OREANDA-NEWS. United Airlines has previewed two spectacular new lounges for premium customers - the United Global First Lounge and the United Club - at London Heathrow's new Terminal 2 : The Queen's Terminal.

United will be the first airline to operate from Terminal 2 when it opens on June 4, 2014, bringing its 17 daily Heathrow flights - currently split between Terminals 1 and 4 - 'under one roof.' Later this year, the operations of United's 22 Star Alliance partners serving Heathrow will progressively move to Terminal 2, the alliance's new home at the airport.

'We're very excited about our move to Terminal 2 and these extensive and sophisticated lounges reflect the importance of Heathrow to United's global route network,' said Jake Cefolia, United's vice president of Atlantic & Pacific sales. 'We operate more flights to and from Heathrow than any other U.S. airline, and many of our most valued customers travel regularly on the 17 daily flights that link London with six of our U.S. hubs. These lounges will enable us to provide these customers with the best levels of service on the ground as well as in the air.'

Lounges Location

Together, the two lounges occupy 22,000 square feet (2,043 square meters) of space and are located near the airline's gates in Terminal 2's satellite concourse. Both facilities feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the airfield, luxurious decor and vintage aviation-themed artwork. Both will offer complimentary food, beverages (including alcoholic beverages) and Wi-Fi. Seating areas and furnishings are conducive to either relaxing or getting work done, with abundant power outlets.

United Global First Lounge

The United Global First Lounge, for customers travelling in United Global First (first class), is an oasis of privacy and personalized service. The centerpiece of the lounge's dramatic design is an oversized Big Ben-style clock in the tea lounge section. Other features include a buffet area, a wine room, private phone booths and a quiet zone with couches and privacy drapes. Customers using the lounge will have the option of pre-flight dining from an a-la-carte menu.

Customers holding boarding passes for same-day travel in first class on flights operated by other Star Alliance carriers departing from Heathrow will be able to visit the United Global First Lounge.

United Club

The United Club, for United Club members and customers travelling in United BusinessFirst (business class), is the first facility outside the U.S. to feature the new United Club design concept. Its open layout has a variety of seating for over 280 guests. Amenities include a 25-seat full service bar, two buffet areas, a TV lounge and seven private phone booths.

Adjacent to the United Club are eight spacious shower suites for the use of customers using either the Global First Lounge or the United Club, offering complimentary toiletries and valet service with garment pressing and steaming.

Star Alliance Gold members and business-class customers holding boarding passes for same-day travel on flights operated by other Star Alliance carriers departing from Heathrow will be able to visit the United Club.

The Heathrow facilities will be the eighth United Global First Lounge and the 50th United Club in the airline's global network. Worldwide, United is investing more than USD 50 million to renovate several United Club locations as it works to create the largest lounge network of any U.S. carrier.

Arrivals Lounge

United Global First and United BusinessFirst customers arriving at Terminal 2 from the U.S. will be able to enjoy a complimentary shower and refreshments at the Arrivals Lounge, located in the terminal's Arrivals Hall.

United at Terminal 2

At Terminal 2, United customers will benefit from easier, faster routes through check-in and security on departure and through border control on arrival. They will have a choice of check-in methods: quick and easy self-service kiosks, fast bag-drop desks and full-service check-in desks. Customers will also be able to enjoy a wide variety of shopping, dining and seating options in a light, airy, spacious building.

Ultimately, Terminal 2 will be the home of all Star Alliance airlines serving Heathrow, enabling faster, more convenient connections for United customers to and from flights operated by other Star Alliance airlines, as well as Aer Lingus.

United operates up to 17 flights per day from Heathrow to six of its U.S. hubs: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C./Dulles.