bmi diamond club - Changes at LHR which affect bmi operations

Now that T5 is imminent, it's time for a new thread to help keep track of what's happening at Heathrow.

First update is from bmi itself :

Heathrow Terminal 1 changes

Work has started on the re-configuration of Terminal 1, part of the massive plan to create an airport that reflects Heathrow’s position as one of Europe’s leading transport hubs.

As a bmi customer you will benefit from the changes to the main terminal, flight connections centre and baggage halls. In the redesigned departure concourse, you’ll enjoy a faster, smoother check-in as bmi will have more self-service machines, 18 new check-in desks/bag drops and a new premium check-in area and bag drop. Our ticket desk will also move closer to our check-in facilities. All this work will be wrapped up by March 2009.

In addition, we’re opening a brand new bmi international lounge next to Gate 5. Gold diamond club members travelling on longhaul flights will be able to relax with a wider range of facilities in the new STAR departure lounge from June 2008.

Arriving passengers won’t be left out either – a new baggage belt, baggage services desks and redecoration of the baggage hall will make landing at Terminal 1 a real pleasure. In April the STAR arrivals lounge opens where you can shower and enjoy a light meal before leaving the terminal.

Great, thanks for posting this Oxon Flyer ^



In addition, we’re opening a brand new bmi international lounge next to Gate 5. Gold diamond club members travelling on longhaul flights will be able to relax with a wider range of facilities in the new STAR departure lounge from June 2008.:As will Silver members, and all passengers traveling Business class I assume???
Any info as to when in June it will be open?



In April the STAR arrivals lounge opens where you can shower and enjoy a light meal before leaving the terminal.
Excellent!
Does anyone know who will be entitles to use the arrivals lounge? I assume Gold card holders regardless of what class (like BA, although not sure why I am assuming this will be the case…), and all long Haul Business class passengers I guess (TLV included I would hope)

Also, what will the opening hours be?

As will Silver members, and all passengers traveling Business class I assume???

No, I think the Gate 5 lounge in what's currently the domestic area will be the the bmi lounge (which DC silvers and PE fares can also access). Meanwhile, the main Star lounge will be the old BA lounge pavillion only for business and *G (I wonder with the new common departure lounge, whether short haul *G will be able to access?)

Does that mean that UA will be moving pretty soon, or at least as soon as the Star Lounge is open? And any other airlines? The story seems to be that SK/AC/SQ will stay in T3 for the time being. But presumably US will move directly into T1. Wonder when LH/LX/OS/TP and the other random long hauls (NZ/CA/NH/TG) will come to T1?

Does that mean that UA will be moving pretty soon, or at least as soon as the Star Lounge is open? And any other airlines? The story seems to be that SK/AC/SQ will stay in T3 for the time being. But presumably US will move directly into T1. Wonder when LH/LX/OS/TP and the other random long hauls (NZ/CA/NH/TG) will come to T1?

US will start service from T1
UA are scheduled to move over to T1 from 10 June.

You are correct, AC and SK are staying put in T3.

UA, LH and NZ will be the first to move to T1, but that has been put back from May to September depending on the carrier.

Basically it is confirming what is here (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=742666). Bmi will have part (but not all) of the BA T1 Domestic Terraces at Gate 5, and the International Diamond Club will eventually disappear. I presume, but cannot get an answer on this, not even from bmi, that the common departure zone would allow for a gate reshuffle that would bring all bmi services closer together. Star are also getting the BA International Terraces near the Europier, but I don't know whether that is being branded as bmi, Star or another Star carrier.

I wonder if this common depature zone (which sounds similar to LGW where domestic travelers get their picture taken) will mean that flights to Dublin finaly will go from less remote stands and connections from the Dublin are easier as they don't leave the secure area anymore.

Well T1 Domestic is going all-biometric (fingerprints, not photos) at some point so it would seem to be similar to LGW.

Well T1 Domestic is going all-biometric (fingerprints, not photos) at some point so it would seem to be similar to LGW.

Is this not only for xfers from intnl arrivals to domestic departures? If I have read the blurb correctly then pax can refuse to go through the process, in which case they go landside and then through normal domestic security.

If anyone is arriving from intl they would have to go through immigration rather than a biometric checkpoint, surely? I thought biometric was to allow the merging of security halls without the need for domestic passengers to present passports as ID at the gate.

If anyone is arriving from intl they would have to go through immigration rather than a biometric checkpoint, surely? I thought biometric was to allow the merging of security halls without the need for domestic passengers to present passports as ID at the gate.

It really all makes no sense. I read an article in the times in which this system in T5 is going to be introduced to stop a traveler from outside the UK transfering to Helsinki to board a flight to Edinburgh instead and thus avoid immigration.
Source (http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/article2066498.ece)

But that makes no sense at all, surley they won't allow people to get of one plane and than wonder to the next gate without controll, be it security and immigration. Surley there must be different inbound channels depending on from where you are arriving. So if you come from the UK you arrive in a domestic hall and than can go via possibly a screensing to your depature gate in the common hall and if you come from outside than you need to pass immigration on your way.

Or do they really allow arrving and departing passengers to mingle, that can't be true because giving that I had armed police shouting at me last sunday in LHR at the gate of the late flight to Dublin just because someone managed to use the Flight Connection Center without passing security screening that would be a change in policy. UK trusting someone elses security screening No Way!

It makes sense that at security an identifier is taken (be it fingerprint, picture, biometric) that than is checked at the boarding gate to avoid people swapping boarding pass or international customers using a domestic flight.

But where would the passport controll be? After security for all bar holders of a domestic ticket which would avoid passport controll and rather get biometrics done? That would be sense, this way you would make sense. But why would you do biometrics if the passport controll is later, in front of the non uk gates? Than you can't avoid passport controll when you fly international.

All this is just another giantic mess collecting personal data which end up somewhere were they do not belong (falling of a truck).

Well T1 Domestic is going all-biometric (fingerprints, not photos) at some point so it would seem to be similar to LGW.

Will this also apply to UK passport holders?

Going slightly OT, but I remember the days when only criminals had their fingerprints taken. Next they'll be fingerprinting children..... Oh I see they're planning for that already:(

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1466943.ece

Next they'll be fingerprinting children.....

...will make landing at Terminal 1 a real pleasure

The children will be in the queue behind the miracle-workers.

Does anyone know who will be entitles to use the arrivals lounge? I assume Gold card holders regardless of what class (like BA, although not sure why I am assuming this will be the case…), and all long Haul Business class passengers I guess (TLV included I would hope)

Also, what will the opening hours be?

Does anyone know if the arrivals lounge will be International only, or will it be available to Domestic arrivals also?

when i came out of T1 domestic on sunday, i noticed there seemed to be some sort of security screening change in the normal entrance to T1 Dom after the xrays/search area, is this the additional biometric starting?

i will be back outbound on thurs to see for myself in any event

In a coincident my BA newsletter just told me about the changes to the BA in T1 with very good information:

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/askbainter/public/en_us?p_search_text=biometrics

Transferring to domestic flights at Heathrow Terminal 1

Passengers transferring on to domestic flights at Heathrow Terminal 1 are now required by the Border and Immigration Agency to provide biometrics data (fingerprints and a digital photograph) in the domestic lounge. When boarding, fingerprints will be checked, and, if necessary, the photo will also be referenced.

This procedure is needed as the British Airports Authority has introduced a common departure lounge to allow International and UK Domestic transferring customers to use the same retail, leisure and dining facilities in Terminal 1.

These requirements will not apply to passengers transferring on to international flights, or for passengers whose journey starts at Terminal 1.

The British Airports Authority has introduced a common departure lounge to allow International and UK Domestic transferring customers to use the same superior retail, leisure and dining facilities airside in Terminal 1. To meet with Border and Immigration Agency requirements, biometric information is required when transferring from international flights onto UK Domestic flights.

When arriving at Terminal 1 you will need to proceed from Flight Connections towards International Departures. At a new security point in the domestic lounge you will be asked to provide your biometric information consisting of electronic fingerprinting and a facial digital photograph. Your fingerprints will be checked again at the boarding gate to make sure that the prints match. If there is any discrepancy with the fingerprints we will use the photograph to confirm your identity.

Customers who start their journey from a UK domestic flight into London Heathrow Terminal 1 and then onwards onto an international flight should continue to follow the signs for Fight Connections as normal.

So it looks like it's only from international to domestic and than only if you are using the Flight Connection Center (so if you leave the secure area and go via passport controll and than re-enter you won't need any of this).

Now why can't BMI give us such clarity on an important subject.

Thanks sven60035, that was probably what i could see. I will watch more closely going through to check it out.

These requirements will not apply to passengers transferring on to international flights

When arriving at Terminal 1 you will need to proceed from Flight Connections towards International Departures.

it's clearer than before, but still confusing! does this mean that no-one is supposed to follow the signs from flight connections toward domestic departures?

ian. :)

Reads like they'll be installing more equipment but not any new signage!

all it is really is a small diversion for those with domestic connections. You proceed from the security screening in the FCC towards passport control as you always would have. Prior to reaching passport control you must give the biometric data.

Then you go downstairs to T1 International. Walk all the way through the Terminal (rather annoyingly against the flow of traffic heading towards International gates). There is another checkpoint just before you leave international and go into domestic where once again you must give biometrics. I was told this is so your fingerprints etc can be matched to your boarding pass so that people can't get into the domestic terminal by stealing someones boarding pass or using an OLCI pass to gain access to the UK illegally.

oh yes, I almost forgot it also means that you can spend money in all the shops, restaurants and bars then be so far away from the gate you hold the plane up while they unload your luggage because you didn't make it to 8E on time

The question I'm asking myself then was why not just move the passport check?

http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/about-bmi/press-centre/press-releases/20080325.aspx

bmi, South African Airways and United* will in future offer an arrivals lounge in the Star Alliance design to eligible customers arriving on flights into Heathrow. The 330 square metre facility will be located outside the customs hall on the main level with convenient elevator access from the arrivals area.

For departing customers, Star Alliance will open its largest lounge in the entire network in Terminal 1 in June 2008. The 1,650 square metre facility will be for all First and Business Class passengers as well as for Star Alliance Gold Card holders travelling on any of the member carriers from Terminal 1.

Well, I guess that events at T5 today will bring in a quite a few extra quids into bmi's coffers....;)

Well, I guess that events at T5 today

Only in Britain...

Well, I guess that events at T5 today will bring in a quite a few extra quids into bmi's coffers....;)

Unless, of course, passengers want to fly direct/non-stop to Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Bucharest, Budapest, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Kiev, Larnaca, Lisbon, Los Angeles,Madrid, Milan, Munich, Newcastle, Prague, Rome, St. Petersburg, San Francisco, Sofia, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Tripoli, Tokyo, Vancouver, Abu Dhabi, Abuja, Accra, Algiers, Bahrain, Baltimore, Bangalore, Bangkok, Basel, Beijing, Belgrade, Boston, Buenos Aires, Calgary, Cape Town, Chennai, Copenhagen, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dar es Salaam, Delhi, Denver, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, Entebbe, Geneva, Grand Cayman, Houston, Islamabad, Kolkata, Kuwait, Lagos, Luanda, Lusaka, Malaga, Mexico City, Montréal, Mumbai, Muscat, Nairobi, Nassau, New York, Newark, Oslo, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Port Louis, Providenciales, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, Vienna, Washington or Zürich

...in which case bmi won't be much cop

...in which case bmi won't be much cop

and neither will BA, by all accounts. :D

new from the website :

new shared departure lounge at Heathrow Terminal 1

Heathrow is currently undergoing extensive work to create a modern and spacious environment, designed to transform your airport experience.

From 17 June 2008 the introduction of a new shared departure lounge is just the next step in the development of the terminal. Whether you are travelling on a domestic or international flight you will access the same departure lounge and be able to take advantage of all the services and retail outlets that the Terminal has to offer

Anyone for an inaugural FT do in the new lounge tomorrow morning ?

plus a rather interesting :

additional security measures

To ensure we maintain the highest levels of border security, we are now required to introduce additional controls for passengers travelling to UK destinations.

On your next domestic flight with us, you will be asked to pause for a photograph when you present your boarding pass at the security search area. Quick and safe, this then allows you to proceed through the security process to relax and enjoy the airport departure lounge. On your way to your gate, your photograph will be validated just prior to boarding your flight. Afterwards the records are deleted so there’s no need to worry about them being kept on file

Ah, so T1 will have a fully shared departure zone, then. Well at least we finally know that we're in for a hassle.

And will the Star lounge really open tomorrow?

And will the Star lounge really open tomorrow?

Forgive my ignorance (I don't get up to the domestic end of T1 too often), but where is this new shared lounge ?

Is this the

brand new bmi international lounge next to Gate 5 ?

I was reading it as referring to the new shared Star lounge but perhaps it just means the main terminal? Are we supposed to be enjoying the tremendous benefits of having access to both branches of WHSmith? ;)

I was reading it as referring to the new shared Star lounge but perhaps it just means the main terminal?

That's how I read it, the expected introduction of the common airside area. Champagne and oysters before your domestic.

I connected through from T3 to T1 domestic last week. The walk through the FCC was a bit tortuous and my photo was taken after immigration. I then popped out in the "international" part of T1. However, all the monitors were showing the domestic flights (as well as international).

I took the opportunity to get something warm to eat (a reasonable, though not great) burger at Giraffe, before wandering through to Gate 5. The increase in shops and facilities is very welcome - I'm sick of eating in Cafe Rouge before an evening flight.

Couple of observations:

1) The old BA lounge was still surrounded by builders boarding - so I'm hoping progress has been made if that was/is to be the *A lounge.

2) The sticker placed in my passport linked to my photo would not scan. I had to go through all the photos on the screen with the guard to help spot me after I have an approximate time of entry to T1. Let's hope it improves when it goes live!

1) The old BA lounge was still surrounded by builders boarding - so I'm hoping progress has been made if that was/is to be the *A lounge.

The old BA Lounge at Gate 5 is the current BA Lounge if that's the one you mean. Not sure about progress at the old International one.

Ah, so T1 will have a fully shared departure zone, then. Well at least we finally know that we're in for a hassle.

Oh what a pain in the bl00dy ar**... Since April, domestic departures out of T1 have been a total joy, with no lines for the scanner, no retail intrusion, peaceful lounges, short walking distances. And now, we will have to navigate our way around 3 (not 2, ajamieson, I count 3) WHSmiths, Giraffe, Dixons, Swarovski and more, to get to our planes :mad:

The *A lounge had better be good enough to make up for our hassle... (and they had better let us in too!)

Edited to add... And this pamphlet (http://www.flybmi.com/downloads/bmi/biometric.pdf) seems to suggest that a passport will now be required for domestic travel... Nice... :rolleyes:

I wait with interest to see what opens when, and what happens at security lines.

Flew in from BHD to T1 domestic Gate 2 this evening and there are still builders boards around the old BA terraces down the corridor on the way out.

If there is going to be a combined Dom/Intl airside, is there going to be a change to the security area ie no longer a separate dom and an intl screening area. I have been a bit confused by which old BA lounge is to become the new Star one. I had assumed it was the BA dom terraces one, but wonder if it is the old one on the intl side (that had a first and terraces) ?

I assume that BA have kept Zone R for themselves until they vacate (eventually) T1?

Air New Zealand move to Zone R on 4 July.

I assume that BA have kept Zone R for themselves until they vacate (eventually) T1?


Correct me if I am wrong but haven't BA been completely out of T1 since T5 opened in March? I think they moved all domestic and European flights over there and also the handful of int'l flights that used to be in T1.

Correct me if I am wrong

OK ;)

BCN, HEL, LIS, MAD, NCE remain in T1, operated by the 757 fleet. The flights all arrive/depart (in theory) from the Gate 5 area. The old Domestic Terraces is now the only BA lounge offering in T1. It is accessible only from the International bit of T1 (today; what happens from tomorrow I don't know) - there is no access from the (current) Domestic area (so there was no Open Doors for Golds on BD/EI any more). Inside, however, both floors remain in operation. All of the remaining BA (+ AY) pax check-in at Zone R (and have to hike all the way down to Gate 5 again).

This was always part of the plan, nothing to do with the T5 delayed moves. Eventually, the plan is for these to operate from T3 instead (later this year - now looking like suffering a slight slip to October/November from September last I looked IIRC).

Correct me if I am wrong but haven't BA been completely out of T1 since T5 opened in March? I think they moved all domestic and European flights over there and also the handful of int'l flights that used to be in T1.

No, there are still a number of BA flights at T1 awaiting the completion of the T3 facilities that they will eventually move into.

The old BA Lounge at Gate 5 is the current BA Lounge if that's the one you mean. Not sure about progress at the old International one.

Nope - I mean the old T1 international complex.

I think BA have reopened the old "upstairs" entrance to the (former) domestic lounge for international pax.

Thanks, G-BOAC for a clear explanation of access. That explains why i could not get it straight in my head!!

I will be in the T1 dom tomorrow and look forward to seeing the results, whatever way it works.

I will be in the T1 dom tomorrow and look forward to seeing the results, whatever way it works.

So will I, travelling international, but in with the common domestics :D
Time for a FT do after all !

I passed through T1 this morning : the entry to the domestic section to the left of the terminal has closed and all passengers new enter through the ex-International departues area. Here you encounter a new bank of 8 or 10 desks, each equipped with a camera : this morning, being in newbie mode, most desks were manned and there were several additional supervisory staff hovering around too. Didn't seem to be any problems mugshotting the domestics. No queues and straight through to the screening area, where there seemed to be more machines, and again, most machines were manned and I went straight through without any queuing at all.

I passed through T1 this morning : the entry to the domestic section to the left of the terminal has closed and all passengers new enter through the ex-International departues area. Here you encounter a new bank of 8 or 10 desks, each equipped with a camera : this morning, being in newbie mode, most desks were manned and there were several additional supervisory staff hovering around too. Didn't seem to be any problems mugshotting the domestics. No queues and straight through to the screening area, where there seemed to be more machines, and again, most machines were manned and I went straight through without any queuing at all.

Sounds like fun!:rolleyes:

What's the lounge situation like under the new arrangements?

Thanks for the update ^

I was constantly asking if the domestic security hall would close (kind of obvious to close it if you've got shared departures) and nobody at BAA gave me a straight answer. So here we are: domestic security is no longer. I suspect longer queues are a possibility but I won't miss that grotty, poky little security hall.

Sounds like fun!:rolleyes:

What's the lounge situation like under the new arrangements?

The general departure lounge (aka the BAA T1 shopping mall) was busier than it has been over the past few weeks, and I used the bmi gate 14 international lounge as usual, so no bmi lounge changes yet. You turn left in the shopping mall after coming through the shared screening area to reach the domestic gates and the domestic bmi lounge.

Hmmm. I think this could get ugly when UA and NZ arrive. Getting through security for domestic/IRE flights has been great recently.... It sounds like back to the 2+ hour 'just in case' check in...
This and the increased 'taxes' (BAA charges) are making LHR less and less attractive

The general departure lounge (aka the BAA T1 shopping mall) was busier than it has been over the past few weeks, and I used the bmi gate 14 international lounge as usual, so no bmi lounge changes yet. You turn left in the shopping mall after coming through the shared screening area to reach the domestic gates and the domestic bmi lounge.

OK. I wasn't sure if BD Domestics would now be using a different lounge.

I was just asking on another thread about priority security lines for J class and status passengers, and apparently there previosuly wasn't one for BD domestic flights, only intl. Am I correct in assuming that now, with combined security, passengers with a domestic Biz ticket can use some sort of shorter line? Thinking ahead to when the terminal gets crowded.

I don't think bmi has ever had any kind of fast track for C pax, international or otherwise!

Perhaps with the arrival of UA and NZ we might campaign for a Star Gold security line? With PSCs at £17 a pop it is the least BAA could offer.

I'm with ajamieson on this one.

There did used to be fast track at Manchester Internationals, but never from LHR that I can recall.

I don't think bmi has ever had any kind of fast track for C pax, international or otherwise!

Back in the 90's and definitely pre 9/11, there was a Fast Track channel at T1 Intl. at the far right as you look at it. It was rarely used. It wasn't a status benefit, but the old red Diamond Euroclass BP's gained you access.

alas my chance to try the fun deteriorated. whilst in DUS, coming back to LHR T5, got called and diverted to rush job day trip in LCA. so now in LHR hotel and away through T5 in the morning, will try again on saturday!

If we now enter through "intl" area, to get back to BD "dom" lounge, presumably we can now get to the BA lounge too?

I'm with ajamieson on this one.

There did used to be fast track at Manchester Internationals, but never from LHR that I can recall.

There still is if you believe the bmi website:


fast track security

bmi passengers travelling in business and flexible economy to London Heathrow can now benefit from a fastrack lane.

I'm with ajamieson on this one.

There did used to be fast track at Manchester Internationals, but never from LHR that I can recall.

There used to be a fast track at LHR T1 Domestic......it was the far right hand lane and was shared by bmi and other airlines. The sign over this lane said bmi Gold card ROI pax (I think). I remember habitually sneaking into this lane and only being booted out on a couple of occasions when security checked the BP carefully and saw GLA as the destination:D This was defo in the nineties and may just have lasted into the current millenium.

There will definitely be a lot more traffic through T1 in a couple of weeks, though if it is any comfort, both NZ and UA are boasting that all of their passengers (even those in Y with no elite status) will be using the security checkpoints in Zone R, not the main lines. Whether this gets implemented like this (or indeed policed) is another matter entirely, but let's see. Given the number of pax UA have flying out late morning having just 2 security lanes could be, erm, interesting...

Also, NZ passengers in Premium Economy get lounge access it seems...

To quote NZ (http://airnewzealandpromotions.com/uk/terminal-one-move.htm ):



We'll have our own dedicated check-in area in Zone R for all Air New Zealand flights, with five economy and three premium counters, as well as a dedicated ticket desk. And adjacent to that, we'll have a spectacular New Zealand backdrop, adding a sense of space and nature.

Zone R is just off the main concourse, so our passengers will enjoy direct access to security screening, as you can see on this map.

Our new, improved flying experience will also extend to the new Star Alliance departures lounge. There both premium leisure and business travellers will be pampered with everything from high-quality showers to WiFi and New Zealand wines - all set in an 'urban garden'. We've included some images from other Star Alliance lounges to give you a taste.

Am I correct in assuming that now, with combined security, passengers with a domestic Biz ticket can use some sort of shorter line?No Fast Track of any sort when I went through T1 this morning...

Also, the new UA check-in area (at least, the last time I saw it while the builders were in) is in place of the old Tie Rack store adjacent to bmi check-in (beneath what used to be that grotty Garfunkels) so I don't see why Zone R would be relevant to UA pax.

Also, the new UA check-in area (at least, the last time I saw it while the builders were in) is in place of the old Tie Rack store adjacent to bmi check-in (beneath what used to be that grotty Garfunkels) so I don't see why Zone R would be relevant to UA pax.

Ah, fair enough. One of the UA ground staff was getting all excited about Zone R a few weeks back - should have taken it with a pinch of salt! That said, I am sure I saw something on the UA website several months ago talking about dedicated security and the like. As you say, if UA are heading for the Tie Rack/former domestic end of T1 then they'll be using main security.

You can't really tell from the email sent to MP elite members either. To Zone R or not to Zone R, that is the question. ;)

* An improved Premier Lobby area, consistent with our other major airports around the world, that is closer to the pre-flight security checkpoint.
* An exclusive check-in area for Global Services and United First customers.

NZ claims to be using Zone R. So perhaps UA and NZ will share it? Perhaps we will see it used as a Premium long-haul check-in area?

Perhaps we will see it used as a Premium long-haul check-in area?

Could be. It's hard to tell. As much premium traffic as UA might put through it during the day (if they are going to use Zone R), their last departure is 16:20, then there'd be nothing till the 21:05 NZ HKG. Not very good utilisation of Zone R come evening rush hour once the T2 mob move over.

Unless that's it, Zone R will be lufty and his mates ?

One less welcome feature of the evolving T1 is the increasing frequency with which arriving international passengers are forced to play the "Lockdown in the Crystal Maze" game, whereby you disembark through one of the odd numbered gates (17, 19 and 21 are the worst) and find yourself locked in a glass pen while a troupe of passegners from another flight files past, or worse, the pier is completely deserted.

Last week our whole planeload was penned for about 10 minutes, and the poor security chap who eventually sidled up to let us out was subject to some rather, er, cutting comments (and we bmi passengers are usually soooo nice); tonight we waited about 5 minutes with no-one at all in sight, and it was the bmi dispatcher who eventually let us out.

Then into the spangly new international arrivals hall, with 2 UK/EU desks open and a queue of 60 at each. Oh joy.

There still is if you believe the bmi website:

Thanks, LiviLion, I knew I had seen the reference somewhere, and I was feeling pretty red faced. The funny thing is, I’m not usually the type of flyer who tries to wring every last benefit out of status or paid ticket class. In this case, I’m connecting off a transatlantic flight, and hoping to have a shower before continuing on to EDI. Trip was supposed to be today, but is now on indefinite hold, if I go soon I’ll report on the lines.

I think there has been a misunderstanding. The bmi website quote above refers to Manchester, not Heathrow. There is not currently any kind of fast track arrangement at Heathrow, nor are there likely to be shorter queues.

06:00 this morning, T1 departures, queue as far back as the bmi check in area (60, 70 yards ?) to get through the photo-me booths, and many disgruntled faces to photograph.

International travellers were being dircted to the front of the queue to bypass the photo-desks.

Hi, you might be able to help with this question about terminal changes for *A flights from HKG and connections onward (DUB or OSL)

With the evolving situation re. LHR terminals, could we expect there to be changes for long haul arrivals ex-HKG -> LHR in terminals or will the *A carriers servicing the route continue to use the same terminal?

If I am lucky enough to arrange a *A redemption all the way to DUB, what hassles are we likely to encounter to get to that flight and terminal?

Will the Mrs have to go through the unique form of torture reserved for Irish passport holders? Maybe everyone is treated more equally as a terrorist these days? :rolleyes:

Thanks for your advice. I would like to 'enjoy' what we can and minimise whatever hassle is inevitable.

I guess we should only bring carryons too. :) Tanks a million, as Mrs Bizi would say. ^

06:00 this morning, T1 departures, queue as far back as the bmi check in area (60, 70 yards ?) .Great...:td:
Can't wait for my flight this afternoon...

I flew on the BD4 LHR-GLA today, experiencing the new T1 arrangements for the first time. It was horrible! Queue for photo and docs check, then queue for security, then queue yet again for re-checking of the photo on entering the domestics area.

What confused me most was that the flight nominally departed from gate 7, but we were then bussed to gate 78 - now, my T1 geography isn't great, especially since the terminal moves, but should this not have been accessible without bussing? To add insult to injury, although an airbridge was attached, we boarded from the rear stairs, a right pain when you are sat in 2A (although the extra room inflight did go some way in making up for it!).

Why did they bus us? Can anyone explain this?

Hi, you might be able to help with this question about terminal changes for *A flights from HKG and connections onward (DUB or OSL)

With the evolving situation re. LHR terminals, could we expect there to be changes for long haul arrivals ex-HKG -> LHR in terminals or will the *A carriers servicing the route continue to use the same terminal?

If I am lucky enough to arrange a *A redemption all the way to DUB, what hassles are we likely to encounter to get to that flight and terminal?

Will the Mrs have to go through the unique form of torture reserved for Irish passport holders? Maybe everyone is treated more equally as a terrorist these days? :rolleyes:


Not sure what the unique form of torture for Irish passport holders is -- don't they just join the EU passport queue? I guess at T1 or T2 that is a form of torture given the mix of passengers.

I can answer one of the other questions -- Air New Zealand will (the airline that operates HKG--->LHR) be in T1 with bmi from July 4th, making the transfer slightly easier. I'm not sure if travellers to Ireland are photographed at the security checkpoint with domestic travellers though. Regardless, being all under one roof your HKG-LHR-DUB should be a lot easier from July.

Not sure about Oslo -- is there a direct *A option from Heathrow?

What confused me most was that the flight nominally departed from gate 7, but we were then bussed to gate 78 - now, my T1 geography isn't great, especially since the terminal moves, but should this not have been accessible without bussing?

It used to be, of course, but not any more. And that pre-dates the latest round of changes (photos, etc).

I arrived at one those gates on BD in April and was amazed that we needed to be bussed to the nearby baggage reclaim area. Somebody opened the wrong set of doors and we were delivered into the RoI reclaim area, further adding to the confusion.

Not sure about Oslo -- is there a direct *A option from Heathrow?


SAS :)

Not sure what the unique form of torture for Irish passport holders is -- don't they just join the EU passport queue? I guess at T1 or T2 that is a form of torture given the mix of passengers.

I can answer one of the other questions -- Air New Zealand will (the airline that operates HKG--->LHR) be in T1 with bmi from July 4th,

...your HKG-LHR-DUB should be a lot easier from July.

Not sure about Oslo -- is there a direct *A option from Heathrow?

Thanks Stewardo, my PNR confirmation is indeed T1 and I was hoping that would be the case. Comparing options, adding flights at the end pushed up the price and taxes so much it is better to just buy the DUB tickets.

Unfortunately Dec 5 is sold out of EI zeroGBP fares (approx 37GBP all in) so BD looks much better value. Yet the previous day there is plenty of cheap fares. :rolleyes: Never mind! 50 or 57GBP LHR-DUB all-in fares are the best for the Friday!

Well I did T1 International to T1 Domestic via the FCC yesterday and it is a much, much more complex route - but more pleasant. New corridors through and from the Flight Connection Centre and a new security reclearance hall with much more capacity - took only one minute to clear, but it was very quiet. Security is now after immigration and after your domestic photo check.

One major change - the relocation of the security hall means it is no longer possible to look at the FCC security queues and decide to transfer landside instead. You have to disappear in a maze of corridors before seeing how bad the queue is, and there's no going back. On the other hand, you can see how bad the arrivals immigration queues are, so I suppose if that's empty you could just take a gamble and go landside anyway.

So the official airside xxx > Terminal 1 Domestic sequence is now:

Up the escalator from the bus as before/along the T1 International arrivals corridor as before => into the bright new immigration area hall where you are separated into arrivals immigration and FCC immigration => into FCC immigration where you are separated again into a line for UK and Ireland connections (as opposed to EU and other connections) => immigration check => round to another queue to get your photo taken and passport swiped again => corkscrew downstairs via the escalators and peel off from connections for other terminals => through an unmanned customs corridor => new T1 FCC security relclearance area => out into the T1 common depature hall at the far end => battle the entire length of the common departure hall through the aimless shoppers and pax heading in the opposite direction => follow signs for Gates 1-12 and Gates 78-90 => chicane through photo-rechecking area in what used to be the old domestic security area => round the corner and out into the UK and Ireland pier right opposite the Travelex.

Simple, eh?

Flew LHR-ORD with UA yesterday (23 June), but on a BD codeshare book at flybmi.com Obviously my own dumb fault for not checking terminals, but noted that no-one from flybmi.com thought to email me when UA's move to T1 was put back to 4 July... :mad: Just a thought... :rolleyes:

Thanks, LiviLion, I knew I had seen the reference somewhere, and I was feeling pretty red faced. The funny thing is, I’m not usually the type of flyer who tries to wring every last benefit out of status or paid ticket class. In this case, I’m connecting off a transatlantic flight, and hoping to have a shower before continuing on to EDI. Trip was supposed to be today, but is now on indefinite hold, if I go soon I’ll report on the lines.

I came off a TG F flight last week into LHR and wanted a shower as well. We went through flight connections to T1 (still international at this point) through to the SAA departure lounge. They confirmed that as *G (not sure about TG F) we could still use the SAA lounge since it was a *A lounge and that they had showers. The only thing they didn't do was announcements (which wouldn't be a problem as you don't want to spend too much time in the SAA lounge as you might miss your flight from the domestic part of the terminal).

In the end we didn't use it - instead tried to get into the BMI international lounge but were turned back by BAA security as we only had a domestic BP (and Mrs M couldn't be bothered to walk back to the SAA lounge just for a shower).

YMMV but in principle it seemed to work...

It used to be, of course, but not any more. And that pre-dates the latest round of changes (photos, etc).

Fair enough - v irritating though, especially as we had been in transit for about 18 hours at this stage and weren't in the best moods.
Well I did T1 International to T1 Domestic via the FCC yesterday and it is a much, much more complex route - but more pleasant. New corridors through and from the Flight Connection Centre and a new security reclearance hall with much more capacity - took only one minute to clear, but it was very quiet. Security is now after immigration and after your domestic photo check.

We arrived off TG F on Monday and on arrival at T1 connections plumped for the immigration lines (which were empty) rather than the T1 Domestic connections line (which had about 50 people queuing for 1 open desk). Felt like a mistake after getting landside to the departures security queue - they turned us back with our TG boarding cards (for the domestic BMI flight) as it didn't have a bar code one it - the lady at the BMI desk was totally exasperated at this but duly replaced our TG cards with BD ones. Then the ridiculous journey from this point all the way back to the BD domestic lounge - I hope this situation isn't in place for too long, or BMI won't be seeing any of my business for the foreseeable future.

We felt like we had been unceremoniously dumped back down to earth with a depressing thud upon navigating LHR after being treated like royalty by TG ground services in BKK and HKT. Mind you, it was quite refreshing being able to decide upon your own route rather than being frogmarched around by those polite people in purple. All things considered I prefer the frogmarching though ;)

xWe felt like we had been unceremoniously dumped back down to earth with a depressing thud upon navigating LHR after being treated like royalty by TG ground services in BKK and HKT. Mind you, it was quite refreshing being able to decide upon your own route rather than being frogmarched around by those polite people in purple. All things considered I prefer the frogmarching though ;)

Slight thread hijack but how did you enjoyyour HKT-BKK-LHR?? I loved the ground service (despite slightly dodgy lounge at Phuket) and the spa massage was incredibly good. Restaurant nice without being great (perhaps due to the fact we were half way between breakfast and lunch).

Thought the BKK First lounge was a bit poor, although I guess that's comparing it against the LH FCT in Frankfurt. Poor drinks selection as well. TG seat was pretty nice (much better than LH) but the on-flight service sucked BIG TIME! They just weren't really interested (although I did get a whole jar of caviar to myself - much better oscietra stuff as well than the LH sevruga). Disappointing...

And you're right - it's back down to earth with a big bump at LHR!!!

Noticed this evening that the whole of the international cul-de-sac is now closed and scattered with construction materials, which means that all the even gates on the international pier (14 up to the end) and the odd gates on the Europier (39 up to the end) are out of service.

Tonight the inbound turned right into a domestic gate and we were enjoyed a free bus tour of the works after filing out the back door.

Incidentally, what architect decided that passengers coming off the international pier, or up the escalators from the bus drop-off-point, would all just just love to have to slalom around a huge toilet block in order to reach the immigration and flight connections hall ?

We arrived off TG F on Monday and on arrival at T1 connections plumped for the immigration lines (which were empty) rather than the T1 Domestic connections line (which had about 50 people queuing for 1 open desk). Felt like a mistake after getting landside to the departures security queue - they turned us back with our TG boarding cards (for the domestic BMI flight) as it didn't have a bar code one it - the lady at the BMI desk was totally exasperated at this but duly replaced our TG cards with BD ones. Then the ridiculous journey from this point all the way back to the BD domestic lounge - I hope this situation isn't in place for too long, or BMI won't be seeing any of my business for the foreseeable future.
Guess we'll not be seeing you for a while, then. The arrangement is new and, as far as I can tell, permanent. It is further and trickier but not, I think, an enormous hassle. It does place heavier scrutiny on BAA staffing levels at security - only three lanes on this afternoon and there were long queues. No excuse for that.

The barcode issue is a pain everywhere now. A lot of BD locations (eg lounges, ticket desks, gates) don't yet have the facility to issue BPs with barcodes which reduces flexibility somewhat.
Noticed this evening that the whole of the international cul-de-sac is now closed and scattered with construction materials
Please, PLEASE can I be first with the wrecking ball?
Incidentally, what architect decided that passengers coming off the international pier, or up the escalators from the bus drop-off-point, would all just just love to have to slalom around a huge toilet block in order to reach the immigration and flight connections hall ?
Ingenious, isn't it? Also, after immigration and going down the escalator signed "T1 Departures" you are confronted with a blank corridor and a row of blank locked doors through which it is possible to see the departures hall but not get to it. Only when you turn round in bemusement do you realise you're supposed to walk all the way round another semi-circle and into the security hall. Dizzying, and not in a good way.

Slight thread hijack but how did you enjoyyour HKT-BKK-LHR??
TG seat was pretty nice (much better than LH) but the on-flight service sucked BIG TIME! They just weren't really interested
I was planning on writing up some comments in the TG forum, but broadly speaking, I would echo your thoughts. TG seat was good (but not totally flat, or was I imagining the incline at the shoulders?) and the feeling of space in the cabin was incredible. Having not experienced international F before, I was underwhelmed by the onboard service - BA J seemed much more attentive to me. Ground service - with the exception of the poor temp lounge in HKT - was pretty amazing by comparison to anything I have experienced before!

Guess we'll not be seeing you for a while, then. The arrangement is new and, as far as I can tell, permanent. It is further and trickier but not, I think, an enormous hassle. It does place heavier scrutiny on BAA staffing levels at security - only three lanes on this afternoon and there were long queues. No excuse for that.
....
Please, PLEASE can I be first with the wrecking ball?

Well, I suppose they won't miss me as I am not that frequent a BMI traveller anyhow, but I am looking at a lot of EDI/GLA-LHR rotations for the next six months and looks like BA will be the way forward for me. Perhaps the trek to the lounge/gates isn't really that bad, but by comparison to the old set up it certainly means allowing more time for navigating LHR than I ever would have before.

I was planning on writing up some comments in the TG forum, but broadly speaking, I would echo your thoughts. TG seat was good (but not totally flat, or was I imagining the incline at the shoulders?) and the feeling of space in the cabin was incredible. Having not experienced international F before, I was underwhelmed by the onboard service - BA J seemed much more attentive to me. Ground service - with the exception of the poor temp lounge in HKT - was pretty amazing by comparison to anything I have experienced before!


So as not to divert this thread away from its original topic any further, I've put a brief comparison of TG F vs LH F on the Thai Orchid forum: http://www.flyertalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9941343#post9941343

Also, the new UA check-in area (at least, the last time I saw it while the builders were in) is in place of the old Tie Rack store adjacent to bmi check-in (beneath what used to be that grotty Garfunkels)

The new line of check-in desks along this wall really should be attracting the attention of the health and safety mafia. Above each one is a flat panel monitor, mounted with its lower edge about, I reckon, 5'9" above the floor, and the sharp corners at just a nice head-splitting range of a check-in agent getting up from their seat. UA travellers be prepared for a short delaywhile your agent is carted off by the paramedics.

Incidentally, what architect decided that passengers coming off the international pier, or up the escalators from the bus drop-off-point, would all just just love to have to slalom around a huge toilet block in order to reach the immigration and flight connections hall ?

The state of T1 these days can only be a result of NO architect involvement...

There's some new leaflets and poster displays in the lounge explaining the plans for T1 :

"bmi will open a new concept international departures lounge. Complementing the bmi lounge there will be two new Star Alliance passenger lounges, one for arrivals and one for departures".

which is the gate 5 ex-BA Terrances lounge. According to the dragons' whisper, this new lounge has been put back to Feb/Mar next year. Oh, and apparently bmi will be getting its own dedicated fasttrack security lane at T1 too.

06:00 this morning, T1 departures, queue as far back as the bmi check in area (60, 70 yards ?) to get through the photo-me booths, and many disgruntled faces to photograph.

Is it just me, or does anyone else think this is completely NUTS!

There was absolutely nothing wrong with the old system:
1. Turn left out of Heathrow Express towards domestic pier
2. Choose security line where people keep shoes on
3. Stroll past WH Smith and, voila, you're in the bmi lounge

Now, having done it a couple of times:
1. Walk to the opposite end of Terminal 1
2. Queue
3. Take photo
4. Queue
5. Security, behind lots of slow United passengers who have enough hand luggage to suggest they think the domestic checked bag fee applies to international segments as well
6. Dodge the shopping mall, passing through duty free, presumably none of which you are allowed to buy anyway
7. Negotiate a maze of poorly signposted hoardings, to double back on yourself and return almost to where you started
8. Queue
9. Re-check photo (let's hope nobody has had a Clinique makeover during step 5 above)
10. End up exactly where the old domestic security would have deposited you without the faff of photos and queues and duty free

Please god, can someone shoot BAA* for turning a perfectly adequate system into a complete utter waste-of-time shambles. And while I do enjoy the occasional mini samosa and curled up ham sandwich, frankly I won't be revisiting the Star Alliance lounge until there are unlimited Amicelli bars and the Spy Valley is served in the business class section

*If they tell me that I can now spend money in their shops, thus lowering landing fees, please then are they going to lower the passenger handling charges on my domestic bmi ticket? No, I didn't think so :mad:

While I agree, to a point, with your comments kt74, if BAA hadn't done it when they did, before the start of carrier moves to T1, then when ?

The old domestic security setup would still be on borrowed time. It would only have survived a few more months until the current domestic pier becomes mixed usage, which might be November or December or January or............

At that time your photo will be checked at the gate, not the current white walled interrogation room.

At the minute the system is a right pain in the ar**e.

For example LBA-LHR-ORK(EI)
Then:
Arrive @ domestic gates
Walk
Arrive @ ROI gates.

Now:
Arrive @ domestic gates/anywhere
walk to international departure lounge
go to gate
scan BP - need a picture, apparently
"domestic airside connections IMPOSSIBLE at Heathrow, sir"
go landside
go through security
end up back in international dep lounge
walk to ROI gates.

Seriously? Seriously? As they might say down there "you hav'in a larff?"
What ised to be the easiest way to get from LBA to ORK on a Friday evening, had me defending LHR is now a nightmre. Not impressed.

Brian.

Well ok, you've all frightened me, especially after reading kt74's #1-10 above. :eek:

I'm flying LAX-LHR-AMS & back next month. UA on the long-haul & BMI on the short. I've read through the thread & I'm still confused on how it works/which queue (the toilet bowl?)/how much time.

On outbound I land at 8:15am & depart at 10:40am; return is similar timeframes. I'm assuming that's enough time, but talks of long queues has me wondering, especially w/ no fast track. Of course if they are long, that may limit the amount of time in the *Alliance lounge, which I've heard mixed things about anyway.

Never thought I'd say I missed the old FCC & transiting from UA-BMI, but at least I was familiar w/ it. FWIW - I'm not one of the UA passengers that hauls along the kitchen sink as carry-on ;) :D

I'm assuming the photo thing is for domestic ony? I don't remember photos before.

Any input greatly appreciated. Be gentle. Right now I just have this image of being in a long maze like a rat w/ some scientists watching me & pushing the zap button! Cheers.

PS - I've got seat assignments on the UA portion but not BMI. I called BMI (think I was connected to India) & they said I can only do it at the airport. So does that mean after I land at LHR on the outbound that I have to then go to a BMI ticket counter (and how does that work above), or will UA be able to assign it when I check in at LAX? And if it is in LHR after landing from LA, if I have to go to BMI counter can they also do the return, or will that be assigned when I'm at AMS checking in for the return. Sorry for the questions, but guess last couple of years I did a UA-UA routing rather than the combo & it's a bit hazy. Since I'm UA elite it means I'm BMI dirt, hence that made me also think it might be at airport.

Never thought I'd say I missed the old FCC & transiting from UA-BMI, but at least I was familiar w/ it. FWIW - I'm not one of the UA passengers that hauls along the kitchen sink as carry-on ;) :D

The FCC is still there, and you will still go through it. The entry/exit of it is slightly different in appearance but overall the system is still the same. Just follow the signs on arrival at T1, go thru the FCC and then head down into the T1 airside departure lounge.

I'm assuming the photo thing is for domestic only? I don't remember photos before.

Correct, even if your photo is taken, which it shouldn't, it's not important as you aren't transferring to a domestic flight and therefore seeking entry to the UK.

SkiAdcock nothing has really changed for the UA>BD connections except the process is slightly shorter, the FCC security hall is in a slightly less unpleasant location, immigration staff have new uniforms and there's no waiting for that wretched bus to switch terminals. The only changes are for us domestic hacks who have lost our dedicated security 'hall' and gained a route that could best be described as 'circuitous'.
9. Re-check photo (let's hope nobody has had a Clinique makeover during step 5 above)
On Saturday night I was early for my flight so took the opportunity in the Star Alliance lounge to change out of my work suit into casual clothes and have a shave. Imagine the subsequent confusion of the BAA jobsworth in the photo-check U-bend...

Oh, sorry SkiAdcock, didn't mean to scare you! As ajamieson points out, my b1tch is all about domestic departures, which used to take 5 minutes from HEx elevator to lounge - now more like 25 minutes, if you're lucky - or 45 minutes if you're not

The old domestic security setup would still be on borrowed time. It would only have survived a few more months until the current domestic pier becomes mixed usage, which might be November or December or January or............

At that time your photo will be checked at the gate, not the current white walled interrogation room.

Errrr, well, perhaps they could have left the domestic pier to be, errr, for "domestic" flights? (as in the name "domestic") As it has been for the last 30 years? Without all this photo malarkey? And kept the separate domestic security channel? The one that's been there for, errr, 30 years? I don't remember needing a photofit before going shopping at Bluewater, and I for one would certainly forego the shopping mall if it saved me half an hour of queueing...

On Saturday night I was early for my flight so took the opportunity in the Star Alliance lounge to change out of my work suit into casual clothes and have a shave. Imagine the subsequent confusion of the BAA jobsworth in the photo-check U-bend...

There is something very wrong with the world when ajamieson needs to shave for a night out on the tiles in Edinburgh... Who were you needing to impress then?! ;) :D

There is something very wrong with the world when ajamieson needs to shave for a night out on the tiles in Edinburgh... Who were you needing to impress then?! ;) :D

He's a hirsute son of a gun though. Full beard by tea time if he lets himself go.

There is something very wrong with the world when ajamieson needs to shave for a night out on the tiles in Edinburgh... Who were you needing to impress then?! ;) :D

And there's even more wrong when a journo is in a work suit on a Saturday :D

:D We're always smart; you just never know if you're going to be sent out to harass the recently-bereaved ;)

Thanks all! Appreciate the input. Feel a bit better, although now dreading it if I ever have to take a domestic flight. No face-shaving required though :D

Of course the really depressing news is the other thread I saw on this forum where UA basically announced it was going the LCC route w/ its premium product (and even E+ out of IAD). What a thing to wake up to...

Cheers.

BTW - didn't get an answer on the below, so thought I'd check again now that you've all reassured me re: transfer next month. Cheers.

"PS - I've got seat assignments on the UA portion but not BMI. I called BMI (think I was connected to India) & they said I can only do it at the airport. So does that mean after I land at LHR on the outbound that I have to then go to a BMI ticket counter (and how does that work above), or will UA be able to assign it when I check in at LAX? And if it is in LHR after landing from LA, if I have to go to BMI counter can they also do the return, or will that be assigned when I'm at AMS checking in for the return. Sorry for the questions, but guess last couple of years I did a UA-UA routing rather than the combo & it's a bit hazy. Since I'm UA elite it means I'm BMI dirt, hence that made me also think it might be at airport."

What fare code are you on for your bmi sector? Are you on separate tickets?A codeshare?

On most economy fares, it is seat-assignment on check-in. I presume the agent said "at the airport" because bmi's online check-in can't handle onward Star Alliance connections. I don't know how your bmi sector affects your use of UA online check-in instead. With bmi you have the additional option of check-in by telephone if you're desperate for a particular seat assignment. Otherwise I would just collect your seat assignment when you check-in at LAX and AMS - with your UA*G in your reservation you should automatically be seated towards the front and should have the seat next to you blocked provided the flight is not full, but the system that handles this is spotty to say the least.

I think at the moment Diamond Club is giving complimentary account status upgrades to new members. Blue Plus membership (as opposed to ordinary Blue/"bmi dirt") gets you the same complimentary meal deal from the buy-on-board menu (including booze) offered to Silvers and Golds so do consider that.

What fare code are you on for your bmi sector? Are you on separate tickets?A codeshare?

On most economy fares, it is seat-assignment on check-in. I presume the agent said "at the airport" because bmi's online check-in can't handle onward Star Alliance connections. I don't know how your bmi sector affects your use of UA online check-in instead. With bmi you have the additional option of check-in by telephone if you're desperate for a particular seat assignment. Otherwise I would just collect your seat assignment when you check-in at LAX and AMS - with your UA*G in your reservation you should automatically be seated towards the front and should have the seat next to you blocked provided the flight is not full, but the system that handles this is spotty to say the least.

I think at the moment Diamond Club is giving complimentary account status upgrades to new members. Blue Plus membership (as opposed to ordinary Blue/"bmi dirt") gets you the same complimentary meal deal from the buy-on-board menu (including booze) offered to Silvers and Golds so do consider that.

Hi there. Single ticket w/ BMI being code share. Fare is WKXANE. Will check into the memberships, but if it's a code share does it make a dif?

Have a dif question for you, but will do a search in the BMI forum first to see if it's been answered & if not, will PM you rather than take this OT. Thanks Alistair.

Cheers.

SkiAdcock, the reason you can't book a seat in advance on LHR-AMS is because nobody can book a seat in advance - a typical intra-European situation. But my experience of US-LHR-EU routings is that UA will always be able to find you a relatively attractive seat and print you out your bmi boarding pass when you check in at your starting airport ...although, as a LHR-based traveller who may have, errr, accidentally booked a couple of ex-EU UA tickets in the past, I must admit I've never had to use these onward BPs... :eek:

"bmi will open a new concept international departures lounge. Complementing the bmi lounge there will be two new Star Alliance passenger lounges, one for arrivals and one for departures".

which is the gate 5 ex-BA Terrances lounge. According to the dragons' whisper, this new lounge has been put back to Feb/Mar next year.

Looks like this is definitely the case, as BA isn't moving out of gate 5 until the end of Jan (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=857763) next year

With the reshuffle at T1, can someone tell me where the arriving pax from the RoI flights now emerge?

Is it back in the main international arrivals on the ground floor or is it still the same as previous up in the corner of the 1st floor?

Thanks

Tony

still the same as previous up in the corner of the 1st floor


Its the same place...

Many thanks!

Merged into the main 'T1 changes' thread.

Incidentally, for RoI passengers walking the 'durty green mile' to the Irish gates, the whole length of one of the walkways has been sponsored by an Irish cider company (Mankers?) and is done out as a wraparound orchard. Quite surreal, well, surreal for T1 anyway.

Its the same place...

Yet BAA has somehow managed to make that corner of heathrow uglier with the swing gates and linoleum!

What's happened to the premium check in area opposite the HEX lifts? :confused:

They have moved round the corner, just swing round to the left as if you were going to the bmi check in lane to security and they are immediately to the left of where the liquid checkers stand.

They are the rightmost counters of the bmi manned desks, so you can go immediately from the premium check in to the ticket scan into security within about 20 yards.

Merged into the main 'T1 changes' thread.

Incidentally, for RoI passengers walking the 'durty green mile' to the Irish gates, the whole length of one of the walkways has been sponsored by an Irish cider company (Mankers?) and is done out as a wraparound orchard. Quite surreal, well, surreal for T1 anyway.

and insulting to civilised Irish people

I agree, it's terrible cider...

They have moved round the corner, just swing round to the left as if you were going to the bmi check in lane to security and they are immediately to the left of where the liquid checkers stand.

They are the rightmost counters of the bmi manned desks, so you can go immediately from the premium check in to the ticket scan into security within about 20 yards.

Cheers, I had checked in on-line so didn't need it this time but I never noticed it in the corner either (it'd been a long day :)).

They have moved round the corner, just swing round to the left as if you were going to the bmi check in lane to security and they are immediately to the left of where the liquid checkers stand.

They are the rightmost counters of the bmi manned desks, so you can go immediately from the premium check in to the ticket scan into security within about 20 yards.

Just when we get used to the new Premium check in area right beside security....

http://www.flybmi.com/bmi/en-gb/diamond-club/diamond-club/news-centre/news-t1-check-in.aspx

Just when we get used to the new Premium check right beside security....

....that bloke from the bmi calendar walks past....?

...with a copy of the new bmi book under his arm?

...on a search for the catering truck?

...looking to find our Nigel for a 'chat' about missing wages?

...sporting a tan that Mr January was lacking in his film noir debut.

Don't know if this has been reported elsewhere, but there's a sign at security in T1 telling BA lounge users to go to the *A lounge.

<shock horror> :eek:

Don't know if this has been reported elsewhere, but there's a sign at security in T1 telling BA lounge users to go to the *A lounge.

<shock horror> :eek:

Widely reported on the BA Board ;) The BA Lounge at Gate 5 closed the other week (aren't BD taking it over actually for their nice new planned lounge?) and until BA finally get moved to T3, the Star lounge (which used to be the BA lounge :D) is in use by eligible BA pax. They must get an invite voucher from the BA CS desk outside the lounge by WH Smiths there.

A business trip to Nice meant having to suffer BA for the first time in 50 legs/80k miles.

Checked in through zone R in T1, and was informed that my return would be to T3.

Indeed, BA have left the building :D

I didn't know that zone R existed, nice tidy little check-in area with it's own security zone - any ideas if this might become a bmi Gold check-in area? That would be nice!

For the record, BA sucked. Tired old 757 with tired old FAs...

When BA operated out of T1 properly before T5, Zone R was the premium check-in area. It was an absolute Godsend most of the time (and when it wasn't, that was due to the BAA idiots closing security/only having one scanner open/etc.). Nothing at T5 even compares to that excellent 'check-in to lounge' experience for premium pax, sadly :(

It was laptops out on thursday @ T1. Hope this is not the case for long.

It was laptops out on thursday @ T1. Hope this is not the case for long.

I read somewhere that the laptops in was just a trial which has now ended and LHR will now be complying with EU law - which is laptops out.

I read somewhere that the laptops in was just a trial which has now ended and LHR will now be complying with EU law - which is laptops out.

grrrr. Surely the trial was a success so everywhere should have the new scanners and everywhere should be laptops in.

|Laptops out last Tuesday... I said "I thought that they stayed in bags here -surely we're not going back to the stupidity of having to take them out again". I was told lap tops staying in bags was a one year trial that was now complete. I said "Then I take it the trial was a failure". The answer I got was yes. Did leave me wondering quite how they've judged the trail as a failure, but no time to engage them to find out...

Andy

|"I take it the trial was a failure". The answer I got was yes. Did leave me wondering quite how they've judged the trail as a failure, but no time to engage them to find out...


That would be the number of terrorists attacks.... 0

I was a little disappointed to see it was laptops out again last week as well - I'd got used to LHR taking a sensible approach on letting you leave them in, sadly I didn't realise it was a trial either. I'm sure it is just a way to try and annoy frequent travellers.... maybe Friends of the Earth run BAA security operations.

(However, I think more likely would be that they ran dummy tests during the year with attempts to take through suspicious items with a laptop and found that operators didn't identify them due to the laptop)

Laptop's out at LHR T2 too.

Ironically only last week I overhead a guy with an American accent at a non-European airport complementing Heathrow to his associates (looked like they were transiting to the US) that laptop's were in.

"Then I take it the trial was a failure". The answer I got was yes.Or the guy didn't know what he was talking about. It could just be that as the term agreed was fixed, to continue for another period of time/indefinitely would require further agreements.

All BAA airports had to reinstate the checks due to non compliance issues at LHR (I'm trying to be non controversial). Hopefully things will be back to normal after a month or so.

Business Traveller has some news on the iminent & very welcome plans regarding premium check-in plans for T1. Also some more info on the new international lounge;

Bmi will open its new premium check-in area at Heathrow Terminal 1 at the beginning of April.

Currently all Bmi customers use the check-in desks which were put in place when BA moved out in November, along the East Face of the terminal building.

However from the beginning of April, gold card holders, business class and premium economy customers will be able to use a dedicated check-in area next to the lifts serving the Heathrow Express.

Catherine Gershon, sales and marketing director, Bmi said: “We wanted to emcompass two concepts with the new premium check-in area. We have a 30-minute check-in promise so if a business traveller is racing up from the Heathrow Express lift with 31 minutes to go we want to be able to fastrack them through check-in at the premium area. But the area will also cater for more relaxed check-ins, for example, if there is a family of four with seven bags, flying to Tel Aviv, we will be able to sit them all down and someone will come and collect their passports, sort out their bags and bring their passports back to them.”

The area will be on the main Terminal 1 concourse with a small wall with glass sections surrounding it to let light in to give it a feeling of space. “It’s going to have an exclusive premium feel but without feeling like you are sitting in a box in the middle of the terminal,” added Gershon.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/bmi-to-open-new-premium-check-in-facilities-and

Lovely - but what I really want is fast track through security :D

Can someone say LH new F check-in :D ;)

Latest T1 update merged into the master thread. :)

O F
bmi mod team

Noticed elsewhere in the article mentioned above:

Once the new International lounge is open, the old lounge will be closed and rennovated for another airline.

Which airline is this?

However from the beginning of April, gold card holders, business class and premium economy customers will be able to use a dedicated check-in area next to the lifts serving the Heathrow Express.

*cough* and BD Silvers, as before? :)

Lovely - but what I really want is fast track through security :D

I agree, I don't need a dedicated premium check-in area without a fast track through "security".

LH is doing it right on their home ports, great F check-in area (* Gold too), direct access to mostly dedicated "security" channels and in some airport even a shortcut to the Lounge (like Munich).

Stop doing this half baked things, listen to customers!

I like the idea of a relaxed check-in.... shame that with only a single bag and my gold card it won't really work that well..... wonder if they'll provide a drink too... (sigh...)

Still, will be interesting seeing what they create anyway, as a regular I've been curious what has been going on under the old premium check-ins. Let's hope that they have more than the 1 person normally on premium check-in on Monday morning/Sunday night! (with the obligitory supervisor watching of course!)

And here's to a fast-track security too - for some reason the fast track in LHR T1 doesn't ever seem to be anything more than a normal line (and its miles away from the bmi desks!) - my other regular, MAN, has a very effective fast track for the few times of day when the main line is busy!

Do you think by relaxed atmosphere they mean to copy the UA premium check-in area with 2 little red armchairs?

Lovely - but what I really want is fast track through security :D

Couldn't agree more. Love OSL, CPH & ARN's fastrack service for :-:G Can't understand why this is not available with BMI at all it's BAA ports.

Can't understand why this is not available with BMI at all it's BAA ports.
Exorbitant charges?

Business Traveller has some news on the iminent & very welcome plans regarding premium check-in plans for T1. Also some more info on the new international lounge;

[I]Bmi will open its new premium check-in area at Heathrow Terminal 1 at the beginning of April.

In the latest issue of Business Traveller the date is now confirmed:

On April 2, Bmi is opening a premium check-in area for business class and premium economy passengers.

Also:

Katherine Gershon, sales and marketing director at Bmi, says it had considered putting in a fast-track security lane for customers but found there was no need as capacity has shrunk since BA moved out.

http://www.businesstraveller.com/archive/2009/april-2009

Katherine Gershon, sales and marketing director at Bmi, says it had considered putting in a fast-track security lane for customers but found there was no need as capacity has shrunk since BA moved out.

Huh ?:confused:

did she mean to say demand, or perhaps queues ?

Premium check-in looks quite nice from the outside and inside there are friendly staff to assist and a few chairs to sit on.

Slightly OT but just as a heads up to those who didn't know already, Swiss move from the hell on earth that is T2 to T1 on June 11th. May be a nicer way to start that redemption...

FWIW, the LH, LX and OS services are using the old international pier (gates 17 up to 27) in T1, so the *A lounge is much more convenient for these than the #1 lounge. BD seems to have vacated these gates now.