Where is it?
The Aer Lingus Gold Circle lounge is located airside in terminal 2. It is located in the main terminal building (A-gates) to the right after security control. The entrance is next to the Lufthansa Lounge. There are many signs in the transit hall for the lounge.
The gates used for the Aer Lingus flights are located right below the lounge so all passengers actually pass the lounge entrance when heading from security to the gate. It takes less than a minute to get from the lounge to the gate.
How do I get in?
Passengers holding an Aer Lingus business class ticket have access as well as Silver, Platinum and Concierge members of the Aer Lingus AerClub program.
Due to an agreement with British Airways, Silver and Gold members in the British Airways Executive Club also have access when flying Aer Lingus to Dublin, Cork, Shannon or Belfast.
All passengers flying Aer Lingus also have the option to purchase access.
What’s it like?
The Aer Lingus Gold Circle Lounge at Heathrow has a similar design to the lounge in Dublin with most of the interior in pastel colours and wood. Different green shades are used extensively in the design, possibly to symbolise the colour of Ireland and the green logo of Aer Lingus.
For an outstation the London lounge is surprisingly spacious, especially considering Aer Lingus is not part of any of the three major alliances and does not operate a business class or premium cabin to London.
After passing through the lobby with the reception desk you enter the main lounge with several seating areas with armchairs as well as the spacious dining area. The self-service buffet area is on the left and to the right there is a separate room for relaxation.
The adjacent relaxation room has some comfortable armchairs with footstools placed in a circular pattern around a pillar.
Some armchairs are also placed along the windows facing the southern runway and parts of the apron. The large panorama windows provide a fairly good view although the view is partly obstructed by shutters.
In the same room there is also a large widescreen TV.
Overall the design is quite stylish but at the same time relaxed and far from luxurious. There are also some visible Irish elements in the design.
Food and drinks
The self-service buffet area is located just after the reception area and is quite spacious. Just behind it there is also a large dining area with seats and tables.
The food selection is limited to fresh fruits, pastries, bread rolls, cookies, crisps and nuts. Later during the day soup and sandwiches are offered but there is little substantial to eat.
The drinks selection includes Irish beer, red and white wine, different kinds of sodas and juices, tea and a coffee machine. No spirits are available.
Facilities
Free wireless internet is available and there is a small business centre which even has a small meeting room.
There are several TVs in the lounge including the large widescreen TV in the relaxation area.
Restrooms and showers are available in the lounge.
Anything else not to miss?
Just like in Dublin the lounge features the signature Feature Wall. It lists famous Irishmen who have contributed to Ireland’s rich creative heritage. The names and their achievements are generally placed in chronological order.
Final impression
For an outstation the Aer Lingus Gold Circle lounge in London is impressive. Very spacious, a very nice and stylish design, plenty of facilities and friendly staff. The only thing lacking is proper catering. The selection of food and drinks is fairly limited.
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