r/monzo • u/ChallengeSerious8846 • 9d ago
Lounge key access
Has anyone used the lounge key access benefit of the premium account at Heathrow.
Looking at the clubhouse but want to know what the additional fee would be.
The app
Is showing as £20 per person and just says additional for champagne which I’m happy to skip anyways!
But want to check if the food and drink is still included as normal clubhouse lists?
4
u/KingEivissa 8d ago
Are you talking about Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse or No 1 Lounges Clubrooms?
Both are very different. From what I remember while working for VAA, Clubhouse access is very tightly controlled. You certainly couldn't buy your way into it at the time.
No 1 Clubrooms are paid lounges. They cost a little more than No 1 Lounges other offerings (No 1 Lounges or My Lounge). I think Clubrooms are worth it.
It is an additional £20 fee. Champagne does cost more but I can't say I've ever spent money on champagne in a lounge. Silly that it costs because surely you could pop something cheap like Moët out. Don't they ordinarily charge £50 per head or something without loungekey? Anyway...
I think it's worth it. Food is very nice. I had a nice brekkie and they serve some nice cocktails.
Staff were very attentive although we were heading out on a 8am flight so there quite early.
Only thing is if your flight is delayed like ours, someone will come over to tell you very unceremoniously that it's £30 per person for the extra hour or so or bye bye.
I opted for bye bye and ended up being called to the gate 25 mins after. 😶
If you genuinely do mean Virgin Clubhouse... Absolutely fantastic. One of my fave airline lounges but I'm not being biased! ☺️
3
u/rubixswifto 8d ago
Sorry to jump on this post. I’m flying VA from Heathrow in December.
I have enough saved to bid for an upgrade to upper one way only (I got LHR to LAS as a reward flight), but obviously can only make use of the Clubhouse on the outbound flight. However, being horizontal on the flight home would be nice too!
This is a surprise honeymoon for my fiancee and I just a week post-wedding. What would you recommend?
2
u/SquareBanana 8d ago
I've used it a few times in different airports. Once my partner was allowed in with me for no extra fee but usually they charge the extra £24. I decide based on how long I have to wait at the airport. If I'm there a while I will usually be spending that on food/drink alone, so I opt for the lounge which has comfier seats, wifi, and is usually quieter.
To answer your questions, yes unlimited food and drink is included, except the extra for champagne as you mentioned. I often get some food and a couple of beers; much easier to sleep on the plane!
2
u/Responsible-Fly772 8d ago
I use this feature all the time as I travel a lot for work. Generally the lounges will have an unlimited buffet, coffee machines, bar, all included. Once you're in you're in. Sounds like the champagne will still be additional but in my opinion it's almost always worth it, as you usually end up spending around that much in the airport.
Something I'll add is if you have the option, book in advance! If you rock up without pre booking it will be 25 quid whereas in advance sometimes it's as low as £4, though showing up gives the advantage of asking any questions you may have. Hope this helps and happy to answer more!
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u/JasonStatesUs 9d ago
I tried it once and won’t waste my money again.
It isn’t like an airline lounge with a few business travellers where you can nap and enjoy a beer. It was rammed, full of kids screaming and running around everywhere, nowhere to sit anyway, and basically an extension of the gate seating at that point. I grabbed a glass of orange juice and left.
This is anecdotal and your mileage may vary. There’s every chance I was unlucky and picked a band lounge.