LHR Lounge access - 12 hr layover

Acid · Jan 10, 13, 11:00 am

Hello,

I have a 12 hr layover(EWR-LHR-BOM) at Heathrow arriving 9 AM and leaving 9.25 PM same day. I was wondering if I can use the BA lounge as soon as I arrive in LHR - freshen up/ have breakfast and then explore London for a bit and then return back for the onward flight to BOM.

Will there be any issue getting into the Galleries 12 hrs before my flight. AA Plat status.

Thanks!

windowontheAside · Jan 10, 13, 11:02 am

What class are you flying? If you're in J or F then you can use the arrivals lounge to freshen up and have breakfast, and then head out for the day.

Otherwise you're out of luck on arrival, I think.

Cap'n Benj · Jan 10, 13, 11:04 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid

Hello,

I have a 12 hr layover(EWR-LHR-BOM) at Heathrow arriving 9 AM and leaving 9.25 PM same day. I was wondering if I can use the BA lounge as soon as I arrive in LHR - freshen up/ have breakfast and then explore London for a bit and then return back for the onward flight to BOM.

Will there be any issue getting into the Galleries 12 hrs before my flight. AA Plat status.

Thanks!

It should be fine, assuming you are in at least business class.

If not you will not have access to BA's arrival lounge, which may make it a problem showering and breakfasting AND then leaving the airport, as you would only be able to access the airside lounges, from which it is not easy to escape the terminal!

If you are in business class or above, then there will be no problems.

Tim1975 · Jan 10, 13, 11:18 am

if you are unable to get into a lounge, there are no public showers available at T5 which is pretty poor IMHO.

One option for someone like yourself who will be venturing into the city is to jump on the Heathrow Express train on arrival. 18 minutes later you are at Paddington station. There are showers for £5 on platform 1 (near the FGW First class lounge). Last time I used them they were basic, but clean and the water was hot and plentiful (towel and basic soap/shampoo provided). They are really for the passengers on the overnigth trains, but they are open all day.

Alternatively, it might be worth investigating a LHR hotel option.

Acid · Jan 10, 13, 11:51 am

Flying Coach.

I also have Priority Pass Select(via Amex Platinum). I was hoping to use the airside BA lounge on arrival since I have an onward BA flight(in coach) on same day using my AA Plat card. My luggage will be check all through to BOM.

Genius1 · Jan 10, 13, 11:55 am

You can access the Galleries Club departure lounges, which are all located airside.

rxfleming · Jan 10, 13, 11:56 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid

Flying Coach.

I also have Priority Pass Select(via Amex Platinum). I was hoping to use the airside BA lounge on arrival since I have an onward BA flight(in coach) on same day using my AA Plat card. My luggage will be check all through to BOM.

You are a Sapphire, so you can access Galleries Club North or South. Both have showers.
Might be better just to get a day room at the Yotel in Terminal 4 and sleep/shower there.

dnajockey · Jan 10, 13, 11:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid

Flying Coach.

I also have Priority Pass Select(via Amex Platinum). I was hoping to use the airside BA lounge on arrival since I have an onward BA flight(in coach) on same day using my AA Plat card. My luggage will be check all through to BOM.

Nothing on arrival, galleries on departure - arrivals for J/F and emeralds only

Acid · Jan 10, 13, 11:57 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Genius1

You can access the Galleries Club departure lounges, which are all located airside.

Thanks - I hope the dragons don't deny me entry 12 hrs before my flight!

windowontheAside · Jan 10, 13, 11:58 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by rxfleming

You won't have any lounge access as AA Plat ...

Why not?

That's OW sapphire isn't it?

rxfleming · Jan 10, 13, 12:00 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by windowontheAside

Why not?

That's OW sapphire isn't it?

Bit fast, aren't you!

Corrected myself

Acid · Jan 10, 13, 12:01 pm

Thanks everyone!
I'll update on how it goes - flight is not until early Feb.

cornishsimon · Jan 10, 13, 12:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid

Thanks everyone!
I'll update on how it goes - flight is not until early Feb.

Think what's been meant is that arrivals lounge is landside and for CW & F or BA gold/ equivalent.

Terraces lounges are air side and you would have access but only of your staying airside.

There is no easy way back landside to go into London once your in the terraces lounge.

cs

Genius1 · Jan 10, 13, 12:27 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid

Thanks - I hope the dragons don't deny me entry 12 hrs before my flight!

The lounges open at 05:00, and you can access the lounges any time from then on the day of departure.

iwillflytheworld · Jan 10, 13, 12:30 pm

You can absolutely access the galleries lounges on arrival by virtue of your status and connecting BP.

Leaving T5 airside is not standard but it can be done (you may have to wait up to an hour though), there was a recent thread on this.