Saudia opens a new airline lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4
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Well, this is unexpected. Saudia, the Jeddah-based airline, has opened a new lounge in Heathrow Terminal 4.
The airline has worked with Plaza Premium on the design, fit out and operation of the lounge.
Plaza Premium previously took over the former SkyTeam lounge at Heathrow T4, opening up a new, larger Plaza Premium on the ground floor. At the time, we were told that the second level had been “reserved for other development at a later stage.” It appears that plan has now come to fruition.
At 850 square metres (and with capacity for 174 guests) I believe it takes up the entirety of the upper floor, ruling out any further development of that space.
The new Saudia lounge will cater to First and business class passengers, as well as Alfursan Gold frequent flyer members and other SkyTeam elites.
Interestingly, we are told that it is NOT available to anyone flying from Terminal 4 on another SkyTeam carrier with status or in business class. This would include KLM, Air France, Vietnam Airlines and China Eastern. It isn’t clear how SkyTeam rules allow this, but that is Saudia’s intention.
Here is how the airline describes it:
“The lounge features a range of luxurious offerings showcasing the warmth of Saudi hospitality, including traditional Saudi coffee and dates from the Kingdom. A premium dining experience is available through an international buffet, with a private VIP area offering à la carte dining and personalized butler service.”
Whilst it should be obvious, it’s unlikely you’ll get any alcohol here given that Saudia is a dry airline. Instead, they have a tea room:
“Additional features include a bespoke London Tea Exchange experience, luxury showers with Urban Apothecary amenities, prayer rooms, and a quiet zone. Guests can also enjoy fully equipped workspaces, along with high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations—ensuring comfort and connectivity throughout their stay.”
Although national sibling Riyadh Air is drawing a lot of attention as it ramps up for its first flights later this year, Saudia has also been investing in its customer experience with a new (retro) livery and new amenity kits. Ambitious new aircraft orders will come with brand new seats.
Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said:
“The launch of our new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 is a testament to Saudia’s dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience that embodies the essence of Saudi hospitality. We are proud to offer our guests a premium space that combines comfort, luxury, and cultural richness, setting a new benchmark for international travel.”
Saudia’s Heathrow lounge will be open from 7:00am to 10:00pm, covering Saudia’s first and last flights each day.
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How to get FREE airport lounge access via UK credit cards (May 2025)
Here are the six options to get FREE airport lounge access via a UK credit card.
Your best value option (but no points):
The cheapest route to a Priority Pass airport lounge card is via the Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard.
The credit card has a fee of £15 per month, and comes with a Priority Pass which gives unlimited free access for the cardholder. If you add a free supplementary cardholder, they will also receive unlimited free access.
Unlike the version of Priority Pass you receive with American Express, the Lloyds Bank version also lets you access £18 airport restaurant credits.
Even better, the credit card has 0% FX fees and comes with 0.5% cashback. Full details are in my Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard review.
Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard
A Priority Pass, 0% FX fees and up to 1% cashback for £15 per month Read our full review
Lounge access via American Express cards:
The Platinum Card from American Express comes with two free Priority Pass cards, one for you and one for a supplementary cardholder. Each card admits two so a family of four gets in free. You get access to all 1,500 lounges in the Priority Pass network – search it here.
You also get access to Eurostar, Lufthansa and Delta Air Lines lounges. Our in-depth review of The Platinum Card from American Express is here.
You can apply here.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is FREE for the first year. It comes with a Priority Pass card loaded with four free visits to any Priority Pass lounge – see the list here.
Additional lounge visits are charged at £24. You get four more free visits for every year you keep the card.
There is no annual fee for Amex Gold in Year 1 and you get a 20,000 points sign-up bonus. Full details are in our American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card review here.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review
Lounge access via HSBC Premier credit cards (Premier account holders only):
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard gets you get a free Priority Pass card, allowing you access to the Priority Pass network. Guests are charged at £24 although it may be cheaper to pay £60 for a supplementary credit card for your partner.
The card has a fee of £290 and there are strict financial requirements to become a HSBC Premier customer. Full details are in my HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard review.
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
A good package, but only available to HSBC Premier clients Read our full review
Got a small business?
If you have a small business, consider The American Express Business Platinum Card which has the same lounge benefits as the personal Platinum card:
The American Express Business Platinum Card
50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review
You should also consider the Capital on Tap Pro Visa credit card which has a lower fee and, as well as a Priority Pass for airport lounge access, also comes with Radison Rewards VIP hotel status:
Capital on Tap Pro Visa
10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review
PS. You can find all of HfP’s UK airport lounge reviews – and we’ve been to most of them – indexed here.
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