Lounge Frog guide
American Airlines Admirals Club vs Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge
American Airlines Admirals Club is the stronger lounge overall, rated 4.8/5 on Lounge Frog against 4.5/5 for Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge. American Airlines Admirals Club is ahead on quiet, food, wi-fi, showers and staff & service; Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge is ahead on cleanliness. Both are in Terminal 3 at LHR. oneworld Sapphire/Emerald Lounge Access gets you into both.
Details checked as recently as September 2026. Comparison updated October 2026. Scores are Lounge Frog's editorial ratings, explained in how we rate.
Side by side
| Detail | American Airlines Admirals Club | Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Seating & comfort | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Quiet | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Space | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Food | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Drinks & bar | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Coffee | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Wi-Fi | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Power outlets | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Workspace | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Showers | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Restrooms | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Cleanliness | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Staff & service | 5.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Views & light | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Terminal | Terminal 3 | Terminal 3 |
| Nearest gate | Not recorded | 11 |
| Hours | 5 AM – 5:30 PM daily | 5:30 AM – 9 PM daily |
| Bar | Full bar | Full bar |
| Shower rooms | 4 | 6 |
| Guests | Members: immediate family or up to 2 guests (Single memberships: no guests). Business/first on a qualifying international itinerary: 1 guest. Day passes sold; a same-day AA or oneworld ticket is required. | Cathay first/business passengers; Cathay Diamond: 2 guests, Gold: 1 guest, on a oneworld flight the same day. |
Who gets in
- Both lounges
- oneworld Sapphire/Emerald Lounge Access
- Only American Airlines Admirals Club
- Admirals Club
- Only Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge
- Cathay Pacific Lounge
Quick answers
Which is better, American Airlines Admirals Club or Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge?
American Airlines Admirals Club is the stronger lounge overall, rated 4.8/5 on Lounge Frog against 4.5/5 for Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge. American Airlines Admirals Club is ahead on quiet, food, wi-fi, showers and staff & service; Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge is ahead on cleanliness.
Can one membership get me into both American Airlines Admirals Club and Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge?
Yes. oneworld Sapphire/Emerald Lounge Access is listed at both lounges. Entry still depends on each program's rules on the day.
Are American Airlines Admirals Club and Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge in the same terminal?
Yes. Both are in Terminal 3 at London Heathrow.
Which has showers, American Airlines Admirals Club or Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge?
American Airlines Admirals Club has 4 showers; Cathay Pacific First & Business Lounge has 6 showers.