So this installment is a bit out of chronological order, since we didn’t use a lounge prior to our flight to New York. Instead we just checked out of the Sheraton as late as possible, and headed straight to the airport and onto the flight.
That being said, on this trip I also separately flew London to Miami on American, which I won’t be writing about (in the interest of time). Prior to that morning flight I checked out the Cathay Pacific Lounge London Heathrow.
There are three oneworld first class lounges at London Heathrow Terminal 3:
- The American Airlines Flagship Lounge
- The British Airways Galleries First Lounge
- The Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
While I’ve checked out the Flagship and Galleries Lounges more times than I can count, I had previously never visited the Cathay Pacific Lounge, and I’m not sure why.
So I figured I’d finally check it out. The Cathay Pacific Lounge is located in the “C Lounge” cluster of the terminal, which is a bit further from the American gates than the American or British Airways lounges. That being said, we’re maybe talking about an extra two minutes of walking, so it’s not a big deal. Cathay is known for some of the best airport lounges in the world, and some of my favorite, so I was eager to check this one out.
Cathay Pacific Lounge London Heathrow entrance
The lounge is open Mondays through Saturdays from 5:30AM until 10PM, and Sundays from 7:30AM until 10:30PM.
Cathay Pacific Lounge London Heathrow hours
The entryway was the same as just about every other Cathay Pacific lounge I’ve been to, with a marble wall and a cardboard cutout of a Cathay Pacific flight attendant.
Cathay Pacific Lounge London Heathrow entrance
There were a couple of elevators, which take you up a level, where the lounge is located.
Cathay Pacific Lounge London Heathrow elevators
At the entryway I presented my American first class boarding pass, and was admitted to the first class section of the lounge, which is located just behind the elevators.
At the time I was the only guest in the lounge. While the first class lounge isn’t really stylish, it’s functional and modern. There are a variety of seating options, from couches to individual lounge chairs to the circular red cubicle couch thingies.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow seating
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow seating
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow seating
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow seating
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow seating
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow seating
Overall it struck me as a very large first class lounge.
In the back left corner of the lounge was a rack with some magazines and newspapers.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow magazines & newspapers
Next to it was the buffet and dining area. The dining area consisted of a handful of two person tables.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow dining area
Behind the tables was the door to the business class lounge, which is also where the restrooms and showers are located. The door easily opened in both directions, so presumably someone could sneak into the first class lounge if they wanted to.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow door
The buffet itself was quite good for a breakfast buffet.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow buffet
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow buffet
It featured fresh fruit, granola, smoothies, fruit parfaits, cereal, oatmeal, croissants, pastries, etc.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow buffet
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow buffet
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow buffet
Then there was an espresso machine, as well as tea, cookies, and some outrageously tasty popcorn.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow espresso machine
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow buffet
The alcohol selection was reasonably good as well, both in terms of variety and quality.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow alcohol selection
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow wine selection
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow alcohol selection
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow alcohol selection
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow beverage selection
The lounge looks out over the Terminal 3 tarmac and the runways in the distance, so does boast some nice views.
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London Heathrow view
Cathay Pacific London Heathrow Lounge bottom line
Is this as nice as Cathay Pacific’s flagship First Class Wing Lounge in Hong Kong? Nope.
Is this as nice as some of the other top lounges at Heathrow, like the British Airways Concorde Room and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse? Nope.
But of the three oneworld lounges in Terminal 3 I definitely think it’s the best option. I’d return here any day over the Flagship Lounge or Galleries First Lounge.
How about you — what’s your preferred oneworld lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3?
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