On 4 July 2008, United Airlines and Air New Zealand customers travelling through London Heathrow will appreciate a greatly enhanced airport experience in the newly refurbished Terminal 1.

A Star Alliance Departure Lounge, with distinct first- and business-class areas, will provide a quiet retreat where travellers can relax or work.  Both areas will feature comfortable, private seating, complimentary food and beverages, as well as shower facilities and the latest business technology, including Wi-Fi internet access.  This lounge facility will also be open to UA’s Red Carpet Club® members as well Star Alliance Gold card members.

The Star Alliance Connection

Customers will be able to make connections within 60 minutes to United Airlines, Air New Zealand, Asiana Airlines, bmi, Lot Polish Airlines, South African Airways and US Airways who will all operate out of Terminal 1.  A minimum connection time of 90 minutes will apply for connections between Terminal 1 and all other terminals at Heathrow.

By the end of 2008, it is expected that Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and TAP Portugal will make the move to Terminal 1, reducing connection times even further.

In the longer term, Air Canada, Air China, ANA, Blue1, SAS, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines are also expected to move under the same roof at London Heathrow.