Lounge Access Changes for Delta and SkyTeam Elites Flying Through Heathrow

Updated: June 16, 2023, 10:41am CDT

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Delta Lounge Access at Heathrow
Final Thoughts

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Delta and SkyTeam frequent flyers, take note.

In the name of customer experience, access to Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse at its hub airport of London Heathrow (LHR) has become more restrictive.

“To ensure our customers continue to receive the experience our Clubhouse at London Heathrow is famous for, from 13th June, we’re making a few changes to the entry requirements,” said a spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic.

Here are the details.

Delta Lounge Access at Heathrow

Despite operating flights to 8 U.S. cities from Heathrow’s Terminal 3, Delta doesn’t have its own lounge.

As such, and thanks to Delta’s close relationship with Virgin Atlantic, Delta has been able to offer its most premium passengers access to Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse — the U.K. carrier’s flagship lounge offering.

Don’t worry, though, most Delta passengers who had access to the lounge before will still have access to the Clubhouse now, including, of course, passengers flying on with a Delta One ticket.

Here’s the comprehensive list of which passengers will continue to have access:

Upper Class, Delta One, and Aeromexico Premier ticket holders
Delta Diamond Medallion and Delta and Air France-KLM Platinum cardholders with Premium or Delta Premium select tickets

Virgin Atlantic A350 Upper Suite LHR Clubhouse armchair — Select Delta passengers will continue to have access to the Virgin Clubhouse at LHR T3. Image Credit: Daniel Ross.

The changes will mainly affect elite status holders who are flying in economy who will now have access to the terminal’s Club Aspire Lounge (as shown in the top image) rather than the Clubhouse. This lounge is also accessible to those with a Priority Pass membership.

Bottom Line:

By restricting access to its Heathrow Clubhouse, Virgin is attempted to reduce overcrowding to make for a more exclusive ground experience for its Upper Class and Gold elite passengers.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer Delta Air Lines Diamond and Platinum cardholders who are travelling Economy and eligible SkyTeam Elite Plus customers entry to the Club Aspire Lounge which is just a short walk away from the Clubhouse,” said the Virgin Atlantic spokesperson.

Some Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand frequent flyers will also have access to the Club Aspire Lounge.

If you do find yourself flying in economy from Terminal 3 and you have a Platinum Card^® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, then an alternative lounge option would be the stunning American Express Centurion Lounge — the newest addition to the terminal.

Hot Tip:

There are several credit cards for Delta flyers that are worth considering for their benefits such as lounge access, upgrades, priority boarding, and more.

Final Thoughts

Virgin Atlantic is the latest airline to make changes to its lounge access policy in favor of creating a less-busy, more relaxing, and more exclusive space for its most elite passengers.

Delta and SkyTeam elites do have an alternative lounge in Club Aspire Lounge, and there are also other options in T3 for those holding a Priority Pass membership or a card such as the Amex Platinum card.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.