Etihad Airways will once again take control of The House Lounge in Heathrow Terminal 4 in London, after handing control to No1 Lounge less than a year ago.
The decision to regain operation of its own lounge in London follows a strategic review of the airline’s lounge operations globally. However, The House lounges in Melbourne and Sydney will remain with No1 Lounges.
Reported by Executive Traveller, the airline confirmed that the move will happen on 20 December 2019.
“Following a strategic review of lounge operations globally, Etihad Airways has decided that it wishes to directly own and operate a number of flagship lounges,” the spokesman said, adding that “No1 Lounges is happy to support this move. The premium lounge for Etihad Airways guests at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 will now be operated by Etihad Airways, with No1 Lounges continuing to provide catering and facilities services.”
Etihad Airways spokespeople
The House Lounge is great
We’ve visited The House lounge recently, and reviewed our experience.
No1 Lounges did a great job at providing a premium service that had the facilities to match. Although, many of the facilities were already in place before No1 Lounges took over.
Customer experience
We suspect that the airline is regaining control of its flagship lounge in London in order to create its own twist and unique experience for its premium passengers. The airline has increased the number of flights from London to Abu Dhabi to four per day. So, it’s important that the airline creates a positive customer experience that starts in the terminal; something premium passengers have come to expect from middle-Eastern carriers. After all, Etihad competing with Emirates and Qatar Airways, both of whom provide great customer experience and have superb lounges in London.
Access to the House Lounge is no longer listed on the Priority Pass website but paid entry is still listed on the No1 Lounge website. We’re uncertain if paid-entry to The House will still be available after the 20 December. We think paying £40 to use this lounge represents good value for money. With the changes, it might become exclusive to passengers travelling on Etihad Airways premium classes, so use it while you still can.
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