We didn’t end up at the No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 because we were chasing a “must-visit” lounge experience.
We were there because we played it safe.
We were coming straight from our cruise port in Portsmouth, and rather than risk delays or traffic, we booked a private cab to Heathrow and arrived very early. Once we checked in, cleared immigration, and made our way airside, we suddenly had something we almost never have at Heathrow: time.
Enough time to spread out, grab a bite to eat, charge devices that were running on fumes, and actually relax before our flight home to Orlando.
That’s where the No1 Lounge came in.
And honestly? The No1 Lounge is just… nicer than most Priority Pass lounges you’ll find in the U.S.
That’s not a knock on a “The Club” location. We’ve used plenty of them, and sometimes they’re exactly what you need: a quieter place to sit, a snack, a drink, and a reliable outlet.
But at major international hubs, the Priority Pass experience often feels like a different category. We’ve absolutely had a few duds overseas too, but more often than not, lounges like this are still a step up from what we’re used to at home.
One thing that immediately helped: the lounge has plenty of natural light and nice apron views through the big windows. That sounds like a small detail, but it matters. A lounge can have all the food and outlets in the world, and still feel miserable if it’s a dim room with no sense of time.
Where to Find the No1 Lounge at Heathrow
The No1 Lounge is located airside at Heathrow Terminal 3, so you’ll only be able to access it after clearing security and immigration.
Once airside, follow the lounge signage through the Duty Free area toward the departure gates. The lounge is a short walk from the main terminal concourse, and the entrance is clearly signed.
Access is available on a walk-up basis, but capacity is limited during peak long-haul departure times.
How We Got In (Priority Pass + a Guest Policy Reminder)
We accessed the No1 Lounge using Priority Pass.
My wife Sharon and I each have credit cards that include Priority Pass Select, and those memberships can also include guest access—so getting all four of us in was straightforward on this visit.
That said, it’s important to check the current guest policy before you assume you can bring everyone in. Priority Pass access rules (and guest limits) can vary depending on which card issued your membership, and those policies can change over time.
And like most Priority Pass lounges at major hubs, entry is also subject to capacity—this is a popular spot during peak long-haul departure times.
Inside the Lounge: Seating, Layout, and That “Not a Basement” Feeling
The No1 Lounge is large and broken into multiple seating zones, which helps keep it from feeling like one big noisy room.
There’s a mix of traditional lounge seating, dining tables, bar seating, and quieter pockets tucked away from the main buffet and bar area.
If you’re willing to walk a bit, it’s easy to find a calmer spot to sit—something that matters when you’re killing time rather than just grabbing a quick drink.
Even when the lounge was busy, the big windows and bright space made it feel less cramped than lounges that rely on darker, interior seating.
Food and Drinks
Food was served buffet-style, with a solid selection of hot dishes rather than just snacks or soup.
Options rotated during the day, and during our visit, there were multiple hot items available, along with bread, pastries, and lighter choices.
One fun detail: the lounge has an automated pancake machine, complete with toppings. And yes, we used it.
At this point, I’ve seen enough lounge pancake machines in my life that I have a soft spot for them—especially when they’re actually working. (If you’ve ever wondered who the real heroes of airport lounges are, it might be the passengers who fix the broken pancake machines.)
Drinks included a staffed bar, self-serve coffee machines, and a proper tea selection—including Twinings, which feels appropriate at Heathrow.
A Good Place to Be Early (Instead of Stuck at the Gate)
Because we arrived so early, we weren’t rushing. We spread out, plugged in devices, grabbed food, and settled in without feeling like we needed to watch the clock.
That’s really where the No1 Lounge shines. It’s not about luxury or exclusivity—it’s about turning “too early at the airport” into something comfortable and low-stress.
Final Thought
The No1 Lounge isn’t perfect, and like most Priority Pass lounges, it can get busy at peak times.
But as a place to spend a few hours before a long flight—especially if you arrive early—it does exactly what you want. Comfortable seating, real food, reliable power, and enough space to make the time pass quickly.
If this is the kind of Priority Pass lounge you had access to more often, waiting at the airport wouldn’t feel like such a chore.
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