Review: Aspire Lounge, London Heathrow T3 LHR

I’m on my way to Perth, Australia, on the direct flight by Qantas (QF10). This will be my longest ever flight and there will be a review posted here.

Heathrow is getting a bit better at security and the delay was just 10 minutes or so. I’m flying economy as both Premium and Business were prohibitively expensive on this always-packed route (according to Qantas staff).

Terminal 3 has two Priority Pass or walk-up lounges, Aspire and No1. The latter gets the better reviews but the former serves a hot and cold buffet breakfast and I wanted to load up before flying!

I found a seat in the quiet zone, and it was adequate. Furniture is showing some signs of wear, but there was a seat for solo travellers, with two (UK only) sockets and a plug in monitor (HDMI) so I cant complain! Dual or 4 seaters also had USB plugs for charging.

The lounge is a little noisy as it’s open plan.

The breakfast offerings are perfectly adequate, the hot buffet offering sausages, bacon, beans and scrambled eggs with bread rolls and baps. No toast, sadly! There is porridge, granola and cereals as well as vegan sausages for those so inclined.

Juices didn’t look freshly squeezed, but that might be expected.

The bar is stocked with basic label spirits and one beer. Again, perfectly adequate. Few people will want much more at 9.15 in the morning!!

Water and carbonated drinks are served from fountains, ensuring you can’t slip any freebies into your hand luggage for the trip!!

There are two coffee locations – these don’t make great hot tea – it always seems to taste a bit of coffee!

All in all, this lounge won’t win any awards for cleanliness or win over any fashionistas, but for a cuppa and something to eat before your 17 hour flight, it’s better than the busy and noisy departure hall at Heathrow Terminal 3!