Quantcast

Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow clubhouse leads among premium airport lounges

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow clubhouse leads among premium airport lounges
Policy
Webp shai
Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer | Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic has steadily expanded its Clubhouse lounges since the 1990s, offering exclusive spaces for top-tier loyalty members and upper-class passengers. These lounges are known for their customer service, dining options, and facilities for relaxation and work.

Among the six Clubhouse locations worldwide, the lounge at London Heathrow Airport stands out as both the largest and most notable. Situated in Terminal Three’s Upper Class Wing, it spans 26,000 square feet and features a 46-foot bar. Virgin Atlantic describes it as "more like a five-star hotel than an airport lounge." The lounge operates daily from 6 am until the last departure.

When first launched, the Heathrow Clubhouse offered amenities such as a hair salon, jacuzzi, and massages. While these spa services are no longer available, passengers can now use a Peloton room for workouts before flights. Shower suites remain accessible on a first-come basis, and an outdoor seating area provides views across the airport.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Access to this Clubhouse is limited to Virgin Atlantic’s upper-class ticket holders, partner airline upper-class passengers, and select high-tier loyalty members. The policy aims to preserve exclusivity due to consistent demand for entry.

Virgin Atlantic opened its first Clubhouse at Gatwick Airport in 1990. Today, other Clubhouses operate at Los Angeles International (LAX), New York JFK, Washington Dulles International Airport, O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and San Francisco International Airport. In locations without dedicated Clubhouses—such as Edinburgh or Manchester in the UK—the airline partners with shared lounges.

The Heathrow Clubhouse offers comprehensive menus throughout the day; breakfast includes traditional British options like eggs Benedict and full English breakfast. Lunch and dinner selections range from small plates such as fish tacos to larger dishes like venison pie or plant burgers. Afternoon tea is served between 3 pm and 5:30 pm with items including scones and macarons.

Industry reviewers generally rate the LHR Clubhouse highly. Faze from Wander Up Front wrote: "The lounge is still a huge standout in Heathrow and credit to Virgin for still maintaining it as such a wonderful space. It is just so Virgin. Stylish and fun. The service was impeccable." The reviewer also highlighted the unique Peloton workout space overlooking the airfield.

The Luxury Traveller called it "one of the very best in the world," noting that its Upper Class Wing check-in facility is "without question the best Business Class check-in facility on the planet." The review praised staff enthusiasm and recommended allowing three hours to experience all amenities.

While not ranked as luxurious as Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal or Singapore’s The Private Room by some reviewers, Alberto Riva of Upgraded Points stated: "On every visit, I have found great food, a lively but uncrowded atmosphere, and friendly staff. Add to that a cool, stylish vibe, and you have a great lounge to either wait for a flight or spend a long layover."

Some criticism exists; One Mile At A Time noted that while standards may have shifted over time: "fun vibe, plenty of seating, excellent food and drinks, friendly service, and some fun amenities like an outdoor terrace and Peloton bikes" continue to set it apart among business class lounges.

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Virgin Atlantic recently opened its newest Clubhouse in celebration of 35 years of service there. Corneel Koster, Chief Customer & Operating Officer for Virgin Atlantic said: "We're bringing the Clubhouse experience to the West Coast with new spaces and surprises that are unique to Los Angeles. Everything about the Clubhouse at LAX is intentionally designed and pays homage to both our British roots and local Los Angeles tastes."

Access at LAX mirrors London’s restrictions but includes Delta Air Lines’ eligible travelers through partnership arrangements within SkyTeam Alliance networks. Notably during recent wildfires in California earlier this year—before June 2025—all active-duty LA County firefighters flying with Virgin Atlantic could access this lounge regardless of ticket class when space allowed; this policy has since ended.

Reviewers consistently highlight that exclusivity helps maintain high standards at these lounges despite concerns over potential crowding after joining SkyTeam Alliance networks.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airlines has highlighted the evolution of its cabin crew uniform, emphasizing its commitment to timeless design and practicality.

Oct 23, 2025

Emirates has achieved the Gold Tier status in the 2024 Fly Quiet Programme at New York’s JFK Airport, making it the only airline to receive this distinction among all participating carriers.

Oct 23, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025