Review: Etihad Lounge at London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 4

Etihad Lounge London Heathrow – Introduction

Airline lounges lend themselves heavily to the airline’s image itself. Some of the top airlines in the world go beyond their flagship lounges at hub airports to offer a familiar lounge setting globally for their premium passengers and elite members. Etihad Airways hosts outstation lounges in New York (JFK) and London (LHR). On my last trip to India in August 2023, I had the opportunity to check out the Etihad Lounge in London Heathrow before connecting onwards to Abu Dhabi on EY 12 (A380).

Etihad Airways First & Business Lounge – LHR

Other reviews from this trip:

Review: United Polaris Lounge Newark (EWR)

Review: United Polaris Business Class from Newark (EWR) to London (LHR)

Review: Etihad Business Class Lounge in London Heathrow (LHR)

Review: Etihad A380 Business Class from London (LHR) to Abu Dhabi (AUH)

Etihad Lounge London Heathrow – Location and Access

The Etihad Airways First & Business Class lounge is located in Terminal 4 of London Heathrow (LHR), across Gate 10. Complimentary access is restricted to first- and business-class guests and Etihad Guest Platinum and Gold members. Depending on availability, access is also available for pay-to-use passengers, including using Etihad Guest Miles to access the lounge.

Etihad Lounge London Heathrow – Seating and Layout

Upon landing in Terminal 2 from my United flight, I transferred to Terminal 4 (LHR) using the shuttle service and went to the lounge across from Gate 10. The reception area is on the lower floor, accessed through stairs or an elevator. The welcome area is well designed, albeit constrained if a few people try to get in.

Welome Desk – Etihad Lounge LHR

My first impression of the lounge was that it was elegant but small. The main area of the lounge splits into the bar section and a well-utilized seating area, with several seat options for small groups, families and individuals. Although small, the bar was well stocked with premium drinks, and the bartender did a great job doubling as a barista for handcrafted beverages.

Etihad Lounge bar

The dark wooden wall panels contrasted nicely with the seating’s warm ‘Etihad colours.’ Unfortunately, the lounge does not offer direct views of the tarmac or gate operations, and window views were few and far between. To utilize the limited space, the seating area was high-density and did not offer much privacy, especially for folks looking for some shut-eye before their flights.

Etihad Lounge LHR – Seating

Etihad Lounge LHR – Seating

Etihad Lounge London Heathrow – Dining Options

The lounge had a dedicated food and beverage service area, including a 30-seater a la carte dining or self-service buffet. The buffet was a good mix of hot and cold options without being expansive. Again, the table service dining area presented an elegant setup but was cramped. With only a couple of hours to our flight and the A380 experience to follow, I did not engage in a full meal as such. Instead, we chose a few items from the buffet to share. The a la carte menu looks impressive (offered over lunch and dinner), and I wish I had more time to explore the food options. The chicken curry and apple tart looked particularly appealing to my tastebuds.

Etihad Dining Room

A la Carte Dining – Etihad Lounge LHR

Etihad Lounge Dining – à la carte menu

Etihad Lounge LHR – Mocktail selection

Shared Plate – Ful Medames and roasted veg

Shared Plate – Hummus and Olives

Etihad Lounge London Heathrow – Amenities and Takeaway

The Etihad Lounge also housed a dedicated area as a children’s playroom and three shower suites for passengers. Not surprisingly, the amenities in the lounge were limited due to space constraints. Those spoilt for choice at Etihad’s Abu Dhabi lounge offerings may feel disappointed at the limited-service lounge in London.

What stood out for me was the staff’s attention to detail and proactive service throughout my stay in the lounge. They indeed carried the Etihad service standards well. While this may not be the preferred lounge option for many, given the space constraints and limited amenities, the outstation lounge does the small things well. The food and beverage options are elevated, and the service standards more than makeup for the small space.

The lounge was a good respite from the crowded terminals, and all the basics for a transit passenger were checked off. As for me, I was stoked for my next leg on the Airbus A380 – so glad they have made a significant comeback since the pandemic.

EY12 – LHR to AUH