The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside

London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a large, major international airport that serves millions of passengers each year. It’s currently home to four terminals and a few dozen lounges on both the departures and arrivals sides of the facility to accommodate passengers taking the many long-haul flights in and out of London.

The airport has credit card-specific lounges, airline-affiliated lounges and even some open to those with a Priority Pass membership. So, it can be hard to know which Heathrow lounges you are eligible to visit and which will be the best choice for your trip.

Don’t worry: We got to the airport early in order to try as many of its lounges as possible. Hopefully, this information will help you find the best lounge at Heathrow to visit before — or after — your flight.

Related: The best credit cards for airport lounge access

Best lounges at Heathrow Terminal 2

Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges

Where are the Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges?

You can find the Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges on the south side of the terminal on Level 5.

What is it like inside the Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges?

The Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges (which are really two lounges in one) are likely the first lounges you’ll come to after entering Terminal 2, so they are easy to get to regardless of which gate you are departing from in this part of the airport.

This is helpful because Heathrow doesn’t announce your departure gate until about 45 minutes before boarding, so it’s easy to end up on the wrong side of the terminal if you aren’t careful. Luckily, at the Lufthansa lounge, you haven’t wasted any steps since it is near security.

Heathrow’s Lufthansa lounges are a nice size with high ceilings, windows and good lighting. They are definitely the best Heathrow lounges to visit if you want a selection of German beer, wine, pretzels, meats and sliced cheese.

The first of the two lounges you come into is the Lufthansa Business Lounge; if you are eligible for the Lufthansa Senator Lounge, you can access it via a QR code on a printed piece of paper you’ll receive at check-in.

While the Lufthansa Senator Lounge did have a calmer vibe and a nice forest look on the wall, functionally, it appeared to offer similar food and beverage options than what you’ll find in the Lufthansa Business Lounge.

How to access the Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges

You can access these Lufthansa lounges when flying on a Star Alliance airline in business class or higher, when traveling on a Star Alliance airline with Star Gold status or higher, or with a United Club membership when flying on a Star Alliance airline.

You can also access this (and other) Lufthansa lounges with The Platinum Card® from American Express and/or The Centurion Card from American Express and a same-day ticket on a Lufthansa Group airline. You can also purchase access, space permitting, for about 49 British pounds ($60).

The information for the Centurion card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Plaza Premium Lounge

Where is the Plaza Premium Lounge?

The Plaza Premium Lounge is on Level 4 next to the terminal transfer.

What is it like inside the Plaza Premium Lounge?

This is the best lounge at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 to visit if it’s the only one you have access to, but otherwise, it’s our least favorite of the bunch.

There’s no natural light, and while there is a modest buffet and some alcohol included, there is nothing particularly exciting on offer. However, the salad bar was above average for a lounge if that’s what you want.

During our visit, it was quite crowded in the sitting areas and not the cleanest and tidiest option; I found the sitting area quite sticky, and it was clearly not wiped down in recent history. Of the lounges we tried in Terminal 2, only the United lounge was as crowded as the Plaza Premium one, but United at least won in the natural light category.

How to access the Plaza Premium Lounge

This Plaza Premium lounge had left the Priority Pass program for a few years but is now back in that program. It is also in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, so you can visit with your Amex Platinum. You can also purchase access for about 48 pounds ($60).

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Where is the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge?

You can find the Maple Leaf Lounge at Heathrow in the satellite terminal at T2B.

What is it like inside the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge?

The Air Canada lounge was a breath of calm, fresh air compared to the United Club, though if you have access to one, there are decent odds you have access to both most of the time. There’s a full bar, a panini-making machine and a small buffet.

My favorite part of the lounge was the small, mostly private nooks near the big windows that you could use to rest, read or work in peace. If you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal, head here.

How to access the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

You can access the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge when flying on a Star Alliance airline in business class or higher, when traveling on a Star Alliance airline with Star Gold status or higher, or with a Maple Leaf Club membership when flying on an eligible airline. One-time Maple Leaf Lounge visitor passes are also available via select Aeroplan credit cards. At times, they have been available for purchase directly from Air Canada in the “My Bookings” section of the website.

Related: All the ways you can access Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge

Where is the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge?

You can find the SilverKris Lounge near gate B36.

What is it like inside the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge?

The SilverKris Lounge in Heathrow is not the most up-to-date physical space. Still, it is one of my favorites in this terminal because it can often be quiet when the other lounges are not (possibly due to opposite flight schedules heading east versus west).

There are some Asian-inspired food offerings, and even if you aren’t heading to Singapore, it’s (almost) always a good time for a Singapore sling cocktail.

This lounge is right across the hall from Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge, so spending some time in each of those lounges can make sense if you have the time to lounge hop. Showers are also available in this lounge if you want to freshen up before your next flight.

I will say that I was disappointed that the lounge didn’t have the small plates you order from a QR code the way it did during the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. You’re now relegated to the self-service buffet.

How to access the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge

You can access the SilverKris Lounge when flying on a Star Alliance airline in business class or higher, when traveling on a Star Alliance airline with Star Gold status or higher, or with a United Club membership when flying on a Star Alliance airline.

United Airlines United Club

Where is the United Airlines United Club?

You can find the United Club lounge near gate B2.

What is it like inside the United Airlines United Club?

If there is a busier lounge in this terminal, I couldn’t find it. The United Club was hopping in the hours leading up to some United flights back to the U.S. It’s a large space, but even if it was double the size, it still would have felt busy.

Despite having trouble finding a place to sit, the lounge had a lot going for it, with a bar, self-service soft drink cans, tempting desserts and a buffet with hot and cold options that wasn’t overly impressive but could do the job in a pinch.

My favorite elements of the United Club at Heathrow were the shower rooms, which were large, plentiful and well designed for their purpose.

How to access the United Airlines United Club

You can access the United Club when flying on a Star Alliance airline in business class or higher, when traveling on a Star Alliance airline with Star Gold status or higher, or with a United Club membership. Depending on capacity, you may also be able to use United Club one-time-use passes that come with certain credit cards, such as the United Explorer Card. Or, you could potentially purchase one-time United Club access, space permitting, for $59.

Related: The ultimate guide to United Club access

United Airlines Arrivals Lounge

Where is the United Airlines Arrivals Lounge?

You can find the United Airlines Arrivals Lounge in the area after you clear immigration.

What is it like inside the United Airlines Arrivals Lounge?

Arrival lounges are the often overlooked but immensely valuable lounges that help you clean up and get your life together before starting your day in a new-to-you continent and time zone. At United’s Arrivals Lounge at Heathrow, you can shower, drink a coffee or green smoothie and have a bite to eat before going straight to a meeting or dropping your bags at the hotel and starting to explore.

This is a much smaller lounge than the departure lounges, with a relatively tight space to sit in and a limited curated selection of offerings on the buffet, but it is well done for what it is and does the job of getting you ready for your time in London.

How to access the United Airlines Arrivals Lounge

This is a tough lounge to access, as you must be traveling in United Polaris business class on a flight that arrives by noon on a same-day ticket and cannot bring any guests.

Related: The best ways to get from Heathrow Airport into London

Best lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Where is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse?

You can find the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse after security on Level 2.

What is it like inside the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse?

One of our favorite lounges at Heathrow, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has become so popular that the airline has recently made it much harder to access this lounge.

There are showers, a full bar, separate sit-down dining areas, multiple quiet areas and even a small gym with several Peloton bikes, so you can work out while planespotting.

However, the highlight for many AvGeeks is the rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the tarmac.

When TPG was there in May, it was crowded but not uncomfortably so. Service has been excellent on multiple visits over the years, with speedy food deliveries and friendly lounge staff. It’s one of my favorite spots on a layover at Terminal 3.

How to access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Unfortunately, Virgin Atlantic has recently cracked down on entrance for SkyTeam partners. You can still access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse when flying in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic or in business class on a SkyTeam Alliance airline, including Delta One and Aeromexico Clase Premier.

Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion members used to get into the lounge even when flying in economy, but that is no longer true. You can still get in if you are flying in Premium Select or higher; otherwise, you are asked to use the Club Aspire Lounge in Terminal 3.

Related: How much can you pack into an hour at Virgin Atlantic’s London Clubhouse?

Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge

Where is the Virgin Atlantic Arrivals Lounge?

You can find the Virgin Atlantic Arrivals Lounge on the first floor once you reach the arrivals hall.

What is it like inside the Virgin Atlantic Arrivals Lounge?

The Virgin Atlantic Arrivals Lounge is a wonderful place to stop after a long overnight flight. There are several seating areas, showers and a bar. You can order whatever bites you’d like via a QR code.

On a recent visit, agents working the lounge went above and beyond to reunite me with my mobile phone after I left it behind in the customs hall at Heathrow. That was pretty incredible customer service.

You can even get clothes pressed before your big meeting. While not as big a lounge as the Clubhouse, this little lounge packs a big punch. Many travelers aren’t even aware it exists, and we find it’s rarely crowded.

How to access the Virgin Atlantic Arrivals Lounge?

The lounge has similar restrictions to access as the Clubhouse. You’ll need to travel in business class or premium economy to get in, even as a top-tier SkyTeam elite.

American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge

Where are the American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge?

You can find both lounges after security before the gates in Lounge Area H.

What is it like inside the American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge?

The Admirals Club is co-located with an updated Flagship Lounge at Heathrow. They sit near many other lounges and just below the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.

Amenities include an open bar, free Wi-Fi, showers available on a first-come, first-served basis and a self-serve food spread. You can even get table service during certain hours.

This lounge is probably one of the least compelling in Terminal 3, but it still has some decent views of the airport tarmac.

The Flagship side has seating for 120 passengers and a Champagne bar in addition to a large selection of food and drinks.

Related: American finally reopens its fanciest London lounge with 1 big upgrade

How to access the American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge

Anyone traveling in American Airlines business class or Flagship First can access the Admirals Club if they are traveling on an American- or Oneworld-operated flight. Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status holders — or those with AAdvantage Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, AAdvantage Executive Platinum or Concierge Key — can also access the club, even if traveling in economy class.

Finally, you can also use the club if you have an Admirals Club membership as long as you travel on a Oneworld-operated flight.

Access to the Flagship Lounge is only for those traveling in first class on a same-day international flight marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld alliance member airline.

American Express Centurion Lounge

Where is the American Express Centurion Lounge?

The Centurion Lounge is a unique spot in Terminal 3 over by the shops in Area A. You’ll need to take an elevator to Level 2 for access.

What is it like inside the American Express Centurion Lounge?

Inside, you’ll find some 7,000 square feet of lounge space, along with a full bar and several seating areas. It was crowded when we were there in May, but there was enough space to grab a bite and sit at one of the communal tables for a quick meal. I liked the separate room for lactating mothers (or a quick meditation session).

This is a nice lounge and even has a few of the bells and whistles you’ll find at domestic Centurion Lounges, but I didn’t love the lack of windows. It felt a bit claustrophobic, so we didn’t linger.

How to access the American Express Centurion Lounge

You can enjoy the Centurion Lounge if you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. If you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, you can also get access to select Centurion Lounges when flying on a Delta-marketed or -operated flight.

Related: A brand-new Centurion Lounge is opening at London Heathrow — and we got a 1st look

No1 Lounge

Where is the No1 Lounge?

The No1 Lounge is on the second floor of the F Lounge area past security and on the way to gates 13 to 22.

What is it like inside the No1 Lounge?

This is a pretty nice Priority Pass lounge, but it’s often crowded; it’s now asking guests to sign up ahead of time … for a fee.

Inside, you’ll find complimentary freshly prepared food along with several brands of beer, wine, spirits and nonalcoholic and hot drinks. There is also free, fast Wi-Fi.

There are various seating areas, including a cinema room. However, some areas had reserved signs, and it was unclear to a casual guest if those were off-limits or not.

Unfortunately, showers and spa facilities are closed until further notice, which takes quite a bit away from the amenities.

Also, note that the bathrooms are single stalls, and there can be a bit of a wait to use them.

How to access the No1 Lounge

The No1 Lounge is a Priority Pass lounge, meaning you can get in with some of TPG’s top travel rewards credit cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Be aware, though, that the No1 Lounge is overwhelmed with guests who have access. We’ve been turned away multiple times or asked to come back. In fact, the lounge is now asking passengers to sign up ahead of time for a reserved spot. The problem is that those reservations come with a 6-pound (about $7.64) fee. That certainly takes away from the experience.

Related: 13 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access

Club Aspire Lounge

Where is the Club Aspire Lounge?

This lounge sits past security before you reach gates 1 to 42.

What is it like inside the Club Aspire Lounge?

The Club Aspire Lounge is probably the least desirable lounge in Heathrow’s Terminal 3. It’s always packed to the rafters — and that’s if you can get in. I was turned away several times due to capacity restraints.

There is a basic buffet and free drinks but nothing that stood out as special.

After several attempts over a few hours, we could finally visit on a May trip, but it was super crowded in the sitting areas. We had trouble finding a place to sit. Limited space and not enough natural light meant made this lounge one where we didn’t want to linger.

Aspire was the most crowded of the lounges we visited in Terminal 3. Only the No1 Lounge (also in Terminal 3) was close to as busy.

How to access the Club Aspire Lounge

The Club Aspire Lounge is part of the Priority Pass program. That means you can get in if you’ve signed up previously via a credit card like the Amex Platinum.

On its website, Priority Pass warns that “access may be periodically restricted due to space constraints.”

In order to reserve your space, we recommend you visit the website to prebook your lounge. Unfortunately, when I tried to make a booking later this month, it was “sold out.” If you can book it, it will cost you 6 pounds (about $7.64). Also, entry is only for two hours unless you pay an additional 12-pound (about $15.28) fee.

British Airways Galleries Club Lounge

Where is the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge?

Head for the Lounge F area after security to find this lounge before the gates.

What is it like inside the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge?

This is a bright and sunny lounge that’s divided into sections, including a dining area with long tables and a casual bar seating area. There are also a business area so you can put your head down and work (tables handily come with charging points) and another casual seating area. Showers are available as well, though we wouldn’t describe them as high-end.

Additional features include a staffed and fully stocked bar and a self-pour bar area with beer, wine and spirits at one end of the lounge. There are also the requisite coffee stations you can expect in most British Airways lounges.

While food options have always been plentiful (albeit basic) when we’ve visited the lounge, some visitors have complained that turnovers to replenish stock with fresh food — particularly between breakfast and lunch — can be slow at times. This is worth noting if you plan to visit during a peak period and are hungry.

In terms of options, you’ll find the usual array of pastries, cold cuts and quiche; there are also hot buffet dishes, usually consisting of pasta, curry dishes and soups. Your options aren’t quite as tasty as those available in other nearby lounges (including the ones for Cathay Pacific and Qantas), but they’re certainly sufficient.

If you’re planning to visit the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge, it’s worth noting that it can get busy, especially during peak times, owing to the fact that it’s also open to status holders and business-class passengers on other Oneworld airlines. Occasionally, this can make it tricky to find a seat, especially if you’re traveling in a small group.

How to access the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge

You can gain entry to the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge if you are flying with British Airways or a Oneworld partner carrier — such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas or Finnair — and have either eligible status (British Airways Executive Club Silver or higher, or Oneworld Sapphire or higher) or are flying on a business-class ticket with a Oneworld partner airline.

If you are using your airline status to gain entry to the lounge, it doesn’t matter what ticket class you are flying. You’ll still be able to enter even if you’re flying on an economy ticket.

British Airways Galleries First Lounge

Where is the British Airways Galleries First lounge?

Head for Lounge F after security to find this lounge before the gates.

What is it like inside the British Airways Galleries First Lounge?

A relatively new revamp of the old First Dining Area, this British Airways lounge welcomes first-class passengers. If you’ve previously visited its immensely popular Concorde Room, you may need to somewhat measure your expectations here. It’s not quite on the same level.

Inside, you’ll find a small but pleasant enough Champagne bar (serving Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle Champagne) surrounded by an array of seating; as you proceed through the lounge, you’ll also find another fully stocked bar on the far end.

Handily, the lounge also has a kids play area, plus the expected business areas for those wishing to work during their visit.

As you’d expect, the lounge has a buffet area, offering similar fare to that seen in Terminal 5’s Galleries First Lounge — a mix of hot items, pastries, cold cuts and the inevitable “full English.”

The First Dining Area has an array of window seats and another fully stocked bar, along with a self-serve bar offering wines and spirits. Several booth-style seating areas are pleasant enough but aesthetically already feel somewhat dated.

Here, you can order various a la carte dishes, from standard breakfast items to burgers and salads later in the day. There are also a selection of cocktails (including during breakfast) and a fairly decent wine menu.

Note that this dining area is only open to customers traveling on British Airways in first class and to British Airways Premier cardholders.

How to access the British Airways Galleries First Lounge

There are two ways to enter the British Airways Galleries First lounge.

You can access it by flying on either a first-class ticket with British Airways or Oneworld partner airlines, such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas or Finnair.

Alternatively, if you hold British Airways Executive Club Gold status or Oneworld Emerald status and are flying with a Oneworld partner airline, you will be able to access the lounge regardless of flight class.

Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge

Where is the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge?

Head to Lounge C after security to find the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge before the gates.

What is it like inside the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge?

The Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3 is certainly one of our favorite lounges to visit when passing through Heathrow.

Inside, you’ll be greeted by tasteful decor (think: wood paneling and black light fixtures, vivid green tiling around the manned food station and leafy green plants scattered throughout).

There’s a mixture of comfortable booth-style seating and other tables, with charging ports readily accessible.

The best (and brightest) area is farther back, where you’ll find a separate bar and armchair-style seating around small coffee tables. There are also some more private booth-style seating areas for people working or taking calls. You’ll find a TV that tends to show rolling news.

While the lounge doesn’t offer table service, you can order food directly from the noodle bar near the entrance; you’ll be given a buzzer to let you know when your dishes are ready.

The food in this lounge is definitely a highlight, as per other Cathay Pacific lounges. Available dishes generally include noodles, bao and dim sum offerings. Although small in portion, they are typically quite delicious.

If you’re looking for something slightly more basic, there’s a small buffet area offering up cold cuts and a few other dishes during breakfast.

Another noticeable feature of the lounge is the bathrooms, which feel much closer to a higher-end hotel than those you might find in, say, the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge. They’re decorated with marble, which also runs into the shower areas. No matter when we visit, these areas always appear spotless.

How to access the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge

You can enter the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge if you are flying with a Oneworld partner carrier — such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas or Finnair — and have either eligible status (Oneworld Sapphire or higher) or are flying on a business-class ticket. If you enter the lounge using eligible airline status, it does not matter what fare class you are flying.

Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge

Where is the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge?

To get to this lounge, make your way to Lounge C after security as if you were heading to the gates.

What is it like inside the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge?

The Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge carries similar stylings to that seen in its business-class offering. However, it’s definitely much brighter thanks to its large floor-to-ceiling windows, which also offer great runway views.

This is a smaller lounge, which is worth noting if you’re traveling with multiple people who also want to visit.

In front of the windows, you’ll find comfortable leather armchairs with individual footrests and side tables with charging ports. Nearby, there are also more armchairs with side tables, which might be more comfortable if you’re traveling in a group.

Food options are plentiful. The pantry is a self-serve area that offers a range of sandwiches, cheeses, cold cuts, cereals and pastries earlier in the day; it features olives and hummus later on. Close by, you’ll also find a self-serve bar offering beers, wines and spirits and, of course, Champagne.

For something more substantial, you can also head to the a la carte dining area, which is decorated in the same striking green and wood paneling seen elsewhere. You can order from a mix of Eastern (noodles, dim sum, bao) and Western options (full English, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles).

Bathrooms and showers are the same as the business-class lounge and are shared by visitors to both. Nevertheless, they’re certainly classy.

All in all, the first-class lounge isn’t vastly different from what is offered in the business-class lounge, but it does — probably obviously — feel more exclusive due to the a la carte dining area and its smaller size.

How to access the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge

You can access the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge if you fly with a Oneworld partner airline — such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qantas or Finnair — and have a business-class ticket or hold Oneworld Emerald status. In the latter instance, you can access the lounge regardless of flight class.

Qantas London Lounge

Where is the Qantas London Lounge?

Walk to Lounge C and past security to find the Qantas London Lounge before the gates.

What is it like inside the Qantas London Lounge?

One of the nicer lounges in Heathrow’s Terminal 3, the Qantas London Lounge is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is a great lounge to visit if you’re feeling hungry, as it has an a la carte dining menu designed by Australian chef supremo Neil Perry. (We recommend the eggs Benedict if you’re popping in for breakfast.)

Spread across two levels, you’ll find a delightful cocktail bar upstairs, allowing you to kick back while taking in great views of Heathrow’s airfield.

Along with Cathay Pacific’s nearby lounge offerings, this is a TPG favorite when passing through Terminal 3 thanks to its tasty food options, speedy service and sophisticated decor.

How to access the Qantas London Lounge

You can access the Qantas London Lounge in several ways.

You can enter if you’re flying in either business or first class with Qantas, Emirates or a Oneworld alliance airline.

Access will also be given to Qantas frequent flyers holding Gold, Platinum or Platinum One status when flying with either Qantas, Emirates or a Oneworld partner.

Additionally, you can enter if you hold Sapphire or Emerald status with Oneworld and are flying with Qantas or a Oneworld airline. The lounge is also open to Emirates Skywards Gold, Platinum and iO status holders when flying with Qantas or Emirates.

You can redeem a single-use Qantas lounge pass to access the space as well. This pass is earned by being a Qantas Silver member with select cobranded credit cards that are not available in the U.S.

Finally, you can purchase two-hour access at the door for 55 pounds ($68) or full-day access at the entrance for 110 pounds ($136). Paid-for access can be obtained regardless of the airline you’re flying with.

Best lounges at Heathrow Terminal 4

Plaza Premium Lounge

Where is the Plaza Premium Lounge?

This Plaza Premium Lounge sits past security near gates 1A and 1B.

What is it like inside the Plaza Premium Lounge?

Upstairs next to the far superior Qatar Airways lounge, this lounge is small and busy — you may struggle to find a seat.

Unlike the Priority Pass lounges in the other terminals, this Terminal 4 option isn’t nearly as crowded due to the terminal’s fewer flights. There are work pods if you need to catch up on emails or take a Zoom call; plus, there are charging points available.

The buffet options are also satisfactory. Basic beers, wines and spirits are available at no extra cost at the bar area in a room off to the side, but you will need to pay extra for anything fancy. Some lounge access is better than no lounge access, but this is not a lounge worth arriving early for.

How to access the Plaza Premium Lounge

This Plaza Premium Lounge had left the Priority Pass program for a few years but is now back. It is also in the American Express Global Lounge Collection, so you can visit with your Amex Platinum. You can also purchase access for about 48 pounds ($60).

Best lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5

Concorde Room

Where is the Concorde Room?

The Concorde Room is past security, and you can access it through The First Wing, an exclusive check-in area for premium-cabin travelers passing through Terminal 5.

What is it like inside the Concorde Room?

British Airways’ most famous and exclusive airport lounge is accessible via The First Wing at the south end of the terminal.

As the best airport lounge in Terminal 5 (and arguably Heathrow overall), it serves as a quiet and peaceful oasis of sophistication and British excellence.

Inside, there are various seating options, including at the bar, where bartenders whip up fancy cocktails to order. There’s also an indoor dining area, which we unfortunately found rather gloomy. High-top tables are available, too, if you need to catch up on some work.

Our tip is to head straight for the outdoor terrace, a bright and pleasant space to wait for your flight. It is an open-air space, so it offers great views of the fleet of British Airways aircraft at the A and B gates of Terminal 5; it also provides a bird’s-eye view of the sea of passengers in the airside area below.

There were a la carte food options like eggs Benedict and a full English breakfast during our morning visit. British Airways serves Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Champagne in the Concorde Room (and in the first-class cabins on board), which retails at almost $200 per bottle and is one of the most expensive Champagnes served in any airport lounge worldwide.

This is undeniably a lounge you’ll want to come to the airport early to experience.

How to access the Concorde Room

The Concorde Room is reserved for guests traveling in British Airways’ first class — either departing London in first or arriving in first and continuing on British Airways in any other class of service (such as on a short-haul route that does not have a first-class cabin).

You must be departing Terminal 5 to access the Concorde Room, so those passengers flying first class on British Airways or Oneworld partner airlines from Terminal 3 will not be able to access the Concorde Room. You can also access the Concorde Room by flying in other classes of service with a Concorde Room Card; however, qualifying for this requires hitting 5,000 tier points a year, which is only possible by doing a massive amount of traveling.

Bottom line

There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to lounges at London’s Heathrow Airport. No matter which terminal you depart from, there will likely be a lounge you can enjoy (if it’s not too crowded), whether you are flying in a higher class or have elite status in a particular program.