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American Airlines Reopens International First Class Lounge at London-Heathrow

James Larounis's image
James Larounis
James Larounis's image

James Larounis

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James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in...
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Within the American Airlines Admirals Club at London’s Heathrow Airport is a special International First Class Lounge section, reserved for select passengers. This lounge has been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has finally reopened for guests.

Here’s what you need to know!

Where Is the International First Class Lounge?

The International First Class Lounge is located within the Admirals Club for American Airlines at Terminal 3, Lounge Section H. Once you proceed through security and immigration, you walk through an atrium of shops and restaurants, and the lounges are 1 after the other in a row.

Look for section H, and you’ll see the Admirals Club branding. At the Admirals Club check-in desk is where you’ll present your credentials and be given access.

How to Access the International First Class Lounge

There’s basically 2 ways you can get into this section of the lounge:

  • If you’re traveling first class on American Airlines or any Oneworld partner, you’re allowed access for yourself and 1 guest.
  • If you’re a Oneworld Emerald flying on a Oneworld flight, you’re allowed in with 1 guest.

It’s worth noting that the nearby Qantas Lounge and Cathay Pacific Lounge lounge offer far better options for Oneworld Emerald and first class customers.

American Airlines Boeing 777 300 Flagship First seat 1A half reclined
If you’re traveling in first class on a Oneworld carrier, you can use the International First Class Lounge at LHR. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

What To Expect at the International First Class Lounge

This isn’t a full-fledged Flagship Lounge, but there are a few upgrades over the normal Admirals Club, such as a better food selection and more private seating. That said, if you’re looking for better amenities and a truly first class experience, you’ll want to utilize the nearby Oneworld partner lounges.

All in all its an upgraded experience from the Admirals Club, but not nearly as good as the partner lounges.

The lounge is open from 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., open for most Oneworld departures throughout the day.

Hot Tip: Be sure to check on the American Airlines and Oneworld website to see what lounges you have access to, as there are many Oneworld lounges in Terminal 3 at London-Heathrow!

Final Thoughts

While this isn’t the best premium lounge at Heathrow, it’s definitely nice to have another option as the other nearby lounges can become crowded. In addition, for passengers on American, it may be helpful to be near the American customer service desks inside the Admirals Club for ticketing assistance.

James Larounis's image

About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

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