Originally Posted by
MAN-FF
I would just tell her when you get to MAN rather than stressing over keeping it all secret until you get to LHR. That way both you and your wife can relax knowing you're beginning your trip in comfort (First check-in, Fast Track Security, Terraces Lounge...)
Absolutely agree.
Sure it should be a surprise, but remember the holiday starts at the airport, after you've dropped your bags off. If you want to keep up the suspense a bit then I wouldn't mention it outright but at the same time I wouldn't worry too much about 'hiding' it from her.
If she's going to be excited about flying first then let her build her anticipation while flying down to LHR. You don't have to mention the CCR, just say "there is a lounge at Heathrow, too".
But you never know, for her 40th she might actually want to traipse round Duty Free rather than in a waiting room
Most of all, enjoy yourselves!