Update on LHR lounge?
 

Does anyone have any further information on the CX lounge at LHR T3? Construction progress? Prospective opening? Configuration? Swamping with Admirals' Club refugees (like me)?

Thanks,

Mike

No sign of progress in the construction, I'm guessing that it won't open before Nov. 1 (when QF starts LHR-HKG service, increasing the competitive pressure) and maybe not for several years given the usual pace of LHR construction. The BA F lounge in T1 was 6 months late in opening despite being a super-high priority project (as BA had moved someF service over to T1 promising having an F lounge as part of the move); CX won't fare as well on its lounge schedule.

All things considered, the AA lounge isn't actually all that bad; it just gets awfully crowded especially for the CX250 departure when AA have about three or four flights heading to the US East Coast as well.

It is better (and less crowded even with all those AA flights) than the CX lounge at LAX, for example. But LHR lounge standards are a bit different; I suppose the situation won't improve until T5 is built -- and they roof is taking shape nicely now.

The last I heard was about a month ago from CX in London that the lounge should be in place by mid August.

I don't think think the AA FL is very nice, in terms of the quality of food/drinks...and there are only 2 computers. The room itself is reasonably attractive, but otherwise, it's a big step down from BA F lounges/Concorde Room, or of course the Wing/Pier (the big advantage of the BA lounges is the quality of the drinks, such as JW Blue, and premium champagne in the Concorde Room).

Is the CX lounge meant to have both business and first sections or are they planning a first only lounge?

Mike

GB is right. The lounge will open its doors in mid August and there will be both business and first sections. Talking about AA's Flagship Lounge in LHR, I was surprised to see the absence of bubbly as it's a must at the ones in LAX/ORD/BOS.

The FL serves champagne at LHR (Heidsieck, same as at the other FLs). But it is "on request" and kept out of site (while the other FLs have it on display in an ice bucket). Those in the know can order it, while others are left thirsting for more. Quintessentially LHR.

Thanks for sharing this piece of intelligence! FYI, LAX has replaced Heidsieck with Moet but I don't think this swtich would be extended to other FLs.

Oh good; one of the things I was worried about was that it'd be a move to a "single room" type lounge.

I will however not be impressed if the F lounge is a tiny closet off a bigger closet. Is LHR T3 space not at a bit of a premium?

Arrival Lounge at LHR and FRA
 

Slightly OT but since on the topic of CX Lounges -- on a recent flight from SFO to HKG as we were on final approach into HKG on the monitors CX was announcing Arrival Lounge facilities in LHR and FRA. However, there wasn't any additional information or I kept missing it...... can anyone shed light on this? Thanks....

I don't know the full answer to your question but pax flying CX in F get access to the AA arrivals lounge at Heathrow.

The ground staff I talked to didn't elaborate on how the two sections are separated. Cross fingers it won't be like LAX/NRT/TPE...yes the "single room" type lounge.

I think NRT is really poor...just a big room with a FC "section", whereas I think the TPE lounge is pretty nice, with a seperate closed off room for First in the back of the lounge area with its own (somewhat limited) additional food and amenities, and a nice noodle bar for all.