London's Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse restricting access for some elite members
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Virgin Atlantic has implemented new access restrictions for its flagship Clubhouse lounge at London's Heathrow Airport (LHR). The changes affect Delta Air Lines and SkyTeam frequent flyers. Many Delta Medallion elites will not be happy with this change.
Following the changes, Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion status holders and Air France-KLM Platinum status holders will no longer be able to access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow's Terminal 3 unless they're flying with a Premium Select or Delta One fare.
Diamond and Platinum status holders flying on economy, Comfort +, Main Cabin and basic economy fares will instead receive access to the nearby Club Aspire lounge in Terminal 3. Eligible Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand customers can also access this lounge.
Related: How to unlock incredible value with Virgin Atlantic points
The Club Aspire lounge — also accessible to Priority Pass members — is notoriously busy and often full in TPG's experience. The changes came into effect June 13.
Access to the LHR Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse will remain unchanged for passengers traveling in Upper Class, Delta One and Aeromexico Premier. Virgin Atlantic Gold Card holders will also continue to receive Clubhouse access.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson confirmed with TPG that the airline is not currently expecting to roll the changes out to other locations, and only Heathrow's Clubhouse lounge is affected.
What are your other LHR Terminal 3 lounge options?
Aside from the Club Aspire lounge, if you are a Priority Pass holder and flying on an economy fare, you can also enter the No. 1 Lounge.
If you are a Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express card holder, we recommend checking out the terminal's American Express Centurion Lounge.
Bottom line
Previously, Delta and SkyTeam elite members flying in economy were able to access the renowned Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounge. This is no longer possible for some elite status holders.
Affected passengers can, however, visit the Club Aspire lounge as an alternative. If you are a Priority Pass member or hold an Amex Platinum card, you have additional lounge options in Terminal 3, including the No. 1 Lounge and Amex Centurion Lounge.
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