By shortly after 7AM we left terminal three for terminal four, where our Malaysia Airlines flight would be departing from. Heathrow Airport is the world’s biggest cluster%&^*, and it’s indescribably frustrating how complicated it is to transit between terminals. We had to take the Heathrow Express between terminals which is actually probably one of the easier connections. It took about 15 minutes for the train to arrive, and then it was about a five minute ride to terminal four.
Heathrow Express station
Terminal four is sort of the SkyTeam and “reject” terminal at Heathrow (I know what you’re thinking, and I agree, I just won’t say it. 😉
It houses all the airlines that don’t really belong elsewhere, so it sure is an interesting place.
Terminal four
Malaysia’s check-in desk is located at the far end of the terminal, and at the very right were the first and business class check-in counters.
Malaysia Airlines check-in
The check-in process was fast, and within about two minutes we were given our boarding pass and invited to use the Fast Track security lane. The security queue wasn’t very long, and within about five minutes we were airside. The Golden Lounge is located adjacent to gate six, and shares an entrance with the Gulf Air lounge.
Terminal four airside
Signage to lounge
Lounge entrance
At the entrance we were welcomed by a friendly agent that directed us right towards the first class portion of the lounge.
Lounge reception desk
There was no one else in the first class lounge, and it was actually a really nice space. It was beautifully decorated and furnished, with plenty of seating. I assume it will get a bit busier now that Malaysia has joined OneWorld and Emerald members get first class lounge access, but for an airline with an otherwise small first class cabin and (I assume) not many top tier elites, the lounge was huge.
First class lounge seating
First class lounge seating
We took a seat in a pretty private area at the far end of the lounge.
First class lounge seating
There was also an extensive buffet area which hadn’t yet been set up, and a bar that is between the business and first class lounge, so can be accessed by passengers from both sides.
Buffet
Bar
The first class section of the lounge was separated from the business class section by a glass door near the bar.
Looking towards the business class lounge
The lounge also boasted awesome tarmac and runway views, and I could even look straight into the cockpit of the Delta 767 parked immediately below the lounge.
Tarmac views
Tarmac views
As soon as we settled in a friendly server came by to introduce herself and offer us drinks. She explained that the buffet would be fully setup within about 15 minutes. At that point I had a look at the spread, and while I didn’t have anything, I was impressed by the buffet. It featured a pretty extensive spread with both western and Malaysian options.
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast buffet
Drink selection
There was even an a la carte menu.
A la carte menu
The first class lounge also featured a couple of private bathrooms as well as a shower.
Bathroom
Shower
The shower had Salvatore Ferragamo t0iletries — impressive!
Toiletries
I spent the next couple of hours getting caught up on work. Throughout the entire time we were in the lounge only one other passenger joined us in the lounge, so it was a great place to relax. The server was extremely attentive throughout our stay, and checked with us every 15 or so minutes to see if we wanted anything else.
As we were getting ready to leave I noticed a room labeled “The Retreat” near the kitchen. For the entirety of our stay I assumed the door led to the kitchen, but in reality it was a pretty cool dark room with some massage and relaxation chairs. We only had a couple of minutes to spend there, but in the future would definitely spend more time in there.
The Retreat
Massage chairs
Relaxation chairs
At around 10:15AM we left the lounge for gate five, which was only a two minute walk from the lounge. The gate area was crowded, though within a few minutes first and business class boarding was announced.
Departure gate
Our A380 to Kuala Lumpur
Our A380 to Kuala Lumpur
I could hardly wait to see what was awaiting us aboard.
For an outstation lounge I thought this was one of the nicest lounges out there. It was extremely private, and I loved the furnishings, service, food, and views. If only Malaysia’s lounge in Kuala Lumpur were half as nice…
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