Ruth Haines
British Airways has a range of impressive lounges at its London hubs, including eight at Heathrow, as well as some surprising overseas gems, such as the Johannesburg lounge, which features a brasserie dining area and a pre-flight à la carte menu. However, you cannot pay for access to British Airways lounges with cash or Avios. Instead, access is reserved for those flying first or business class, as well as Silver and Gold Executive Club members, Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire elites, and AerClub Platinum or Concierge members.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Access for purchase | No, British Airways does not sell airport lounge access for cash or Avios. However, all UK airports have 'pay-to-visit' lounges. |
| Access for members | Gold, Silver, Emerald, Sapphire, AerClub Platinum, and Concierge members have access to the lounges, with some restrictions. |
| Amenities | Food, drinks, and entertainment. |
| Locations | Over 30 dedicated British Airways lounges and more than 100 additional partner lounges worldwide. |
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What You'll Learn
British Airways does not sell airport lounge access
Firstly, you can book a Club World or Club Europe flight with British Airways. These flights offer access to the airline's business lounges, which provide a range of refreshments and amenities to make travellers feel at home. The airline has lounges at over 20 locations worldwide, including a newly renovated lounge in Lagos Airport, and more than 140 additional partner lounges.
Secondly, you can become a member of The British Airways Club. Silver and Gold members of the club travelling on scheduled flights operated by British Airways or its oneworld partners can access the airline's lounges. Gold members can access the Concorde Room lounge when flying any class of travel with British Airways or other oneworld carriers. Silver elites can visit the lounges if they are travelling in first or business class.
Additionally, Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire members can access the British Airways business class lounge if they are on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways or one of its Oneworld partners. The airline offers two lounges in this class: The Galleries lounge and the Terrace lounge. The Galleries lounge offers dining services in select locations, while the Terrace lounges have work and entertainment zones.
Finally, you can purchase a Priority Pass card, which provides access to over 1,400 lounges globally, including some British Airways lounges. However, it is important to note that the Priority Pass does not grant access to all British Airways lounges.
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All UK airports have 'pay to visit' lounges
British Airways boasts a network of elegant and contemporary lounges at over 20 locations worldwide, including London, Johannesburg, Lagos, and New York, with more than 140 additional partner lounges. Access to these lounges is typically reserved for business or first-class passengers, Silver and Gold Executive Club members, and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire elites. However, British Airways does not sell airport lounge access for cash or Avios.
Fortunately, all UK airports offer 'pay-to-visit' lounges, providing an alternative option for those seeking a comfortable and relaxing experience. These lounges are usually operated by companies like No1 Lounges and Swissport, which runs the Aspire Lounges. They are open to all travellers, regardless of ticket class, and often provide complimentary food and drinks, as well as additional amenities like showers and charging stations. Heathrow Terminal 5, for instance, features the Plaza Premium lounge and the Aspire lounge.
One way to access these lounges is through the Priority Pass membership program, which grants access to over 1,700 airport lounges globally. The Priority Pass card offers four free lounge visits, with subsequent visits charged at £24 each. Certain credit cards, such as the Amex Gold, also include lounge access as a perk, providing cardholders with complimentary passes to select airport lounges.
Additionally, purchasing an unlimited membership to airport lounges (excluding airline-operated lounges) typically costs around £260 to £300 annually. This option allows members to bring a guest, although they may need to pay an additional fee. Individual lounge passes are also available for purchase, usually priced at £20 per person. It is worth noting that lounge policies regarding children may vary, with some allowing free entry for children under a certain age, while others charge the same rate as adults or restrict their entry.
Whether you're seeking a quiet space to work or a relaxing environment to rest before your flight, the 'pay-to-visit' lounges at UK airports offer a convenient and accessible option for all travellers.
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The three main UK 'pay to enter' lounge networks
The three main UK pay-to-enter lounge networks
While British Airways does not sell airport lounge access, there are 'pay-to-visit' lounges in all UK airports. The three main UK 'pay-to-enter' lounge networks are:
Plaza Premium
Plaza Premium is expanding across many airports, with locations in Heathrow Terminal 3, 4, and 5, and Gatwick South Terminal. The Heathrow Terminal 5 lounge is reviewed as "excellent" by HeadforPoints. The lounges are atmospheric, with no windows, giving them a peaceful spa-like feel. They offer showers (£15/hr) and day-bed rooms (from £60 for three hours). There are slatted walls for privacy, a bar, and several seating areas. Food and alcohol are available, with the cost included in the entrance fee, except for champagne and prosecco. Access costs £40 for two or three hours.
Aspire
Aspire has lounges in Heathrow and Gatwick airports, with a lounge in Heathrow's Terminal 3 offering a wide selection of food and complimentary alcohol, including Spey Whiskey. There is also a “Business Zone” for work and individual sleeping pods in the rest area. The Heathrow Terminal 5 Aspire lounge is reviewed as "very average" by HeadforPoints.
No1
No1 Lounges are accessible with a Priority Pass and are located in Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The Heathrow No1 Lounge is located in Zone F and offers a modern, atmospheric space with spot lighting. It offers a good choice of food and drink, including a bar with alcohol. Most drinks are free, though you have to pay for champagne. There are also showers and a spa offering paid treatments, magazines, and TVs. Access costs £36, or £5 with a Priority Pass, Diners Club, Wexas, or Dragonpass card.
Other Lounge Networks
Other notable lounge networks include Lounge Club and LoungeKey, which have almost identical lists of lounges. Lounge Club membership comes with the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card, which is free for the first year. You receive two free passes to visit any Lounge Club lounge, and further visits or guests are charged at £15. Priority Pass membership comes with the American Express Platinum Card, and each card admits two people for free.
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Priority Pass card gets you access to lounges globally
British Airways has a set of impressive lounges at its London hubs, including eight at Heathrow Airport, and some surprising gems overseas. However, you cannot pay for access to British Airways lounges. But don't despair, you can still buy a Priority Pass card, which gives you access to over 1,400 lounges globally.
The Priority Pass card offers access to 1,700+ airport lounges and travel experiences worldwide, allowing you to enjoy your time at the airport on both your outbound and return journeys. You can fly with any airline and in any class and still use the lounge. You can sit down, stretch out, and enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites. Many lounges offer spa treatments, charging points, and free Wi-Fi.
The Priority Pass app provides access to your Digital Membership Card, airport maps, and other features to improve your airport experience. You can also use a physical membership card to gain entry. Access to lounges is subject to space availability, and pre-booking is available at select locations for a small fee.
Priority Pass does not grant access to British Airways lounges, but it does provide entry to the majority of No1, Plaza Premium, and Aspire lounges, as well as many others. The first four airport lounge visits with the Priority Pass card are free, and further visits are charged at £24 each.
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Gold and Silver elites can access BA lounges
While you can't pay to access British Airways lounges, Gold and Silver elites can access these lounges regardless of their fare class if they're flying on BA or a Oneworld partner airline.
Gold members and one guest can access the Concorde Room lounge when flying any class of travel with British Airways or other Oneworld carriers. To get Gold status, you need to earn 5,000 tier points in the airline's Executive Club frequent flyer program. With the Concorde Room card, you can access either of the Concorde lounges at London's Heathrow airport and at New York's JFK airport. The Concorde card also gets you access to Concorde Room bars in Dubai and Singapore airports if you are traveling in first class.
Gold members can also access lounges in Terminals 3 and 5 at London Heathrow when traveling with codeshare partners including Aer Lingus and Vueling (flights booked via ba.com only).
Silver elites can visit the lounges if they are traveling in first or business class. Silver members can also access Club Lounges and enjoy free seat selection when booking. Silver members collect eight Avios per qualifying pound spent whenever they fly with British Airways or American Airlines, and seven Avios per qualifying euro with Iberia. On other Oneworld airlines, it depends on how far you fly, your choice of cabin, and which airline you fly with.
British Airways has over 30 dedicated lounges and more than 100 additional partner lounges worldwide. Lounges are available at over 20 locations worldwide, including Johannesburg, Lagos, and London Heathrow. The airline also has more than 140 additional partner lounges. The two types of lounges are The Galleries lounge, which offers dining services in select locations, and The Terrace Lounge, which has work and entertainment zones.
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Frequently asked questions
No, British Airways does not sell airport lounge access for cash or Avios. However, you can buy access to a 'pay-to-visit' lounge at UK airports.
Access to the BA airport business lounge is available to those flying in first or business class, as well as Silver and Gold Executive Club members.
The BA airport business lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere with refreshments and space to unwind before your flight. The lounge also offers dining services, including sandwiches, soups, and warm hearty dishes.
Yes, you can purchase a Priority Pass card, which provides access to over 1,400 lounges globally. Alternatively, you can apply for the Barclaycard Avios Mastercard, which offers bonus Avios that can be redeemed for lounge access.
