American Airlines Flagship Lounge

Oddly small and closed-​in feeling for a «flagship lounge». Especially when you compare to the much nicer, larger and better appointed BA lounges that are just upstairs from this one. Plus the wifi was spotty (grr) which is usually one of the selling points of being in the lounge vs out with the masses in the terminals.
At least unlike the American Airlines lounges in the US all the food and snacks are included (how they get away with charging in the US is beyond me). And I did make use of the shower facilities, which were nice, and better than the British Airways ones (which have an odd airline bathroom-​like cramped feeling).

American carriers aren’t usually known for their lounges, so I was skeptical when I connected at LHR. But I figured why not check out the AA Lounge with my new Oneworld status. It wasn’t amazing, but it beat the hell out of a normal domestic lounge. They had a make your own burger bar, and it turned out to be a better food option than the BA lounge I went to after. I think BA usually wins, so maybe I caught them when they were changing out the food.

American Airline admiral lounge at Heathrow airport (terminal 3) is below the expected standard of such major airline name at a such a major hub.
It is relaxing with free wifi, shower areas. Etc
But the food selection is very similar to what you would expect at a school cafeteria.

Technically this is separated into two lounges: one for OneWorld Emerald members (or those flying business class) and one for those without Emerald (AA Exec Plat) status.
The Emerald side is much better, as you can order off of an unseen menu for free and the staff is helpful. There is a shower suite that is rarely occupied as well as 4 lounge chairs that fully recline.
The non-​Emerald side has less food and drink options and less comfortable furniture. Both sides have complimentary limited alcohol.
Overall, Emerald gets 3.5 stars, non-​emerald 2.5 stars. If you want something really nice, the BA First Class Lounge is really good and can be entered without status for a $ 50 entry fee (ideal for long layovers).

Nice clean spacious facility. Free wifi and the food and spirits selection is adequate. Great lounge to access when dealing with a long layover.

Huge lounge with lots of chairs with outlets and unlimited food. Free wifi as well.

Quiet, clean, tidy and relaxing. Ok food selection for breakfast albeit not as good as the BA lounge. Service is adequate. The shower facility is clean and spacious with all that you could need to refresh after being cramped in an airplane seat for hours.
Overall, nice place to be before an 11-​hour flight!

Nice to arrive and have a shower. Buffet breakfast is nice, fresh croissants were good, but the coffee is weak. They need a better coffee vendor to get the fifth star. The staff were all helpful and friendly, and they have valet service for clothes if you want them pressed while you shower. That’s a nice touch.

I like the size of this lounge & the separate dining area which actually service up some good food. The lounge is separated out, with a huge common area, then a TV area and a quite area which has plenty of power outlets.

Food was fine, location was fine, service was fine. Did anything stand out as overly exceptional? Not particularly. With that said, do you have any other options? Nope.
Its nice to have a power outlet, wifi, and a decent cup of coffee though.

OK food selections, on par with CX’s First Class Lounge. BA’s Galleries Lounge is still the best amongst the OneWorld Lounges in Heathrow with better premium liquors (e.g. Gentlemen Jack and Johnny Walker’s Red Label), a champagne bar, and made to order meals.
That said, almost every seat has a power outlet, which is nice, and generally the place is not very packed compared to the Admiral Clubs area.
All in all, not a bad place to hangout before an 11 hour flight back home.