United VIP Lounge (former Global First Lounge)
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United VIP Lounge (former Global First Lounge) LHR design
United Global First Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR)
The modern design draws inspiration from the new United Club design, with numerous unique and local touches. Large floor to ceiling windows let plenty of light in, and throughout the lounge, dark colors, recessed lighting and art work exude a feeling of understated but timeless elegance.
The centerpiece of the décor is the tea room (and bar area) featuring a replica of Big Ben, manufactured by the same company who made the original. At tea time, a traditional English spread is offered.
Adjacent to the tea room, a curved partition carves out a formal dining area with a floor to ceiling wine walls.
Beyond stretches a seating area comprised of multiple rooms with slightly different vibes and egg chairs, comfortable furniture, and power outlets and USB ports at every seat.
United Global First Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR)
United VIP Lounge (former Global First Lounge) LHR amenities
A small napping area with loungers and curtains provides travelers a private place to relax. While we love the concept, we regret the lack of blankets and pillows, and questionable design – the room isn’t physically separated from the potentially noisy seating area, and while the curves of the couches sure look good, nothing beats a flat surface to sleep. That being said, the amenity provides excellent privacy and, short of a place to sleep, an opportunity to rest and relax.
The beautiful spa-inspired shower suites (located in the adjacent United Club) are a highlight. Elegant, spacious, and modern, they come with a rain shower, towels, branded bath products.
United Global First Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR)
Perhaps the most surprising feature of this lounge, coming from United, is the emphasis placed on food and beverages. A resident chef is in charge of the menu, and patrons not only enjoy a generous buffet and a premium selection of beverages including Laurent Perrier Champagne, but also full sit-down restaurant service with cooked to order food. Tables come with tablecloth, linen and flowers. With plenty of staff, service is prompt, proactive and courteous.
Incidentally, the food in the VIP Lounge is typically superior to what United serves on board, so it may make sense to arrive a little early, enjoy, and then maximize sleep on board.
United Global First Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR)
United VIP Lounge (former Global First Lounge) LHR bottom line
The United VIP Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 2 is a quiet and soothing retreat. While the club doesn’t feature aspirational high end First Class amenities such as private rooms, massages or limousine rides to the aircraft, it does offer a private, high-end experience in an upper scale setting. It is well worth arriving a bit early to enjoy a pre-departure meal at this beautiful facility. In many regards, the United Global First Lounge is superior to British Airways’ tired and crowded first class facilities.
Within Star Alliance, Singapore Airlines also offers a beautiful First Class lounge which may be quieter and offer more attentive service, but both clubs are excellent overall and the United VIP Lounge features a more dynamic vibe and an outstanding décor.
- The elegant design and local touches.
- The beautiful shower suites.
- The restaurant service and food and beverage selection.
- The location of the facility — a hike from check-in and boarding gates.
- The napping area, that emphasizes design over convenience.
You may have access to United VIP Lounge (former Global First Lounge) as a premium customer of one of the following airlines, or as an elite member of their frequent flyer program. Check the Access rules tab for more details, or use our lounge access wizard to find out if you have access.
Star Alliance
Access for eligible customers traveling on any Star Alliance member airline.
 | ANA (NH) |  | Aegean (A3) |  | Air Canada (AC) |
 | Air China (CA) |  | Air India (AI) |  | Air New Zealand (NZ) |
 | Asiana (OZ) |  | Austrian (OS) |  | Avianca (AV) |
 | Brussels Airlines (SN) |  | Copa Airlines (CM) |  | Croatia Airlines (OU) |
 | EGYPTAIR (MS) |  | EVA Air (BR) |  | Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
 | LOT Polish Airlines (LO) |  | Lufthansa (LH) |  | SWISS (LX) |
 | Shenzhen Airlines (ZH) |  | Singapore Airlines (SQ) |  | South African Airways (SA) |
 | TAP Air Portugal (TP) |  | Thai Airways (TG) |  | Turkish Airlines (TK) |
 | United (UA) |
4.5 / 5, based on 23 reviews
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Overall ratings
New lounge with great and bright interior and plenty of seating in different areas including a restaurant. Hardly any passengers in this place when I was there while the United business lounge was really crowded. Nice touches like a Big Ben clock and tasteful decoration throughout the lounge. Apron view. Much better than the AA flagship lounge in Heathrow.
Very nice selection of breakfast items and fantastic choice of beverages including 3 different kind of champagne. You can help yourself at the buffet or order something from the menu. As a special treat they had quite a selection of sweet stuff to celebrate 4th of July.
Free WIFI, newspapers and magazines. Bathrooms are quite nice.
A lovely lounge all around, with true first class amenities such as full a-la-carte service in the dining area, good wines, and gorgeous shower suites. United’s best.