Hi All,

Later this month, I'll be flying in Club Europe on the BA 798 from LHR to HEL. This is a 6 PM departure and I will be arriving at LHR from SNN and BOS on EI at 10:25 AM. My plan was to check-in for my BA flight, pass through to the T1 First Lounge, have a shower and then head into Central London for a few hours.

I noticed, however on BA.com that check-in for European flights opens 2.5 hours prior to departure. Is this the case, even if you are not checking any bags?

Also, how feasible is it to clear security, go to the lounge and then leave? I figure that since I am coming from Ireland and hence will not clear UK Immigration on my arrival, it will not be a big deal to clear Immigration after visiting the lounge. Am I wrong?

Oh yeah, OLCI isn't going to be an option as this is award ticket booked through AA and is a paper ticket.

Thanks!