cfischer

so you were flying coach and business at the same time ... that's interesting ...

DELee

Probably got one of those "straddle" deals.

David

Microwave

I believe the reply was saying that many 1Ks fly through LHR, in both Y and J.

goodeats21

Or....I flew thru LHR more than once since it re-opened.

Yes, that too...

IAH-OIL-TRASH

The current "lounge" is a United Club. They are not going to turn it into a Polaris Lounge and forego a UC. The problem at LHR is that the former GFL is too small to be converted into a Polaris Lounge (and certainly too small to be a UC). If UA wants a Polaris Lounge at LHR they're going to have to find/create a larger space than the old GFL. They could make that new space a Polaris Lounge or make it a UC and convert the existing UC into a Polaris Lounge. Doesn't seem to be any movement currently in that direction. Summer's been great for United, but only a more significant return of business travel is likely to get UA moving on a LHR Polaris Lounge. I've looked at flights in the fall/winter to/from London and they seem somewhat below pre-pandemic levels, load-wise.

Xyzzy

IMHO the biggest benefit of the PL is the ability to eat a decent meal on the ground prior to an overnight flight. Given the fact that UA flights out of LHR are all daytime flights I don't think the need for a PL is anywhere as big as it is at the dmestic UA hubs.

IAH-OIL-TRASH

Yeah, it would also be predominantly a departure lounge (versus Stateside lounges that see a lot of connecting traffic coming off Polaris flights). Still, there are definitely periods at LHR with multiple departures that would need a sizeable lounge capacity to accomodate. The flights aren't exactly spread out evenly through the day. And a Polaris Lounge is likely to attract more passengers from other *A carriers than the UC does. Example - if I was on AC out of LHR, I'd definitely go to the Polaris Lounge instead of AC's.

Silver Fox

I wonder how much of the crowding is down to people that are using it who are not on UA metal.

IAH-OIL-TRASH

At the United Club, I'm guessing not much. Not sure the UC is that much better than the other *A lounges at LHR. I'm guessing any strays from other airlines might be balanced by UA strays to their lounges. A Polaris Lounge, however, would draw other airlines' passengers, IMHO.

Air Houston

Also… The food selections at the current United Club at LHR far exceed what’s available at domestic United Clubs, so that makes the lack of a Polaris Lounge less of an issue than if the UC had only the typical domestic offerings.

n8-the-gr8

Hmm - in the "GS lounge" they had decorations on the 4th but none of the "american food" you mention. While it's nice to have a less crowded space, I do wish they mirrored the full food selection in both sides of the UC. I did find it odd to put up decorations and not actually do anything special food wise

IAH-OIL-TRASH

I thought there were hot dogs? Looks like hot dog buns in upper right of photo...

n8-the-gr8

Right - those photos were from the "regular" United Club setup. The separate Global Services side of the club had decorations but none of the "American" food items (though the desserts were mostly the same).

colbyseider

My wife and I will be arriving at LHR in a few weeks in the early morning but we won't be able to access our accommodations until mid-afternoon. Our accommodations will be providing a car service from LHR into London but we have no place to hang out until we can get into our flat.

Neither of us have any kind of status and we will be flying economy. Is it possible to buy access to the United Club for a few hours?

Thanks in advance.

AUSNYCflyer

Yes you can buy access to the United Club at LHR assuming you’re flying on UA (or Star alliance partner). You should be able to buy passes at the door but can also get passes on the app/website in advance. I believe the going rate is $59 USD per person. There may also be club access + economy plus bundles available for your reservation if that’s of interest.