Last week, we wrote about Etihad Airways’ handing over their lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 to No. 1 lounges. On October 5, 2018, No 1 Lounges threw open the doors to this new, ‘The House’ lounge at London Heathrow that will they will operate for Etihad. No 1 Lounges is a company that runs lounges at airports across the UK.

I was travelling back from London Heathrow Terminal 4 last weekend and got an opportunity to take a quick tour inside the brand new lounge which is named ‘The HOUSE- Home of Etihad Airways and other leading airlines‘

After completing the security check, I followed ‘The House Lounge‘ signage. The lounge is located on the first floor, right next to the Skyteam lounge. There is elevator access as well as staircase access, which is very royal.

I took the elevator that opened up in a small reception area where guests are greeted and checked-in.

There were two hostesses at the reception area. One operated the reception desk while the other one gave passengers a quick guided tour inside the lounge. I requested if I could take a look inside and the hostess was happy to provide me with a tour.

There are no structural changes from the earlier Etihad Airways lounge that existed in the same spot. The lounge is separted into two sections, one for lounging and another dedicated dining room. The lounge area has the bar housed and free format seating. The room did appear limited in space with a seating capacity of 25-30 passengers.

Inside the dining area, my host advised that it’s all white glove dining service much like other First Class lounges, such as The Singapore Airlines Private Room and Etihad’s First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi offer. It was 8 in the morning, and the dining area was bustling. Therefore I refrained from taking pictures of people eating.

The House Lounge will be open for Etihad Airways passengers flying The Residence, First and Business Class. As for other airlines, Jet Airways First Class passengers will now have access to this lounge instead of the Plaza Premium lounge that Jet Airways uses in London Heathrow.

Like all No 1 Lounges, the hostess also told me that this lounge could be paid for and accessed by economy passengers at a charge of GBP 50 per head. This is slightly expensive as compared to the other lounge the operator runs in Heathrow Terminal 3 that is priced at 32 GBP when booked online and 40 GBP when entry is purchased on arrival. I fully expect that this lounge will soon be monetised, so perhaps will be available on Priority Pass, Dragon Pass and other similar networks.

Etihad in its press release stated, ‘Complimentary entry will continue to be offered to Etihad Airways Business Class and First Class customers, and to those travelling in The Residence. Gold and Platinum members of the airline’s Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme and Business Class and First Class travellers ticketed on codeshare partner services operated by Etihad Airways will also eligible for access.’

Bottomline

Overall The House Lounge though small looks beautiful. The lounge design, colour pallets and interiors nicely incorporate Etihad’s livery ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’. The wall behind the reception is painted in Etihad’s contemporary geometric shapes and patterns inherent in Islamic design. The sofa colours and furnishing are light browns that represent UAE’s desert landscape.

My only concern is that The House Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 has limited space. It was already looking bustling in the first few hours of its opening on day one. It will be interesting to see how they accommodate and service passengers during busy peak hours as they add more airlines whose passengers will visit this lounge.

What do you think about The House Lounge in London Heathrow Terminal 4?