Thanks for everyone who took the time to reply.

I'm cabin luggage only, which is why reaching the border desks is slightly more important to me than if I was travelling with checked luggage.

I do agree that the border is far quicker than it used to be pre-kiosks. However although the kiosks are a big advantage, there can still be a very long snaking queue to hand in the slip that the kiosk issues.A lot depends on what flights have arrived immediately before the BA85, particularly if its from Asia.

Having said that, my preference for a quick disembark might be more to do with my personal total lack of patience than anything else! That may be why my partner now refuses to travel with me!