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Cathay Pacific reopens London Heathrow lounge

Jan. 17, 2022
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3 min read
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Cathay Pacific reopens London Heathrow lounge
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London Heathrow Terminal 3 is getting its groove back.

One of the finest airline lounges at Heathrow, Cathay Pacific has now reopened its flagship loafing area in T3 following closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located close to Gate 11 in T3, and open from 5:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily, it welcomes back first and business class passengers and selected members of the Marco Polo Club and Oneworld partner program members including British Airways Executive Club Silver and Gold members.

Related: The ultimate guide to Cathay Pacific first class

Frankly, there are few better ways to drown out the distractions of the U.K.’s busiest air hub than unwinding with one of the lounge’s sumptuous cocktails and watching the world go by. Its food options are a joy, including the Noodle Bar, which wouldn’t look out of place in any Michelin guide (grub arrives in small bamboo baskets), a ‘grab and go’ Food Hall and, for First Class passengers — the á la carte Dining Room which boasts a hearty menu of comfort food classics.

Photo by Daniel Ross / The Points Guy

Dripping with architectural swag, the space is designed to feel like a warm, contemporary apartment, using natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows and eye-catching furniture. For those needing a bit more stimuli, the shower facilities are enough to cure any long-haul jetlag too.

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Related: Stellar Service: Cathay Pacific in Economy From Los Angeles to Hong Kong

Currently, all flights from the U.K. into Hong Kong have been suspended until 21 January, which makes the reopening of the lounge even bigger news for Cathay Pacific. The Hong Kong-based carrier has been badly impacted by the pandemic, recently divulging that traffic figures in November 2020 had fallen 93.7 percent compared to the year before. As such you can expect the lounge to be very quiet and peaceful.

With any luck, normal service will be resumed fairly soon, when once again you can expect a lot of lounge users to make final boarding by the skin of their teeth.

How do I get into the Cathay Pacific lounge?

To gain access into the Cathay Pacific business-class lounge is Oneworld Sapphire elite status (AAdvantage Platinum status), but you can then enter even when flying in economy on any of the Oneworld alliance airlines departing from Terminal 3. It goes without saying that as a passenger flying in business or first class with Cathay or any of the Oneworld member airlines, you also get access.

The carrier also has an agreement in place with Finnair, as well as American Airlines which allows Admirals Club lounge members traveling on a Oneworld carrier to access the lounge.

If you are flying British Airways from Terminal 3 and have lounge access (either from status or class of service) we highly recommend the Cathay Pacific lounge over the British Airways lounge in the same terminal.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.