Heathrow Express, here's how to travel first class for free
Those who frequent the largest of London's airports know very well that to get around downtown, the fastest way [...]
Star Alliance
LHR
United Kingdom
Who attends the largest of London's airports knows very well that to get around downtown, the fastest and easiest way is to take the Heathrow Express, which connects the airport with Paddington station in just 15 minutes.
In this article:
It is the most convenient, but also expensive, public transport option to reach central London.
What few people know is the possibility of paying for the standard ticket and traveling first class thanks to Gold status in one of the Star alliance companies.
Sure, the trip is short, but being able to travel in a first class cabin is still more comfortable than doing so in a regular carriage. There are bigger seats with more legroom, power outlets, and they are definitely less crowded than those in tourist class.
To take advantage of this benefit, all you need to do is buy the regular ticket at a cost starting at £5 if bought well in advance. The presto goes up to £25 if bought at the dock.
All you will have to do is show your card certifying Gold status in the alliance to the controller.
There is only one small drawback, the free upgrade only applies if you pay full fare, so if you take a discounted fare you will not be able to travel in first without paying for the corresponding ticket.
Accumulate points/miles with the ticket
There is then also the possibility of Earn points and miles with your Heathrow Express ticket, as well as all expenditures made at the London airport, thanks to the Heathrow Rewards loyalty program.
The main way to earn points is at stores, bars and restaurants at Heathrow Airport. You earn 1 point per £1 spent. If you spend £750 at airport stores, restaurants or bars in a calendar year, you are promoted to Heathrow Rewards Premium. This brings additional benefits such as double points on all your spending and a one-time discount of £10 when you spend £100 at World Duty Free.
Points can be converted into discounts: 500 points equals £5 off. Or transferred to some loyalty programs:
- Aegean Miles+Bonus
- Asia Miles
- Avios
- Emirates Skywards
- Lufthansa Miles & More
- Royal Brunei Royal Skies
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
- Virgin Flying Club
In conclusion
If you have Star Alliance Gold status you can travel for free in a better carriage, saving as much as £20 on your round-trip ticket. In any case, accumulating points at the airport in London can help you earn miles in the loyalty program without spending, as usual, anything extra.
