United's "Global First" Lounge At London Heathrow: Mini Review

Intro

For avid United flyers, you probably used to know that United Airlines used to operate a Global First cabin way back when, and with that came United's Flagship "Global First" lounges at select locations. Well, most experts probably know, but for those who don't, the one in London is still sort of active today.

Let's break it down.

What Is It/Who Has Access

The United Club at Terminal 2 at Heathrow is one of the nicest clubs* in the whole UA network. Located next to Gate B35, this lounge is open to those with Star Alliance Gold on any Star Alliance flight out of London (no domestic *A from LHR), as well as business/first class passengers.

However, when you head upstairs to check in at the lounge, don't go straight ahead into the main part of the lounge, turn around and head to the ex "Global First" Lounge.

• Anyone has access to the ex 'Global First section of the lounge (I used to think it was 1K or above, but was told 2 weeks ago that anyone could access it)

• However, the lounge closes at 5:30 pm BST, unlike the rest of the lounge, which closes at 10 pm.

A Quiet Place To Relax

Unlike the main part of the lounge, this section of the lounge is much quieter in general for a few different reasons:

• People often don't know that this section exists.

• There is no bar on this side, so while you can walk over, get a drink, and then come back, it is more time-consuming and requires more movement.

• There is a buffet on this side of the lounge, but the options are much more limited than the other side (which is fantastic).

Here are some photos that I happened to snag a few weeks ago:

As you can see, the furniture is beautiful here

And brings out that Royal Blue, which was a key part of the Global First experience

If you are looking for tarmac views, they have it as well

Power ports are available at pretty much every seat

And if you are looking for more of a "club-like" dining table, they have those as well.

However, my two favorite parts of the lounge are to the left when entering. What used to be the dining room has now turned into this chic and relaxing space to kick back and silently get some work done.

It is like a private Polaris Lounge

And perfect to get some work done. There used to be a la carte menus here, with high-end champagne and such, but that was when this lounge was strictly for GS members. Not anymore...

Additionally, if the dining table aspect is something you enjoy, but want to sit in a less confined space, there are tables with natural sunlight in the main part of the lounge.

I wish they would turn this into a lounge for passengers ticketed in full fare J (not P or Z). That is coming from someone who never purchases J tickets as well 😅

Even the lights are magnificent

Just a couple more things which I think are noteworthy:

• There are no showers on this side of the lounge, but there are nicer individual restrooms compared to what you would find on the traditional side.

• There are two lounge chairs for taking a short nap here, with some flimsy curtains.

• Now, I am not saying that families are not allowed in here, but I would encourage everyone (including adults) to be even more respectful on this side of the lounge. This is primarily due to the sheer number of GS members who use this space and enjoy their peace and quiet. Just a thought, that's it.

  
  

Final Thoughts

If you happen to be flying out of London on a Star Alliance flight from Terminal 2 and are eligible for lounge access, I'd recommend checking out the ex-Global First lounge across from the United Club. While this used to be strictly for Global Services after Global First flew out of the window, I was recently informed that all passengers can now access this side of the lounge. Enjoy!