Non BA Lounges in LHR?
Nov 12, 2011, 1:06 pm
#16
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T5 is far from bleak. Even the other four terminals at LHR knock the spots off many of the capital city airports in Europe. Was at CDG and OLY for the first time in about a decade recently, and was shocked that they represented the arrival point in the capital city of a supposedly European powerhouse.
Sorry. couldn't resist
Nov 12, 2011, 1:17 pm
#17
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Nov 12, 2011, 1:35 pm
#18
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I think I have, after running out of time to go to a lounge because I had been looking around the shops and eating at Itsu etc!
I like the bit about getting in the way of other people. There are so many people just standing in the middle of the paths there.
Still, I find T5 less bleak than most airport terminals. I did not like it first time I arrived at T5, into what turned out to be T5B, and the 'shuttle' reminded me of STN (shudder!) - but I did not realise it was T5B until I became more familiar with T5.
It IS missing a Hermes duty free, however, and it should be rectified!
But I have warmed to it a lot and it is now my favourite terminal.
I'm sure T5 is survivable, but in all honesty it seems a little bit bleak [unless you like gazing at irrelevant shops, and getting in the way of other people].
Still, I find T5 less bleak than most airport terminals. I did not like it first time I arrived at T5, into what turned out to be T5B, and the 'shuttle' reminded me of STN (shudder!) - but I did not realise it was T5B until I became more familiar with T5.
It IS missing a Hermes duty free, however, and it should be rectified!
But I have warmed to it a lot and it is now my favourite terminal.
Nov 12, 2011, 2:30 pm
#19
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Nov 12, 2011, 2:37 pm
#20
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T5 is far from bleak. Even the other four terminals at LHR knock the spots off many of the capital city airports in Europe. Was at CDG and OLY for the first time in about a decade recently, and was shocked that they represented the arrival point in the capital city of a supposedly European powerhouse.
Nov 12, 2011, 2:45 pm
#21
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[sniff]
Survivable, sure, like a dental check-up is survivable. 
And bleak.
Fine if you want to dine or drink coffee, otherwise it's bleak if survivable.
True. Probably confused by the poor signing and lack of natural light in most non-retail areas on the lower level.
It's a while since I used T5 without a lounge visit. I only had a few minutes before I had to get to the gate (after shopping) so dispensed with the lounge and found an empty gate and watched BBC News. OK for s few minutes but not ideal for a longer 'stay'.
[/sniff]
And bleak.It's a while since I used T5 without a lounge visit. I only had a few minutes before I had to get to the gate (after shopping) so dispensed with the lounge and found an empty gate and watched BBC News. OK for s few minutes but not ideal for a longer 'stay'.
[/sniff]
Nov 12, 2011, 2:51 pm
#22
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Nov 12, 2011, 2:53 pm
#23
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[sniff]
Survivable, sure, like a dental check-up is survivable. And bleak.Fine if you want to dine or drink coffee, otherwise it's bleak if survivable.True. Probably confused by the poor signing and lack of natural light in most non-retail areas on the lower level.
[/sniff]
Survivable, sure, like a dental check-up is survivable.
And bleak.Fine if you want to dine or drink coffee, otherwise it's bleak if survivable.True. Probably confused by the poor signing and lack of natural light in most non-retail areas on the lower level.[/sniff]
Why do you think it's bleak? I'm curious.
To me it's so bright and airy with lovely views across the tarmac, you can see aircraft arriving and departing and there's lots of space. Bleak to me is somewhere dingy and dark with no natural light. Even away from the main retail area (by the domestic gates A1-8/9 and under the lounges to gate A21) you have good views outside
The shops aren't the greatest for me in T5 as they're too expensive (mainly) but it's always nice to browse.
Nov 12, 2011, 3:16 pm
#24
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Nov 12, 2011, 3:31 pm
#25
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To me it's so bright and airy with lovely views across the tarmac, you can see aircraft arriving and departing and there's lots of space. Bleak to me is somewhere dingy and dark with no natural light. Even away from the main retail area (by the domestic gates A1-8/9 and under the lounges to gate A21) you have good views outside
I'm not sure they shared my appreciation of airport sunrises.
