, make a right, and then follow the appropriate signs. Not that it really makes a difference, but the bathrooms are exquisite and feature Aesop products.

Near the restrooms you’ll find the shower suites, where an attendant will put you on a list, if no suites are immediately available. These private shower suites are stunning, with plenty of space to rest your luggage, hang some clothes and stretch out. And crucially – the water pressure is very good.

Better yet, the Cathay Pacific First Lounge shower suites have all the amenities you may need, from shower kits to toothbrushes and even sewing kits at the ready! It’s not having to ask for these kind of details which really make it feel as if there’s real thought and purpose put into each element.

No one wants to scamper past the other suites wearing just a towel to ask for a toothbrush.

Thanks to these conveniences, I’ll often plot an extra 30 minutes to shower and change before a long haul flight, particularly one to Hong Kong. There’s nothing like feeling truly fresh and clean at the start of a flight, particularly knowing you never will 14 hours later! It’s the little luxuries, right?

It’s worth noting that Cathay doesn’t typically call boarding for most flights out of the T3 lounge, so do your best not to get caught up in the spoils of free pour, comfy chairs and shower suites; and miss your flight. Furthermore, some gates are a solid 15 minute walk away from the T3 lounge, with Cathay Pacific’s own gates also falling into that category, so do allow plenty of time. In other words, don’t leave the lounge during last call, or you may get called out..

Overall Thoughts On Cathay Pacific LHR T3 Lounge

This is a fantastic space which has been well thought out from start to finish. It’s not nearly as large or amenity filled as the Hong Kong options, but for an outpost there’s so much to love. These photos were taken during a night visit, but the lounge enjoys beautiful light during the day and the automatic blinds ensure you’re never blinded.

Basically, this isn’t Cathay Pacific’s nicest lounge, but it’s amongst the three best lounges at Heathrow and one of the two best in a terminal with very solid competition. It’s better than most lounges in the world, squarely in the company of Qantas and other top first class offerings, albeit without quite as good a culinary setup. Personally, i’m in two minds about the need to sit down in a restaurant to eat, which usually means giving up a better lounging space, versus having all food served in all areas, but it tends to work pretty well here. If you visit, you’ll be glad you did.

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Can an airport lounge be epic? Apparently, Yes.

When travellers think of airport lounges, they expect slightly airless spaces with those awful ceiling tiles and some fleather (that’s fake leather) bound furniture. They certainly don’t expect a multi level venue which could practically hold an Olympic swimming event. And yes, there is a water feature too.  In the most positive way possible, the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge is daunting.

This is a lounge where you may need someone to draw a map, and you likely need to schedule your activities the way you would a day of sightseeing in Doha. Otherwise, you just may run out of time. Here’s everything you need to know about Qatar Airways stunning Al Mourjan business class lounge in Doha, Qatar…

Getting In: Your frequent flyer card won’t get you in here. There’s a separate business class lounge for that. The Al Mourjan Lounge is exclusively offered to business or first class passengers departing on Qatar Airways or any other Oneworld Airline. If you’re traveling in first class, use the Al Safwa lounge instead.

The Al Mourjan business class lounge is up an escalator near duty free in the central bit of Doha Hamad International Airport. Your first tip of the day is to get your boarding pass ready, because a friendly agent will want to scan it before you ride the escalator up to the main lounge concourse.

Once you’re inside the first round of crucial decisions must begin.

If you turn left, you’ll stay on the same level and can find quiet rooms, shower rooms and an a la carte eating area and bar. If you turn right, you can find places to sit in peace and quiet, or go up the stairs to find the most substantial buffet  and bar in the space. If you need a smoke, walk straight, and pass the impressive water fixture.

The next big tip about the Al Mourjan lounge is that it’s either absolutely dead quiet, or rammed with guests. If you are in need of a shower or are looking to reserve one of the quiet areas known as the family rooms downstairs, you may want to turn left upon entry first, so that you can get on a waiting list.

Upstairs, to the food and drinks…

If not in search of shower or sleep, the most sociable space in the lounge is a right turn upon entry and then either up the spiralled staircase, or the handy elevator. On the second floor, you’ll find an extensive buffet with both continental and international food options, as well as enough dessert to feed an army. Shout-out to the baklava, it’s great.

So, what to eat – or drink? If you enjoy a bit of spice, the Biryani style dishes are always perfect, and not too saucy on the stomach before a flight. There’s generally also a great selection of vegetarian options, including Arabic mezze and things like a French style grilled chicken breast.  The soup is always solid as well.

For beverages, you’ve got a variety of choices between rose or Brut Champagne, red wine, white wine and actually a seriously impressive mojito operation. As to the actual champagne brands in the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan lounge, it varies between Drappier, Lanson Rose, Pommery or something similar. I’ve had some of the better mojitos in my days in the lounge as well, likely on account of the access to excellent mint, lemon and limes.

The seating areas scattered around this upstairs area can actually be quite comfortable, so I’ve been one to camp out up there rather than explore areas elsewhere. If you do get bored, or entirely too full, my absolute favourite space are the quiet “family” rooms. They’re hard to access solo, but if you have a travel partner or a group they’re fantastic. Time to head downstairs, and make the long hike all the way to the opposite end of the lounge.

Downstairs: Al Mourjan showers, a la carte dining and nap rooms…

If you enter the lounge and turn left, or come down from the upstairs bit and go as far to the other side as possible, you’ll hit one of the main social areas featuring a bar, a la carte sandwich style food and some of the most popular facilities.

Showers are to the right, down a corridor where you will be convinced you’re in the wrong place. Get your request in early, because during peak hours, which are surprisingly in the middle of the night, and mid day – you may need to wait a while. Once you do get a shower slot, the rooms are amazing and chock full of the best shower amenities. You’ll love it.

To the left of the downstairs bar and dining area you’ll find a fun game room for kids with vide games and foosball.

If you keep walking, that’s where you’ll hit the family rooms. In a way, you can somewhat just rock up and claim an empty space that no one is sitting in. I’ve done it, it works. The proper way to gain access to one of these rooms however is to ask any nearby lounge attendant if they’re available.  The rooms look like the following.

The spaces are ideal for a quick nap, or just unwinding without eyeballs around you. On that subject, it’s important to remember that Qatar does not announce flight departures in the lounge, and some flights depart from gates almost 15 minutes away, so make sure you set an alarm. Just saying…

While there are plenty of other areas, such as the smokers lounge, business centre and prayer rooms, these spots will give you everything you need to rest up, eat up and refresh yourself with a shower before an onward flight.

So how does Al Mourjan stack up?

Though crowding can be an issue at absolute peak times, I’d rate this one of the most impressive business class lounges in the world. The food isn’t over the top, but always delicious. The drinks are well prepared and of much higher quality than many business class offerings. The showers are some of the best anywhere, including first class lounges. Enjoy yourself, just not too much!

While you’re here, here’s a review of Qatar Qsuites, business Class on the Boeing 787 and business class on the A350 as well.

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Note: scores are based on the best possible experience found on any airline, for which the best airline would get a 100 in that category.

It’s time to turn right, not left…

As travellers, we’re conditioned to believe that it’s always better to turn left. After all, that’s usually the direction to first class on a long flight. When American Airlines opened their much improved Flagship lounge at JFK Airport Terminal 8, that’s exactly what people did. To the right, was the Admirals Club, a lower level of sophistication mostly reserved for domestic flights.

But sometime this year American moved the Admirals Club to an entirely separate location, which opened up the potential for perhaps American’s best lounge in the world. When you get to JFK, those in the know “turn right” after check in.

Getting In To The JFK Flagship Lounge

One Mile At A Time alluded to the best kept secret at JFK, hiding in plain sight. The JFK Flagship Lounge at T8 is up an elevator, and after check in hosts naturally direct you to the left. Entry is for travellers in Flagship Business, or frequent flyers with Oneworld Sapphire or above, with the exclusion of American Airlines elites. Basically, everyone has been conditioned to turn left, and those who go against the grain are supremely rewarded.

To be clear, if you turn left, the Flagship Lounge is a tremendous improvement on previous American standards. It’s on par on an international level and features a solid buffet, real champagne and a make your own cocktail bar. It’s a fully “indoor space with high(ish) but standard ceilings and nice seating variations. But…

Finding The Flagship Bridge Lounge

If you turn right, and then right again, you’ll find an area with incredibly high ceilings, with the open ambiance of the terminal itself. In a way, it’s like the British Airways Concorde Room, in that you can hear the buzz of travellers below, but not enough to annoy you.

There’s greenery to be found everywhere, and it has almost a tropical feel, which is oddly charming in New York. The bar is beautiful as are all the seating areas, but the most precious element of the lounge is that despite articles like these, hardly anyone knows about it, or uses it.

If you exit the “outdoor” feeling tropical part, you can access the more traditional Flagship elements which are basically identical to those on the left side. There’s a buffet, a bar, nooks to finish up some work and some solid tarmac views. Why you would settle for that space, when you have the bridge just across the hall eludes me though.

Flagship Bridge Lounge Food And Service

I’ve never felt as if personal ‘service’ was a part of the Flagship experience those enjoy to the left. That’s far more buffet style. But on the Bridge at T8, a very friendly team offered proactive service which would be commendable even to a standard of say… Virgin Atlantic. I took a look at the a la carte menu from the kitchen and was fairly blown away by the quality of the Korean short rib tacos. To my delight, there was a cocktail menu as well.

Wines and cocktails in the JFK Flagship Bridge Terminal 8 are well above average and I noticed some real sommelier level thought process in the wines. There was a Finger Lakes riesling from New York, which is arguably one of the world’s better areas for riesling, and also a very quaffable Nebbiolo from Italy, widely regarded as the king of grapes. Cocktails were just above basic, but nicely inspired with twists here and there.

The Best American Lounge At JFK T8

Without question this is my favourite American Airlines space in the United States, and I’m so glad I was tipped off. Time flew by without hardly seeing a soul, except for the friendly team offering service with a smile. At American, that’s not always guaranteed, and it really made an impression. If I had time to kill before a flight out of JFK Terminal 8, the Flagship Bridge would be my choice 100 times out of 100. Just don’t tell anyone. It might ruin it…

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Let’s get one thing straight from the get go: the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge at London Heathrow is a business class lounge, not a first class lounge. If however it feels a lot more like one of the worlds best first class lounges than any other business class lounge you’ve ever been in, let alone imagined, you’d hardly be alone in your thoughts.

Years on, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow Terminal 3 is still as fun, playful and downright sophisticated as ever, so here’s what it’s like to enjoy the space in 2020…

The Virgin T3 Clubhouse Walk In

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve made the walk. As soon as you’ve scanned your upper class boarding pass, Delta Platinum or above, or Virgin Gold frequent flyer card, the first view of the lounge is stunning. “Upper Class” Purple hues, mood lighting and a long cocktail bar are the first sights, and the question becomes “where to?”.

If you’re none of the things above, you can still gain entry to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse via the Virgin Atlantic Rewards Credit Card, which offers Clubhouse passes as a potential perk. If you know anyone who has Gold with Virgin Atlantic, you can also ask if they have any extra buddy passes laying around!

Virgin Clubhouse LHR – Where To Sit?

The middle floor area of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse airport lounge is always a solid choice, with close proximity to the bar and quick service, not to mention well placed power ports.

But this massive lounge has too many fun nooks and crannies to just plonk down and “chill”. Through the smoked glass directly behind the cocktail bar are fun, more private areas with tarmac views. It’s totally ok to sit on the hanging, swinging chair, with views over the tarmac

Waiter Service, Everywhere

One thing that’s impossible not to love: full on waiter service in the Virgin Clubhouse, everywhere you sit. Yes, Virgin offers waiter service in their business class lounge.

It doesn’t matter where you are or what you want – you can always have it at your seat. It’s amazing to still be able to enjoy a full meal or afternoon tea from any vantage point.

On that note, the classic afternoon tea from Eric Lanlard is well worth the indulgence if you happen to be in the lounge between 3:00-5:30PM. Some people apparently time their Virgin Atlantic flights around it, not that anyone can blame them.

About The Virgin Atlantic Lounge Food

Come to the Virgin Clubhouse hungry, very hungry. The Clubhouse is one of the few business class lounges, or airport lounges in general where you really can eat your weight in quality airport meals.

What’s on offer foodwise, in the Virgin Clubhouse? There’s decadent Indian curries, a dedicated salad bar with smoked salmon and other treats, healthy hot meals and British classics. And yes, there’s still Lanson Rose and Brut as well as all the other goodies…

If You Want Quiet Space…

If facing the bar, the further left in the Virgin LHR T3 lounge you go, the fewer people you find. There’s a kids area off in the corner, but it’s totally quiet and if you’re looking to zone out or be productive, this couch and work station filled area is probably your best bet. If you’re feeling more festive, the bar, areas to the right or the center of it all are hard to pass up.

Now For The Fun Part

There are two things, other than all the other fun things, which make the Clubhouse more fun and novel than most airport lounges. The first: spa treatments.

The second: haircuts. Both are free, via most methods of lounge access. Unlike many airport spas, this spa almost always has appointments available and the masseuses are great.

Whether you’re on your way home via a Virgin Atlantic flight, or headed for brand new territory, it’s always nice to feel sharp before you jet off and the Bumble & Bumble hair facilities are brilliant. I’ve gotten a touch up on numerous occasions and if nothing else, it’s just a great way to pass time.

Collaborations And Changes

Virgin plays the boutique card to the max, and they play it well. The airline has partnered with top local cocktail bars in each city it operates a Clubhouse to bring exclusive cocktails from the worlds top mixologists.

With the close of London’s Dandelyan Bar, the Virgin Heathrow Clubhouse will soon launch a new cocktail partnership. For now, the Laverstoke Old Fashioned, made with Gin and burnt honey, or the Pinnacle Point Fizz made with Patron tequila, blue corn, sloe, ginger and pineapple are must try cocktails in the Virgin Clubhouse.

While they last, of course…

Relax, They’ll Call Boarding

As airlines and partnerships expand, it’s nice when some things don’t change. Virgin Atlantic still calls the departure of each flight, so you can actually sit back and relax.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow lounge coordinates with the gate staff to time things so that if you depart when called, there shouldn’t be any lines to wait in. Of course, if you want to stand around the gate looking impatient and waiting to be first aboard, you could do that, but relaxing in the Virgin Atlantic Heathrow Clubhouse is so much better.

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Before or after any flight, this is tranquility at its best…

Ask just about anyone for a word to describe the airport and you’ll get: chaotic, cramped, airless, stressful or awful. It’s safe to say that no one sitting in the Malaysia Airlines First Class Satellite Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International is feeling that way, and if they are, it’s not on account of the space. As far as airport waiting rooms go, this one is pretty beautiful… Getting There: Follow signs for “C” gates or “Satellite A”. After arriving on the tram, you’ll find the lounge upstairs about 300 feet from the tram exit. It’s a beautiful black and gold entrance.

Getting In: Entry is reserved for travelers with OneWorld Emerald status flying on a OneWorld airline, or First Class ticket holders flying First Class on a OneWorld airline.

The first feature of note is that it’s quiet. The second, is that the wifi is almost always wicked fast, which is handy for downloading some shows or catching up with loved ones. As you enter, the lounge splits left to the business class area and right to the more secluded first class section. As you turn right, noise disappears and beautiful tranquility takes over. There are water features, there’s fresh art and even some well maintained plants.

When making your way through the grand foyer of sorts, you’ll find the complimentary first class dining room immediately on your right, showers on your left and if you keep walking forward you’ll hit the main lounge seating area. You’ll also likely find one of the best parts of the lounge: friendly and attentive service at every turn. 

There’s light bites, refreshments, tea and just about everything else a la carte available and just about anything you desire can be brought to you. Like most travelers, I opted for lovely, chilled champagne. Though many wannabe oenophiles turn their nose up at it in reviews, the De Venoge Cordon Bleu is perfectly refreshing after a day on the plane, or one about to involve one.

There’s a variety of seating arrangements through the long corridor and thankfully, it’s hardly ever crowded. For any #avgeeks, the window seats are absolutely amongst the most sought after and quite often have an impressive wide body jet parked outside. Not to beat a dead horse, but you will find yourself thinking “wow, it’s quiet in here”. If relaxation is your pass time you’ll find it. But if playing cards in a loud group is your thing, it might feel a bit imposing.

This Malaysia First Class Lounge at Kuala Lumpur shines with easy access shower facilities. An attendant is on hand to point you in the direction of an open bathroom/shower suite and there’s hardly ever a wait. Having both facilities in one is a welcomed convenience. Shower suites are stocked with towels and toiletries and the water pressure ain’t a bit bad! In this travelers opinion, there’s nothing better than a shower at the airport, especially in between long haul flights.

When it’s nourishment time you’ve got choices. Aside from the soups and sandwiches found in the main First Class lounge area, there are two excellent further options: the first class dining room, or the business class buffet. If you ask the regulars, they’ll tell you the business class buffet is worth the quick cut through. The first class dining room is an attractive space to dine, with views overlooking the tarmac and the waiter service is extremely friendly. With that said, the food is airport food. The sea bass in curry is a solid choice. If you want something less polished, but perhaps with a bit more kick the business class buffet is excellent. If you want relaxation, dishes brought to you and a table just like at a restaurant, go with the first class dining room.

If you like peace & quiet, it’s a great spot. You’d be excused for forgetting you’re at an airport.

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