Qatar Airways has upped the ante at Heathrow Airport’s (LHR) Terminal 4, officially raising the curtain on both a new Frequent Flyer lounge and a dedicated Premium check-in area for business- and first-class flyers at the London airport.
The new Frequent Flyer lounge — which you may have already ventured into following a soft launch this summer — is the airline’s first one built outside of its headquarters at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar. It is decked out with all the characteristically high-end finishes you’d expect of such an outpost.
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On Level 2, opposite Gate 6, it’s open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can tuck into a hot and cold buffet while overlooking the runway, or simply use the plush seating to catch up on work.
It welcomes business- and first-class passengers, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club Gold and Platinum members. You can also access the lounge if you are Oneworld Sapphire (British Airways Silver, Alaska Airlines MVP Gold, American Airlines Platinum) and Oneworld Emerald (BA Gold, Alaska MVP 75K, Alaska MVP 100K, American Platinum Pro, American Executive Platinum).
Guests are permitted if they are joining somebody with eligible status.
Related: Your complete guide to Oneworld alliance benefits
Qatar Airways now uses Avios as its points currency. PASCAL PAVANI/GETTY IMAGES
The new Frequent Flyer lounge is below the existing Qatar Airways Premium Lounge — admittedly a much tougher nut to crack, inviting only Oneworld first- and business-class customers traveling without reward tickets to sample its fine dining options, martini bar and ridiculously luxe loafing spaces. Guests are not permitted in the Premium Lounge.
Alongside the new lounge offering, Qatar Airways also unveiled a Premium check-in area exclusively for first- and business-class flyers, providing elite flyers a chance to unwind with beverages while check-in procedures are completed. Considering the chaos seen at airports across the world this year, a chance for some extra pampering may be just the ticket for Qatar regulars.
Related: Qatar unveils 3 new airport lounges in Doha for Oneworld frequent flyers
It’s only been a few months since Qatar returned to Heathrow’s T4, as the terminal had been closed since July 2020, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Judging by its latest offerings, the Middle Eastern carrier means business.
“We are proud to be opening our first Frequent Flyer lounge outside of Doha, offering passengers across the Oneworld Alliance network an oasis of calm and comfort in one of the world’s busiest airports,” said Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker. “Qatar Airways is committed to serving passengers traveling from Heathrow with world-class facilities, and we hope that they will enjoy the warm Qatari hospitality offered at the Premium Lounge, FFP Lounge and the dedicated Premium Check-in area.”
In case you needed reminding, Qatar’s loyalty program, Privilege Club, no longer uses Qmiles, but Avios, bringing it into line with its Oneworld partners. This allows you to transfer Avios between the likes of BA’s Executive Club and Qatar’s Privilege Club at a rate of 1:1.
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To learn more about Qatar’s program partners and elite status benefits, how to earn Qatar Airways Privilege Club miles and how to redeem them, check out our ultimate guide to Qatar Airways Privilege Club.
If you do find yourself looking to put those miles to good use, Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH) has a trio of sleek new lounges — named Platinum, Gold and Silver, specifically — that you don’t want to miss.
Featured photo courtesy of Qatar Airways.
