Five Star Alliance member carriers - Austrian, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and TAP – have moved from Terminal 2 to the refurbished Terminal 1 at London’s Heathrow Airport. They join Air New Zealand, Asiana, bmi, LOT Polish Airlines, South African Airways, United and US Airways who were already operating from Terminal 1.

As part of this move, a common Star Alliance branded check-in area used by Austrian, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa and TAP has opened. This area features dedicated check-in counters for First, Business and Economy Class passengers as well as for Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any of the five member carriers. A number of self-service check-in kiosks as well as a bag-drop area are also available. After check-in, passengers pass through a separate security line, which also features a fast track lane for top-tier customers.

Air New Zealand, Asiana, South African Airways, SWISS, United and US Airways each have dedicated check-in counters in the completely redesigned main hall of Terminal 1, with bmi offering a check-in zone conveniently located to both international and domestic departure gates.

Once airside, eligible customers have a choice of three different lounge facilities. bmi offers two lounges, one mainly for U.K. and Ireland departures and the newly opened international lounge – bmi Number One Heathrow - located next to the main international departure gates. In addition, the Star Alliance First and Business Class departure lounge is available to First and Business Class passengers, invited guests and Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any member carrier from Terminal 1. The lounge features separate First Class and Business Class sections, food service areas, two business centres with computers, printers, faxes and Wi-Fi Internet access, shower facilities and a special area for children.

The relocation is part of Star Alliance’s ongoing “Move under one Roof” strategy, bringing airlines together to improve the travel experience for customers and create efficiencies for the member airlines.

Star Alliance now is the largest alliance operating out of the core Central Area at Heathrow. The Central Area is the only area at Heathrow that has direct access to the full range of public transport - Heathrow Express and the London Connect Service, Underground trains to Central London as well as local and regional bus services.

6/18/2009 2:41:07 PM UTC    Comments