• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Ask Scott
Travel Codex

Travel Codex

Your Resource for Better Travel

  • Subscribe
  • Credit Cards
  • Reviews
  • Guides & Tips
  • Award Travel

Review: American Airlines Arrivals Lounge, London Heathrow Terminal 3

by Rohan Anand
Last updated September 19, 2018

American re-opened its arrivals lounge at Heathrow in Terminal 3 in August 2016, where it had been closed for renovations. Per American’s website, the instructions were to, “Exit to the right of the Terminal 3 Customs Hall, and take the stairs or lift to Level 2.”

signage
Bizarre signage
a screen with a sign on it
ah, there we go

Unfortunately, signage and directions to the lounge were less than clear. There were signs indicating that it was located near the Virgin Atlantic Revivals lounge, but then when I arrived to the elevators that takes one there, the signage was gone.  I had to actually walk into the Virgin lounge to ask for directions, and was directed to a long hallway and another lift to get me there.

However, once I was able to find it, I was very impressed by the elegant and cheery atmosphere in the lounge. The sad thing, however, is that it was hardly utilized. I am not sure if it is just because people aren’t aware that it is open, or because people in Premium cabins may be connecting onto other flights or wishing to leave the airport ASAP.

Access to the Lounge

The lounge is open daily, from 5 a.m. – 2:30 p.m during the winter months, and through 3:30 PM during the summer months. It is important to note that this is not a typical American Airlines lounge: in fact, it is not even an Admirals Club. Rather, it is an Arrivals lounge, and the only airport to offer it in the AA system is Heathrow.

It is also unique because its presence in Terminal 3 enable certain passengers from British Airways, Qantas and Cathay Pacific to use it, since those three carriers also operate into T3 at Heathrow.

Hyatt Privé: Addition Perks and NEW Discounts
Trending
Hyatt Privé: Addition Perks and NEW Discounts

Broadly speaking, these are the rules of access per American’s website:

Customers who can access the lounge when arriving on a same-day flight:*

  • First and Business Class travelers
  • AAdvantage® Executive Platinum/oneworld® Emerald SM members
  • British Airways Premier members

Flying on British Airways, Cathay Pacific or Qantas?

Customers who can access the lounge when arriving on a same-day flight:*

  • First, Business Class, oneworld®EmeraldSM and British Airways Premier customers on long-haul international flights marketed and operated by British Airways.
  • First and Business Class customers on long-haul international flights marketed and operated by Qantas, or marketed by British Airways and operated by Qantas, or marketed by Qantas and operated by British Airways.
  • First and Business Class customers on long-haul international flights marketed and operated by Cathay Pacific.

What This Means

Basically, any customer traveling in First or Business on American-operated flights can use this lounge after arrival into Heathrow. Presently, American serves London Heathrow from Eight gateway cities: Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, Philadelphia and Raleigh – Durham. Typically, the earliest arrivals on American into Heathrow do not arrive until after 6 AM, and the same goes for Cathay and Qantas. British Airways, however, has a gamut of flights from around the world which operate out of Terminal 3, which may subsequently merit the club’s early morning opening hour.

Lounge Experience

The first thing that I did was book a shower, which took no time. There are actually 29 shower units available, featuring C.O. Bigelow products and replete with towels, amenities,blow dryers and hooks to hang suits and dresses. Valet ironing services are also available. You can also request for shaving kits and dental kits, which I did. The finishes to the showers are absolutely stunning.

IMG_1572
IMG_1573
IMG_1574
IMG_1575
IMG_1576

After a refreshing shower, I headed into the main lounge area. The food spread here is REALLY nice. There is a hot buffet that offers continental items as well as traditional English breakfast dishes. There is a self-serve bar with Moët champagne (right!?) and an Espresso maker.

Cereal
Cereal bar
English breakfast
Hot, English breakfast items
a table with food on it
Fruit and carbs
food in a buffet line
more gourmet-prepared meals
a coffee machine and food on a counter
Espresso machine
a glass jar with food in it
Turkish delights
a group of bags of sugar and sugar
Sugar cubes

You can also order from the A La Carte menu or the Bloody Mary menu.

a menu with a couple of bags of sugar and a bag of eggs
Menu

With plenty of comfortable seating areas replete with charging stations, adequate lighting, modular and trendy furniture and a selection of newspapers and magazines, it is a perfect area to work or relax after a long flight.

There is also a café/bar-like section designed for a more social-like atmosphere, and a quieter, office/business section with a laser printer.

IMG_1587
IMG_1579
IMG_1577
IMG_1578
IMG_1571

Overall, the AA Arrivals lounge at Heathrow is definitely worth a visit for a quick bite, freshen-up or place to find some solitude before heading into London. Thumbs up to AA for a great redesign, but thumbs down for the signage!

  • 15shares
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Read This Next

  • a group of people sitting in chairs in a room
    Review: American Airlines Flagship Lounge London Heathrow
  • a bar with bottles on it
    Review: British Airways Galleries First Lounge London Heathrow T3
  • JFK Flagship Lounge American Airlines Review
    JFK Flagship Lounge American Airlines Review

About Rohan Anand

Rohan has been writing about airlines and aviation since 2008. He has been writing for Travel Codex since 2013, and co-founded and launched the Airways Podcast with Vinay Bhaskara in 2016. He is a self-proclaimed #AvGeek, but is also fascinated by the evolving world of airline and aviation technology, data, tools, developments, models and disruption. Aside from his full-time day job as a Technical Project Manager, Rohan lifts weights, practices and teaches Yoga, cooks, listens to all varieties of music, is the captain of a rec volleyball team, and loves exploring the nightlife in his current home, Chicago. Rohan also likes to S.C.U.B.A. dive, ski, bike, and sing #KARAOKE. His perfect day is on a beach, with commercial wide-body planes fying overhead, and good jams with good company. Rohan's favorite airline, airport, and aircraft are KLM, Amsterdam Schiphol and the McDonnell-Douglas MD-11.

Primary Sidebar

Over 100K+ Followers

Subscribe to updates from Travel Codex

none

Learn to how to find the cheapest awards.

Search Now

none

Transfer points to get more value.

See Options

none

Compare credit cards to earn more miles.

Explore Offers

Contact

If you have a question or would like to make a press inquiry, please contact:

Scott Mackenzie
Editor in Chief
scott@travelcodex.com

For updates:
Subscribe to RSS
Subscribe to Apple News

Privacy Policy


© Travel Codex, LLC All Rights Reserved.


Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Travel Codex with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.