American Airlines operate an International First Class Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 3. This lounge is for first class passengers, AA ConciergeKey and Executive Platinum frequent flyers as well as oneworld Emerald level passengers.
The airline is currently rolling out a new Flagship Lounge product and this lounge is scheduled to be upgraded in 2018. That being said, the lounge features many positive aspects at the moment so let’s take a look.
Lounge Entrance
A common entrance exists for the Admiral’s Club and the International First lounge. Once you show your boarding pass, you are directed directly to your right to the frosted doors.
Lounge desk staff press a button and the automatic doors magically open. A member of the first lounge staff welcome you at the door and you are immediately offered a glass of Champagne. Noting it is Moët, I accepted a glass.
This arrangement is similar to the Qantas International First Class lounge in Sydney. Down there, the staff are training and supplied by Sofitel.
International First Dining Room
In line with other top first class lounges around the world, there is a dining room provided. People can relax at tables covered with crisp white linen tablecloths and order from the menu.
Feel Like Some Television?
There are two television rooms, one with dining tables and one with easy chairs. Both are separate from the rest of the lounge and you can’t hear any noise from them.
A Look At The Furnishings
It is clear that the furnishings could do with a change. There is too much brown and beige and I think it looks a little tired. The lounge is split level which enhances the feeling of space which I quite like.
International First Buffet
There is quite a decent selection of self service food available for those who select not to dine formally. Salads, sandwiches, soups, desserts and more are all available.
Drinks, Anyone?
Drinks in the International First lounge are self-service. There is tea, coffee, water and juice as well as selection of soft drinks and mixers. Nibbles and crisps are also provided to go with your drink.
It’s The Bathroom
Happily the bathrooms are quite well presented. The men’s room features dual sinks, dual urinals and dual cubicles. Hopefully that means no waiting!
Overall Thoughts
The service and food in the American Airlines International First Lounge at London Heathrow is arguably on par with other airlines first class offerings. The attention from the staff and the friendly and personable Teresa really elevate this lounge to a decent level.
While some of the decor is questionable, the food and drink offering – while not extensive – make up for any perceived shortcomings. In fact, the dining room is a pleasant area with delicious food served. The menu is quite small but there is nothing wrong with the quality of the food.
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Thanks for this review, as I’ll be flying out of Heathrow on AA first class next April. Question: How does this compare to the BA First Class lounge in Terminal 3? I’ll be arriving at LHR on a BA first class flight from SJC connecting to a BA flight in business class to Lisbon from terminal 3, so understand I’d have access to BA’s first class lounge. Also, can one arriving in BA first class on an intercontinental flight access this lounge as an arrival’s lounge or would I be limited to the arrival’s lounge in Terminal 5? Thanks.
This lounge may be closed at that point as it is due for renovation. The BA First Class lounge in Terminal 3 is very good, so you can use that. My choice would be to use the Cathay Pacific First Class lounge as I think it’s the best one there. Qantas are due to open a brand new T3 lounge later this year, so it may be the best one of all. I do believe you do get access if you have arrived off a First Class flight. Enjoy your trip!