American Airlines operate an International First Class Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 3. This lounge is for first class passengers, AA ConciergeKey and Executive Platinum frequent flyers as well as oneworld Emerald level passengers.
The airline is currently rolling out a new Flagship Lounge product and this lounge is scheduled to be upgraded in 2018. That being said, the lounge features many positive aspects at the moment so let’s take a look.
Lounge Entrance
A common entrance exists for the Admiral’s Club and the International First lounge. Once you show your boarding pass, you are directed directly to your right to the frosted doors.
Lounge desk staff press a button and the automatic doors magically open. A member of the first lounge staff welcome you at the door and you are immediately offered a glass of Champagne. Noting it is Moët, I accepted a glass.
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- American Lounge entrance
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- Doors to the promised land!
Supervising the lounge is Teresa who is employed by American Airlines. All other employees are provided by a company called Rhubarb, all of whom provide a polished service.
This arrangement is similar to the Qantas International First Class lounge in Sydney. Down there, the staff are training and supplied by Sofitel.
International First Dining Room
In line with other top first class lounges around the world, there is a dining room provided. People can relax at tables covered with crisp white linen tablecloths and order from the menu.
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- AA First Dining Room
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- Another view of the room
As the lounge is open from 5:30am to 6:45pm the menu features breakfast and an afternoon menu. I arrived around 5pm and found I was one of two guests in the lounge.
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- International First Lounge Menu
After checking out the menu I decided to order the Oven Roasted Rump of Lamb with Jersey Royal Potatoes and Goat’s Cheese cured. It took approximately ten minutes for the meal to be delivered.
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- My meal is delivered!
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- Beautiful food presented well
Flavoursome is the word that springs to mind to describe the meal. The lamb is cooked to perfection, the potatoes an explosion of taste and and everything goes so well together. Well done American for choosing Rhubarb to provide the lounge food.
Feel Like Some Television?
There are two television rooms, one with dining tables and one with easy chairs. Both are separate from the rest of the lounge and you can’t hear any noise from them.
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- Dine and watch
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- Relax, chill and watch
I never watch television in the lounge so I am not sure how popular these areas are. It will be interesting to see what they become when the lounge is refurbished.
A Look At The Furnishings
It is clear that the furnishings could do with a change. There is too much brown and beige and I think it looks a little tired. The lounge is split level which enhances the feeling of space which I quite like.
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- Main seating on the upper level
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- Alas the windows have no view
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- There are four computers
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- Looking down a corridor
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- Seating by the buffet
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- More seating for diners
Dining is on the lower level and relaxing is on the upper level. Four computers are provided for those who may not have a personal device to use.
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- High chairs and charge points
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- Free newspapers
Despite the fact that some of the furnishings are not to my taste, the overall effect is still quite good. It could be better but I am sure it will be great once it is renovated.
International First Buffet
There is quite a decent selection of self service food available for those who select not to dine formally. Salads, sandwiches, soups, desserts and more are all available.
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- Selections for Lunch
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- How about Afternoon Tea?
All of the food is very well presented which attracts some attention. I would have eaten so much more if I wasn’t already full from a previous lounge visit.
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- Little baby sandwiches
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- Sandwiches resembling sliders
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- Scones!
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- Macaroons and finger sandwiches
Light options such as healthy salads and other nibbles are available. The plates everything is laid upon ooze quality and class – I really like these.
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- Salads and cheese
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- Light bites and little sweets
Everyone will find something to please their palate in this lounge. While there is not a stupid amount of options, I think what is provided is perfectly adequate.
Drinks, Anyone?
Drinks in the International First lounge are self-service. There is tea, coffee, water and juice as well as selection of soft drinks and mixers. Nibbles and crisps are also provided to go with your drink.
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- Juice and nibbles
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- Tea and coffee
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- All of the bottles of spirits
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- Red and white wine
Various spirits are available as well as the makings for things like a Bloody Mary. Red and white wine is provided as well which is standard for airline lounges.
It’s The Bathroom
Happily the bathrooms are quite well presented. The men’s room features dual sinks, dual urinals and dual cubicles. Hopefully that means no waiting!
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- Sinks and mirrors
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- Hand products
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- Dual urinals
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- Throne room!
Everything is clean and tidy which I expect from a premium facility. When the lounge changes, I don’t really see what they could change here as it is fine.
Overall Thoughts
The service and food in the American Airlines International First Lounge at London Heathrow is arguably on par with other airlines first class offerings. The attention from the staff and the friendly and personable Teresa really elevate this lounge to a decent level.
While some of the decor is questionable, the food and drink offering – while not extensive – make up for any perceived shortcomings. In fact, the dining room is a pleasant area with delicious food served. The menu is quite small but there is nothing wrong with the quality of the food.
Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Thanks for this review, as I’ll be flying out of Heathrow on AA first class next April. Question: How does this compare to the BA First Class lounge in Terminal 3? I’ll be arriving at LHR on a BA first class flight from SJC connecting to a BA flight in business class to Lisbon from terminal 3, so understand I’d have access to BA’s first class lounge. Also, can one arriving in BA first class on an intercontinental flight access this lounge as an arrival’s lounge or would I be limited to the arrival’s lounge in Terminal 5? Thanks.
This lounge may be closed at that point as it is due for renovation. The BA First Class lounge in Terminal 3 is very good, so you can use that. My choice would be to use the Cathay Pacific First Class lounge as I think it’s the best one there. Qantas are due to open a brand new T3 lounge later this year, so it may be the best one of all. I do believe you do get access if you have arrived off a First Class flight. Enjoy your trip!