Heathrow no1 lounge-when to arrive..

snarffie

Hi,

Hope some experienced flyers might be able to help.  We are flying from Heathrow terminal 3 at 15;40 to Orlando in August and have booked spaces at the number 1 lounge.  I read that the lounge has a maximum stay of 3 hours. I’ve also read that the 3 hours maximum is related to departure time, so we could go in at 12:30 at the earliest. Does that sound right and what time would you arrive at the airport based on this? I’ve tried contacting the lounge, but keep getting cut off (I now realise that the lounge is actually a bit rubbish, but can’t cancel).

Also, once boarding is announced, how long does it take to walk to the departure gates (Virgin flight)? It’s been 10 years since last visiting T3, so I just can’t remember how spread out things are!

Thanks,

snarffie

daveyjp

Your arrival at the airport is dependent on how long before the flight baggage check in opens.

I know some airlines have 'open' baggage drop  and you can check in for flights at any time, but if isn't until three hours before the flight you won't get 3 hours in the lounge,

debsy42

We did exactly this last month, the lounge and same Virgin flight at 3:40pm

In reality you don't get 3 hours in the lounge. You can only go in exactly 3 hours before your flight leaves, not one second before.Your boarding pass is checked by the staff on reception. Boarding for the flight starts usually an hour before departure so for us we entered the lounge at 12:40pm and left at 2:40pm to get to the gate so 2 hours in there is about all you'll get.

The lounge isn't worth the money in my opinion, food was very limited and we ended up in the cinema part as there was no seating. Our £20 each would have been better spent elsewhere to buy food and drink.

The walk to the gate from the lounge is about 10-15 minutes

We arrived at the airport about 11am so really early, in fact the Virgin check-in lady commented how early we were, but we dropped our luggage no problem. Security was busy and took about 1/2 hour to go through.

snarffie

Thanks to both of you for your really helpful answers.

What a fantastic answer from debsy42 in particular-what more could I ask for!  We were thinking of arriving at 11am like you did, and looking at the problems we have had with delays on recent holidays, I’m minded to stick to that plan.  

I wish I’d done a bit more research though as I would have also opted to spend the money in an eatery in the airport instead of the lounge, particularly as it’s likely to be horribly busy in August.  At least we’ll be hitting the lounge with the lowest of expectations 

davelewis

I used the No 1 lounge in March on a P&O charter Virgin flight to Barbados. It was a great experience! I got in before the 3 hour rule (around 30 minutes before) and they also gave me a voucher for a free glass of champagne!

You'll have a great time in there 

snarffie

davelewis said:

You'll have a great time in there 

Don’t go raising my expectations again! 
 

I think we’re getting a free glass of champagne too. Will also try to get in early if we get through security a bit before 12:40…

MACKEM99

debsy42 said:

We did exactly this last month, the lounge and same Virgin flight at 3:40pm

In reality you don't get 3 hours in the lounge. You can only go in exactly 3 hours before your flight leaves, not one second before.Your boarding pass is checked by the staff on reception. Boarding for the flight starts usually an hour before departure so for us we entered the lounge at 12:40pm and left at 2:40pm to get to the gate so 2 hours in there is about all you'll get.

The lounge isn't worth the money in my opinion, food was very limited and we ended up in the cinema part as there was no seating. Our £20 each would have been better spent elsewhere to buy food and drink.

The walk to the gate from the lounge is about 10-15 minutes

We arrived at the airport about 11am so really early, in fact the Virgin check-in lady commented how early we were, but we dropped our luggage no problem. Security was busy and took about 1/2 hour to go through.

£20 each ..that's cheap!