Virgin Atlantic Heathrow Clubhouse Limits Entry to Premium and Elite Status Tier Passengers Only

Virgin Atlantic made a quiet move to make its Clubhouse at London Heathrow (LHR) more exclusive—and perhaps quieter after a recent update to its entry requirements. The lounge was previously accessible to travelers on several partnering airlines after Virgin Atlantic officially joined the SkyTeam Alliance a few months ago. However, the policy change quickly reversed it to limit its guests to premium and loyalty program travelers.

Note these new entry requirements to see if you qualify or if you’ll have to find an alternative lounge option.

Passengers Who Get Access to the Clubhouse

The Clubhouse is located in a dedicated Upper-Class Wing of Terminal 3 for domestic and international flights—including Virgin Atlantic and Delta Airlines. It features a seasonal dining menu with made-to-order dishes, The Clubhouse Retreat for resting before your flight, a workspace, a jet-view terrace, and more. It welcomes passengers flying in an eligible cabin on select flights or with qualifying frequent flyer status. Only these travelers can access the lounge:

Passengers traveling in the following cabins:

• Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic + one guest traveling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta Airlines
• Delta One passengers on Delta Airlines
• Clase Premier passengers on Aeroméxico

Passengers with the following loyalty status:

• Virgin Flying Club Gold Tier members + one guest flying on Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, or Aeroméxico
• Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallion status members + a guest flying premium class with Virgin Atlantic or Delta Airlines
• Air France/KLM Flying Blue Platinum status members + a guest traveling in a premium class with Virgin Atlantic or Delta Airlines

What Changed?

The new list of passengers eligible to use the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is a significant reduction from the previous eligibility list. These are travelers who originally had access but are no longer permitted to enter the lounge after the entry requirement update:

• Air France La Première passengers
• SkyTeam Elite Plus members
• Virgin Australia Velocity Club Platinum or Gold members or those with invite-only Beyond membership
• Singapore Airlines PPS Club/KrisFlyer passengers
• Air New Zealand Gold or Elite tier members 

These travelers must now fly in an eligible premium cabin when on Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, or Aeroméxico to enter The Clubhouse.

Bottom Line

Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport makes an effort to keep its lounge a premium amenity for its upper-class passengers. Although the airline is now part of the SkyTeam Alliance, elite-status travelers on partnering airlines no longer have access unless flying a premium class with Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, or Aeroméxico.

Limiting the number of passengers who can enter improves the lounge experience. Now, eligible passengers can enjoy more seating availability and faster service and feel like they’re getting more value when opting to fly premium class.

For those excluded from The Clubhouse, consider alternative lounge options at London Heathrow Airport. You can use the SkyTeam Lounge Finder or browse lounges in the Priority Pass network (get up to 35% first year membership) accessible at the airport.