Oneworld Lounges at Heathrow (LHR)

[MJ Coliandris]

I probably agree with this policy, but it may set a precedent elsewhere. For instance if Cathay introduced the same for their Heathrow First Lounge it would be a big blow, although there hardly ever seems to be a discernible ‘busy period’ in there, even prior to the departure of the Hong Kong flights.

On a related note, now that passengers connecting onto Jetstar no longer frequent the SIN First lounge either, it really will become Qantas Elites only.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I probably agree with this policy, but it may set a precedent elsewhere. For instance if Cathay introduced the same for their Heathrow First Lounge it would be a big blow, although there hardly ever seems to be a discernible ‘busy period’ in there, even prior to the departure of the Hong Kong flights

There are several reports over the last few months of CX F Lounge LHR doing exactly the same. I have also had a family member refused access there QF Plat flying BA.

 

[Himeno]

There are several reports over the last few months of CX F Lounge LHR doing exactly the same. I have also had a family member refused access there QF Plat flying BA.

Might have to check that next time I'm at LHR.
BA > QF in late Jan. 5 hour connection.

 

[MJ Coliandris]

I’m getting the sense that airlines are going to start reserving lounges for their own Elite flyers & people at the front of their plane & that’s it. In a lot of cases this is a sensible policy - just look at the madness that is the BA T5 lounge - ‘First’ in name only.

It will certainly simplify matters for passengers & staff when it comes to access rules. How much time do the front desk waste explaining to people why they can’t come in?

I’m always a little peeved that as a Platinum FF I get off a first class ticketed Qantas flight in SIN & after changing terminals for my onward Jetstar flight, I can’t access the Cathay Lounge, but at least I know where I stand.

 

[MJ Coliandris]

I’ll be flying BA from Heathrow T3 early in the New Year, so I’ll report back regarding Cathay First access. I would certainly miss their breakfast!

 

[jase05]

I’ll be flying BA from Heathrow T3 early in the New Year, so I’ll report back regarding Cathay First access. I would certainly miss their breakfast!

My last visit to CX F lounge in T3 I walked out pretty much straight away. Was packed and they were just starting to turn away those trying to enter. Went to the BA F lounge and had a very good breakfast instead and it was practically deserted

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I’m getting the sense that airlines are going to start reserving lounges for their own Elite flyers & people at the front of their plane & that’s it. In a lot of cases this is a sensible policy - just look at the madness that is the BA T5 lounge - ‘First’ in name only.

Yes, but the BA F lounge is exactly that… it’s not for first class passengers. It for status pax in business and the economies.

 

[justinbrett]

Yes, but the BA F lounge is exactly that… it’s not for first class passengers. It for status pax in business and the economies.

The BA F (which should be called WP) lounge in LHR T5 is particularly bad though, and the T3 lounge is even worse. It's a very poor offering if you had just shelled out 10K on a return J ticket. At least QR has a real J (not SG) lounge.

I follow Matt's Planet on YouTube and he ranked both the QF and CX J lounges ahead of BA & AA F lounges in T3.

And then you look at AA's flagship lounges on the other side which are offered to SG which I would take any day of the week over BA F in either terminal.

I still prefer the BA J inflight service over AA but it's getting close to the point where I will choose AA for transatlantic.

 

[jase05]

The BA F (which should be called WP) lounge in LHR T5 is particularly bad though, and the T3 lounge is even worse. It's a very poor offering if you had just shelled out 10K on a return J ticket. At least QR has a real J (not SG) lounge.

I follow Matt's Planet on YouTube and he ranked both the QF and CX J lounges ahead of BA & AA F lounges in T3.

And then you look at AA's flagship lounges on the other side which are offered to SG which I would take any day of the week over BA F in either terminal.

I still prefer the BA J inflight service over AA but it's getting close to the point where I will choose AA for transatlantic.

Obviously YMMV but I do find the BA T5 F lounge a bit of a zoo and not great but I don’t mind the BA T3 F lounge and rate it higher than all the other OW T3 lounges

 

[justinbrett]

Obviously YMMV but I do find the BA T5 F lounge a bit of a zoo and not great but I don’t mind the BA T3 F lounge and rate it higher than all the other OW T3 lounges

Higher than CX F? Surely you jest.

 

[jase05]

Higher than CX F? Surely you jest.

I think the CX F standards have slipped the last few years. I always had it above the BA F lounge but last half a dozen visits have been average to the point that in March I walked out almost immediately such was the poor food offerings.
I usually depart in the mornings so perhaps that makes a difference as I really enjoy the Brekky in the BA lounge

 

[justinbrett]

I think the CX F standards have slipped the last few years. I always had it above the BA F lounge but last half a dozen visits have been average to the point that in March I walked out almost immediately such was the poor food offerings.
I usually depart in the mornings so perhaps that makes a difference as I really enjoy the Brekky in the BA lounge

I'm pretty sure BA's standards have slipped more.

Video above confirmed the food & beverage is identical between the F & J lounges. I walked in and spent about 5 minutes there last year, got a glass of champagne and no food looked appetising. The food at CX F was quite good, similar the The Pier at HKG with a slightly smaller selection. It was brunch so not really busy in any of the lounges.

 

[jase05]

I'm pretty sure BA's standards have slipped more.

Video above confirmed the food & beverage is identical between the F & J lounges. I walked in and spent about 5 minutes there last year, got a glass of champagne and no food looked appetising. The food at CX F was quite good, similar the The Pier at HKG with a slightly smaller selection. It was brunch so not really busy in any of the lounges.

March this year was my last experience and the Brekky was superb at BA F. Added bonus that it was near empty.
I’m not through there until probably June again but I’ll try them all out again for curio

 

[Princess Fiona]

March this year was my last experience and the Brekky was superb at BA F. Added bonus that it was near empty.
I’m not through there until probably June again but I’ll try them all out again for curio

I often go to the BA lounge in T3 in the mornings. It’s lovely and quiet.

The CX F lounge has good food in the dining area but it’s very tired, tatty furniture and badly in need of a refurb.

Also done a few departures this year from QR at T4. It’s small but very good service, lovely bathrooms especially compared with the run down aged care facility vibes at BA.

 

[Himeno]

Shortly after the LHR QF lounge opened, I had an AA LHR-LAX flight. Went to the CX F lounge for food, then over to QF. Ended up going to AA F as delays were getting posted for my flight and the AA lounge would have more info about what was happening.
When I got to the AA lounge, the staff member at the desk directed me into the J section (even with my emerald status). When I went back a short time later to ask a question, a different staff member questioned why I was on that side of the lounge and directed me over to the F side.

I haven't been in the T3 BA lounges since QF moved out into their own lounge.

 

[justinbrett]

I often go to the BA lounge in T3 in the mornings. It’s lovely and quiet.

I found all the oneworld lounges in T3 quiet in the mornings. In fact I would probably say QF was the quietest, and a good place to get a coffee.

I wonder how the rankings will look when QF F opens.