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Inside the Virgin Atlantic’s network of luxurious Airport Clubhouses

October 14, 2024313 views0 comments

The British carrier opened its first lounge, the Clubhouse, in the early 1990s. Since then, Virgin Atlantic has opened and closed several Clubhouse lounges. Nevertheless, throughout its history, Virgin’s highly-rated lounges have set the standard for others to follow, writes Simple Flying

Currently, Virgin Atlantic operates five Clubhouse lounges at major global airports across three continents. Clubhouse locations include London, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Johannesburg.

In recent news, Virgin Atlantic is set to open its newest lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the first quarter of 2025. Located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the Clubhouse will offer customers a premium, personalised experience, allowing passengers to relax before their flights to London and beyond.

Clubhouse at London Heathrow

The Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport is considered the original Virgin Atlantic lounge. This lounge boasts dedicated relaxation areas, a cocktail hour, shower suites, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus available throughout the day. Vegan, vegetarian, and kosher options are also available at the Heathrow Clubhouse.

 

 

Location

The lounge is located at the Upper Class Wing of LHR’s Terminal 3. It is open from 6 AM to 10:30 PM, or the time of the last departure.

Eligibility

Passengers can access the Clubhouse at LHR by travelling in an eligible cabin:

  • Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic + guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

  • Delta One on Delta

  • Clase Premier on Aeroméxico

The carrier runs a loyalty programme called the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Passengers can also access the Clubhouse by having qualifying frequent flyer status:

  • Flying Club Gold Card members + a guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic, Delta, or Aeroméxico

  • Delta SkyMiles Diamond and Platinum Medallions + a guest travelling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium

  • Flying Blue Platinum members + a guest travelling in premium on Virgin Atlantic or Delta premium

Clubhouse at New York JFK

The Clubhouse at New York JFK Airport is the newest of Virgin Atlantic’s lounges. It offers a complimentary à la carte menu featuring five-star dining, free alcoholic drinks, showers, and luggage storage. The JFK Clubhouse also has an entertainment zone with the iconic red ball sofa, a pool table, and other games.

 

Location

The lounge is located beyond the TSA checkpoint, in the A-Concourse, and above boarding gates A4 and A5. It is open daily from 05:00 to 08:00 and 15:00 to 23:30.

Eligibility

Passengers can access the Clubhouse at JFK by travelling in an eligible cabin:

  • Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic + guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

  • Delta One on a Delta international flight

  • First or Business Class on China Airlines

Passengers are eligible with the following frequent flyer status:

  • Flying Club Gold Card members + a guest travelling internationally with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta + a guest travelling on an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier

  • Virgin Australia Velocity Club Gold, Platinum, and The Club cardholders travelling on Virgin Atlantic

  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, Solitaire PPS Club, and PPS Club members travelling on Virgin Atlantic

Clubhouse at San Francisco Airport

The lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers West Coast-inspired dishes, a complimentary signature cocktail from the bar, a local beer or a glass of California wine, shower suites, and work areas with free WiFi.

Location

The Clubhouse at SFO is located after security on level 5. It is open around four hours before Virgin Atlantic flights depart.

Eligibility

Passengers can access the Clubhouse at SFO by travelling in the following cabins:

  • Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic + guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

  • Delta One on a Delta international flight

Passengers with the following loyalty status can also access the SFO Clubhouse:

  • Flying Club Gold Card members + a guest travelling internationally with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta + a guest travelling on an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier

  • Virgin Australia Velocity Club Gold, Platinum, and The Club card holders travelling on Virgin Atlantic

  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, Solitaire PPS Club, and PPS Club members travelling on Virgin Atlantic

  • Air New Zealand Gold or Elite members travelling on Virgin Atlantic

Clubhouse at Washington DC

Virgin’s Clubhouse at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) delivers the signature VIP experience and amenities found in its other locations but with an added touch of tranquillity and relaxation through the minimal design of the lounge area.

 

Location

The Clubhouse at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located in Terminal A, across from Gate A32. It is open from around four hours before the departure time of Virgin Atlantic flights.

Eligibility

Passengers can access the Clubhouse at IAD airport by travelling in the following cabins:

  • Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic + guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

  • Delta One on a Delta international flight

Passengers can also access the IAD Clubhouse with the following Flying Club status:

  • Flying Club Gold Card members + a guest travelling internationally with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta + a guest travelling on an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier

  • Virgin Australia Velocity Club Gold, Platinum, and The Club card holders travelling on Virgin Atlantic

  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, Solitaire PPS Club, and PPS Club members travelling on Virgin Atlantic

Clubhouse at Johannesburg

The unique interior design of the Clubhouse at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) captures the spirit of South Africa. The Clubhouse at JNB offers a range of services, including shower suites, luggage storage, a work area, and dining services. The Clubhouse menu features a locally inspired selection of complimentary meals and drinks, including a choice of South African wines.

  • JNB Brasserie (1)

  • LHR Clubhouse 2019_Afternoon Tea 3

 

Location

The lounge is located on the mezzanine level of the international retail area within international departures.

Eligibility

Passengers can access the Clubhouse at JNB airport by travelling in the following cabins:

  • Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic + guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic or Delta

Passengers can also access the Clubhouse at JNB airport with the following Flying Club status:

  • Flying Club Gold Card members + a guest travelling with Virgin Atlantic

  • SkyTeam Elite Plus members travelling on Virgin Atlantic or Delta + a guest travelling on an international flight operated by a SkyTeam carrier

  • Virgin Australia Velocity Club Gold, Platinum, and The Club cardholders travelling on Virgin Atlantic

  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, Solitaire PPS Club, and PPS Club members travelling on Virgin Atlantic

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