First Wing at T5
Mar 12, 2019, 2:03 am
#946
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,696
For those who have spent the entire last year only seeing the First Wing, normal security, for those entering airside from landside, has greatly improved over recent years, so if you are on (e.g.) a Ski Saturday it may be better to go Fast Track or even general South Security. HAL are getting good at rostering the right number of staff for the demand, but also the big wadge of recruits from a few years ago have mainly stayed in the role, so there are fewer trainee staff.
Mar 12, 2019, 2:42 am
#947
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 778
Two guests per GGL via The First Wing. On paper at least, it's only 1 guest via normal Fast Track.
For those who have spent the entire last year only seeing the First Wing, normal security, for those entering airside from landside, has greatly improved over recent years, so if you are on (e.g.) a Ski Saturday it may be better to go Fast Track or even general South Security. HAL are getting good at rostering the right number of staff for the demand, but also the big wadge of recruits from a few years ago have mainly stayed in the role, so there are fewer trainee staff.
For those who have spent the entire last year only seeing the First Wing, normal security, for those entering airside from landside, has greatly improved over recent years, so if you are on (e.g.) a Ski Saturday it may be better to go Fast Track or even general South Security. HAL are getting good at rostering the right number of staff for the demand, but also the big wadge of recruits from a few years ago have mainly stayed in the role, so there are fewer trainee staff.
Mar 12, 2019, 2:44 am
#948
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,871
If you can use TFW for check in and security I would definitely do so.
Mar 12, 2019, 2:53 am
#949
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,696
The First Wing, Ski Saturday is a problem at 10:00 hrs, not 16:00 hrs (and presumably the ski season is coming to an end).
Mar 13, 2019, 12:20 pm
#951
Join Date: May 2016
Location: London WC1
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 432
Hi, glad I’ve seen your post.
MrsT (Gold) was told on Sunday night (coming off long haul onto the shuttle) at the First Wing entrance to use the Fast Track as the wing security was busy, she phoned me and I told her to show her gold card/ boarding pass (again) and continue through to the wing security, she was through into GF in 5 mins.
Apr 4, 2019, 4:47 am
#952
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: BA (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 1,256
OK so I'm used to the walk from the First Wing to the CCR involving adverts from everyone's favourite Big 4 bean counter, but does anyone know why there is now an additional obstacle en route in the form of a series of gaudy frocks dangling from hangers?
Apr 4, 2019, 4:53 am
#953
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 663
Apr 4, 2019, 5:07 am
#955
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: BA (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 1,256
All is explained in this thread!
Jun 13, 2019, 7:27 am
#956
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: London, UK
Programs: Virtuoso, FSPP, Hyatt Prive, Hilton Impressario, Marriott Stars/Luminous, Roswood Elite, MO Fan Club
Posts: 557
Hi
Just to double check - if im on Iberia flight to MAD, I can check in and use the FIrst Wing as normal right? As in if I would for a BA flight...
OR
Do I have to go to the dedicated Iberia check in section?
I believe BA FW staff can also check my visa and put the 'ready to fly' tick on my booking
Just to double check - if im on Iberia flight to MAD, I can check in and use the FIrst Wing as normal right? As in if I would for a BA flight...
OR
Do I have to go to the dedicated Iberia check in section?
I believe BA FW staff can also check my visa and put the 'ready to fly' tick on my booking
Jun 13, 2019, 7:30 am
#957
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,696
If you don't have an EU, EEA or Swiss passport then you best go first to Zone F to ensure Iberia's systems are OK for you to travel. Having done that then as a Gold cardholder you are free to use The First Wing to get airside.
Jul 16, 2019, 7:22 am
#958
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,680
Came through, well didn't, at 6.30 this morning. Queuing outside the initial check desks before the machines. Went to fast track just as I did last time. Maybe unlucky with my times, but not seeing the benefit of FW.
Jul 16, 2019, 7:39 am
#959
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: York, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,183
If there's a queue it's often worth checking to see if it's for check in or security. If it's for check in and you're HBO you can skip the queue and go right straight to security (I know it's not a very British thing to do, but at the end of the day you don't need to queue for check in).
