Good news for Virgin Atlantic and Delta travelers from London Heathrow, as the carriers will shortly return to Terminal 3. Virgin Atlantic will also re-open its swanky Clubhouse lounge.
Virgin Atlantic, Delta Return To Terminal 3, Re-Open Clubhouse
Heathrow Terminal 3 was slated to be used for so-called “red list” travel; travel to and from countries like India which the UK government deemed a higher pandemic risk. However, Terminal 4 has and will continue to serve that role, clearing the way for Virgin Atlantic and Delta to return to the familiar confines of T3. The move is set for July 15th, just days ahead of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s self-declared “Freedom Day” in which most coronavirus-related restrictions will be lifted.
Virgin Atlantic has told passengers:
“Alongside partner Delta Air Lines, you’ll be safely welcomed back to the award-winning facilities, where all customers will receive the famous Virgin Atlantic welcome in the airline’s dedicated area in the terminal, along with flexible check-in options and warm hospitality.
“Virgin Atlantic Upper Class customers, Flying Club Gold members and other eligible customers will once again be able to enjoy access to the award-winning Clubhouse, Revivals lounge and Upper Class Wing, which will also reopen from 15 July.”
It is not clear whether Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse service will resemble pre-pandemic levels or will be more limited due to ongoing pandemic concerns. In any case, you can bet that it will offer guests a better experience than the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2, currently used by Upper Class and Gold passengers.
You can read my full review of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse here.
While Delta and Virgin Atlantic have announced the move back to T3, other airlines have not followed. T3 is home to the best lounges in Heathrow Airport, including:
- American Airlines International First Class Lounge London (LHR) Review
- American Airlines Admirals Club London (LHR) Review
- British Airways Galleries Lounge – London Heathrow T3 (LHR) Review
- British Airways Galleries First Lounge London (LHR – T3) Review
- Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge London (LHR) Review
- Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge London (LHR) Review
- Qantas Lounge London (LHR – T3) Review
- Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – London (LHR) Review
Cathay Pacific and Qantas have not resumed service to London Heathrow yet, American Airlines will likely remain in Terminal 5, and British Airways does not need the space in T3 right now while its flight operations remain limited.
CONCLUSION
For Virgin Atlantic and Delta travelers this is an exciting time. After more than a year, operations will return to Terminal 3. Virgin Atlantic will also immediately re-open its Upper Class Wing and Clubhouse lounge.
image: Virgin Atlantic
My favorite lounge in Europe.
I also see that VA is intending to resume flights IAD-LHR on August 1. I wonder if that will be accompanied by reopening the IAD VA lounge. I only occasionally flew VA from IAD (I like them, but the connections I needed were better on BA), but the VA lounge was PP in the morning, when UA flew a lot of regionals out of the A gates, so appreciated that it was there.
Is England actually planning on opening to Americans??????????
It already is. The question is whether we will need to self-quarantine.
Yes, Americans can come into the UK, but Brits are not allowed into the US. (unless they have a Green Card). 😮
Excellent lounge, my go to at LHR!