The swanky Quantas lounge at Heathrow is now open to anybody who is flying on any aircraft but willing to pay the entrance fee. Expensive, yes, fifty five pounds.
What's In It For Me? (WIFM)
What do you get for your money? Fifty five pounds for a meal. And drinks.
And a shower.
And wifi.
More privacy. More importantly, more security for your carry on luggage than sitting in an open place with people milling around.
Reasons Against
Why would you spend so much, regularly, or once off? After all, you will get free food on the plane.
Reasons For
Maybe for a birthday, or a honeymoon. Maybe for a business meeting, or when you are on expenses.
I would be more inclined to use if if I were flying to Australia. You feel you are leaving England when you see the scones. You feel you have started your journey to Australia when you see the lunch or dinner buffet includes Pavlova.
Pavolva
Pavlova is a hard meringue formed into a circular bowl with a raised edge and hole in the centre for fruit. The dish is claimed as a national dish by both Australia and New Zealand. From a tourist's point of view the good thing is that you can find it in both countries. When I first went to Australia I tried to track it down to the hotel in Perth where it is said to have been invented and named the Pavlova to honour the light dancing of ballet dancer Pavlova. I imagine her wearing a white tutu. New Zealanders had a similar recipe printed, they claim earlier.
Another topic you could bring up in conversation. In either country. Australia. Or New Zealand. Or England.
Watching Your Flight Times
Another advantage of the stop in the lounge is that you are more likely to keep in touch with other passengers on the plane and see when they start leaving for the flight, regardless of whether any announcements are made. The staff are more likely to be able to tell you how long you need to allow to reach your departure gate. Or to call for assistance if you are late or too tired to walk a distance.
Other Advantages
I can imagine having a business meeting, or any meeting, in a lounge, using Heathrow in transit.
If you don't meet anybody until you arrive in Australia, at least you have something to talk about on arrival. The lounge. And Pavlova.
Useful Websites
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7887675/Qantas-opens-luxurious-airport-lounge-London-Heathrow-Airport.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ico=taboola_feed
https://www.qantas.com/sg/en/promotions/100-reasons-to-travel-in-2020.html?alt_cam=sg:dg:omd:sem:gg:new-year-sale:
About the Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer. Please share links to your favourite posts.
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