United Airlines was the first carrier to operate at London Heathrow's Terminal 2 when the new development opened on June 4th, 2014. The Chicago-based carrier is proud of its presence at The Queen's Terminal at the United Kingdom's largest airport, basing a luxurious lounge at the site.

Plenty of space

I personally had the chance to experience the lounge two years ago this very month. I particularly enjoyed the open-plan room that has an airside view of taxied aircraft at the terminal. Notably, the wide windows behind the bar allow for an abundance of natural lighting, something which numerous airport lounges don’t have the pleasure of having.

There are plenty of beverages and food items to choose from. I also took advantage of the office area at the back, which is separate from the main space. Overall, I far preferred my experience at the Heathrow United Club over the more cramped setting I witnessed at the one by Washington Dulles’ gate C17 before the Washington lounge’s Polaris revamp.

United Club Heathrow
There is a lot of room for movement at the lounge (this photograph was taken pre-pandemic). Photo: Sumit Singh | Simple Flying

So, when United closed the Heathrow lounge following the onset of the global health crisis, several passengers would have been missing the United Club experience after more frequent transatlantic travel returned this year.

United Club 8
With a mix of moody lighting and natural rays, the atmosphere is relaxed compared to many airport lounges. Photo: United Airlines

Back in action

Nonetheless, United is glad that it can now welcome passengers back to the 280-guest capacity facility for them to enjoy the amenities, such as the full-service bar, buffet, and TV lounge. Visitors may notice some changes, such as United CleanPlus signage to encourage best practices during the pandemic. This approach is backed by initiatives such as electrostatic spraying to clean lounges and sneeze guards at communication points.

“We are so pleased to offer our premium customers access to our Heathrow lounge once again,” shared Bob Schumacher, United’s Director Sales, United Kingdom and Ireland in a company statement.

“I know just how much our customers appreciate this fantastic lounge. Our lounge experience provides comfort and relaxation, as well as excellent food and drink, shower facilities and workspace.”

Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests.

United Club 10
There is an extra focus on biosafety across the aviation industry in the new era. Photo: United Airlines

Looking ahead

Altogether, London remains a key market for United in this next chapter. The Star Alliance member announced five new flights from the UK's capital in October, including a new route to Boston that will begin in March 2022. Therefore, we can expect plenty of passengers to take the opportunity to visit the lounge in the new year.

What are your thoughts about United Airlines reopening its United Club at London Heathrow? Have you managed to visit the site or any of the carrier's other lounges over the years? Let us know what you think of the operator and its services in the comment section.