Terminal 3...BA know their passengers aren't happy!
#61
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In my experience neither T5 nor T3 fast track barriers understand status-based fast track access but only class-of-service access. So I have to present my boarding pass to the person in both terminals. However they usually scan my boarding pass and read the screen and accept me; I have not had to present an FF card for a long time (if ever). This is all true even with Oneworld status from AA (not BA), and the boarding pass does show either "EXECPLAT" / "PRIORITY AACCESS" (AA flights) or has status of "EMERALD/AA/xxxxxxx" (BA flights).
#62
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 21
I agree too. I thought the First lounge in T3 was more than adequate although, to be fair, the lounge was sparsely populated so maybe that helped? I found the staff to be helpful. The range of wines could have been better. The ice-cream was delicious. The 'free' 15-minute spa treatment was average. No problems with boarding. Would still have preferred T5 though!
#63
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I haven't flow BA out of T3 in years - probably not since they opened T5 I reckon. Only EK, which was a trip with a nipper, in Y, with paid lounge access courtesy of my wife. So I'd actually be keen to do a longhaul sector out of there just to see it.
I guess BA have proactively sent these communications on the assumption that people just generally wouldn't prefer to fly out of T3 when there's a newer terminal with blingier shops and lounges over at T5. And for those with BA>>BA connections I guess it's more of a pain also. Hence maybe the choice of more touristy destinations rather than opting for eg ORD or similar. Just a guess.
I guess BA have proactively sent these communications on the assumption that people just generally wouldn't prefer to fly out of T3 when there's a newer terminal with blingier shops and lounges over at T5. And for those with BA>>BA connections I guess it's more of a pain also. Hence maybe the choice of more touristy destinations rather than opting for eg ORD or similar. Just a guess.
#64
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 732
I haven't flow BA out of T3 in years - probably not since they opened T5 I reckon. Only EK, which was a trip with a nipper, in Y, with paid lounge access courtesy of my wife. So I'd actually be keen to do a longhaul sector out of there just to see it.
I guess BA have proactively sent these communications on the assumption that people just generally wouldn't prefer to fly out of T3 when there's a newer terminal with blingier shops and lounges over at T5. And for those with BA>>BA connections I guess it's more of a pain also. Hence maybe the choice of more touristy destinations rather than opting for eg ORD or similar. Just a guess.
I guess BA have proactively sent these communications on the assumption that people just generally wouldn't prefer to fly out of T3 when there's a newer terminal with blingier shops and lounges over at T5. And for those with BA>>BA connections I guess it's more of a pain also. Hence maybe the choice of more touristy destinations rather than opting for eg ORD or similar. Just a guess.
#65
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Which have opened in the two years that have passed before this thread was resurrected
#66
Join Date: May 2013
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I agree too. I thought the First lounge in T3 was more than adequate although, to be fair, the lounge was sparsely populated so maybe that helped? I found the staff to be helpful. The range of wines could have been better. The ice-cream was delicious. The 'free' 15-minute spa treatment was average. No problems with boarding. Would still have preferred T5 though!
#69
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#70
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According to a member of cabin crew on a recent trip. BA's long term vision is to move all operations to T5 and especially create a new lounge in T5C.
#71
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compeletly impossible unless there is a reduction in BA flights or T5 is expanded. The reason BA flights are spread across two terminal is that T5 isnt big enough, it isnt done by choice.
#72
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On a more/less serious note, are there any plans to connect T3 and T5 via an airside people mover or similar? Had a vague recollection of that being bounced around (on here) at one stage.
(Would be a big help when Crossrail has the annoying habit of not reaching T5 with all their trains)
#73
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big reduction in flights at Heathrow on 30th March next year apparently
On a more/less serious note, are there any plans to connect T3 and T5 via an airside people mover or similar? Had a vague recollection of that being bounced around (on here) at one stage.
(Would be a big help when Crossrail has the annoying habit of not reaching T5 with all their trains)
It's been in the plans since 2007 and T5's transit tunnels were built with the expansion in mind.
But I think it's just a dream really.
Have Heathrow given up on the 'toast rack'?
https://your.heathrow.com/imap/pages...ack/index.html
#74
Join Date: Mar 2015
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Likewise, because:
- CX lounge for relevant status holders/cabin passengers - equal best lounge in London.
- Fast Track is typically faster than T5 (if Silver/Club).
- No satellite terminals to worry about.
I do agree that boarding is almost hilarious (slash frustrating) because the terminal's boarding areas can't take it. I think the worst I've experienced, however, is the A350 to HEL. It's hellish because the boarding area is simply not designed for such passenger numbers, which sees everyone get in the way of surrounding boarding gates. It's a problem.
- CX lounge for relevant status holders/cabin passengers - equal best lounge in London.
- Fast Track is typically faster than T5 (if Silver/Club).
- No satellite terminals to worry about.
I do agree that boarding is almost hilarious (slash frustrating) because the terminal's boarding areas can't take it. I think the worst I've experienced, however, is the A350 to HEL. It's hellish because the boarding area is simply not designed for such passenger numbers, which sees everyone get in the way of surrounding boarding gates. It's a problem.
#75
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