Trip Reports - LHR-JFK-LHR in BA J + a visit to the Concorde Room

This trip report will be a photo heavy one. For more text heavy ones, please read my other trip reports (links are in the signature). I usually start my trips from Helsinki, but since HEL-LHR route is rather short and I've reviewed it in the past, I decided concentrate on BA's cash cow route only.

Arriving in Heathrow

My flight from Helsinki to London Heathrow was nothing to write home about - a standard and efficient Euro Traveller ride with nice BA crew and Italian passengers who wanted to give the pilot a big hand after touchdown in LHR. We arrived in Terminal 3 some 20 minutes ahead but got stuck because, according to the pilot, the approach system of the plane failed when taxiing to our remote stand. We waited for a while to get towed for more two metres. I hate bussing (who doesn't??) but that's more or less the norm rather than exception in LHR, so I had no reason to act surprised or be grumpy. Luckily the bus left for the terminal quickly, and I was on another bus to T5 in no time.

T5 Security Shambles

I proceeded through Fast Track passport control in T5 quickly only to get stopped at the bottom of the escalators going up to the security area. The reason? Security shambles! Security was crowded and I ended up choosing the queue right after the escalators once I got up there. The queue moved slowly and the reasons were the usual: people not realizing that they have to remove their belts, take out their laptops etc. And the automated tray system is still a big mystery to most travellers! I don't mind it, but it looks like people just can't wrap their heads around it. On top of that it was hot in the terminal and I was sweating like a pig. Not sure if that was out of the ordinary as I don't fly via LHR that often.

The Concorde Room

I finally got through security after 20 minutes of waiting. I had checked from ba97.com if anyone was flying from LHR T5 that same day and thanks to an invitation from SanDiego1K who was flying in F, I was able to enter The Concorde Room. Yay! I had been there once already - only briefly - but this time I had more than two hours to kill. I met SanDiego1K, thanked for the generous offer, and found my way to the champagne bar. I was thirsty for Bollinger.

Now some photos and less talk:

Concorde Room terrace:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3980736613_e26c196b8d_o.jpg

View from the terrace.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/3980737069_bb9fe0a41b_o.jpg

T5B.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3980737401_face6e8a0a_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3981519394_9b5d67d2b2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3981520064_a84e666a3d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3980759749_1d74eb519b_o.jpg

The Champagne Bar.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3981520928_ed19835e85_o.jpg

The dining area. Sadly I wasn't hugry at all, so I settled for a strawberry milkshake and Bolly. The service at the champagne bar was a bit sour... :td:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3981521572_1bc2860fc5_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2563/3981522044_e0db3703b8_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/3980761659_a945dc3a32_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2553/3980762215_db45ba8223_o.jpg

Entrace from the security level which saves you from lots of walking and escalators.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3980765311_69c06bda17_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3981525924_ee9d9e0715_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/3981523280_77c111c3bb_o.jpg

View towards the other entrance.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3981523674_8b7a0ef133_o.jpg

Corridoor to the washrooms.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3980763257_e6005fc0d1_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2597/3981524532_1547d179f2_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3980764181_31458f6ccb_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3980764645_f3b495e349_o.jpg

Reserved for rest of the report.

Reserved

Reserved 2

Reserved 3

What is the custom of meeting people off ba97.com to get access to nice lounges?

Is it expected that once access is granted, the two should stick together chatting until one's flight departs? Would it be interpreted as rude if once in the lounge, the invitee dumps his/her invitor and have a shower, then quietly sneak out of sight from his/her invitor? :)

I was wondering this very same question some time ago and came to the conclusion that first of all it's polite to thank the invitor and stick around for bit of a chat and maybe a drink, and read in between the lines if your company is desired or not. :D I am happy to keep company to other travellers if they prefer that, but I can entertain myself very well by being alone, too. Lounge rules don't dictate whether the invitor has to look after the invitee, so as soon as you're in, you're on your own.

Looking forward to the rest of this one, great TR as usual. Wish you would do Finnair J just the once though :p

Wish you would do Finnair J just the once though :pyes - especially once the new spa/lounge opens at Vantaa (in December, I think).

Thanks for sharing speedymac, the pictures are absolutely great ^

Looking forward to read your report mate!

excellent pics, as ever! I see you're no longer faithful to the old BOS route, though... :p

Great trip report so far speedymac and those pictures are absolutely stunning. I think I've asked you before (but can't remember the answer and too lazy to search ;)) but what camera do you use? It must be HD!