subject2load

Thanks for report and photos CWS.

One point that does puzzle me a little : in the second image of the thread, the signage board indicates that Gold members should proceed forward ; but Gold members are then also shown (together with Silver) within the list of categories directed to the right.

Perhaps it's me being thick and I'm misunderstanding some distinction here. Are there some flight scenarios in which as Gold one would go straight, but others where Golds should go to the right ....

Globaliser

Don't Golds have split personalities?

More seriously, I suspect that it just identifies that Golds have a choice.

GLABA

Well my next LGW flight is next Wednesday, so I'm quite happy if BA want to finish polishing everything right through the weekend.

Neilgcal

From an article in Business Traveller

In a statement today British Airways said

“We are giving our customers a warm welcome to their world-class new home at South Terminal, with a stunning new check-in area, using the very latest technology to offer the smoothest-possible experience.

We are offering our premium customers alternative lounge accommodation while the finishing touches are made to our world-class new lounge.

We know our customers have high standards, and we want to make sure the experience is 100 per cent ready for them. We know they will enjoy the sweeping views across the runway, 40 per cent larger space and dedicated area for our First and Gold customers, and when our new lounge opens in the next few days.”

So a statement from BA saying next few days!! Fingers crossed!!

subject2load

Indeed !

By all accounts, the new lounge really is ready, and its opening will only be delayed by a matter of days whilst the remaining loose ends /procedural formalities are sorted. AND it will - hopefully - be worth the wait.

Although ....as per the precise timing of any BA improvement/innovation, I always think it best to adopt the mantra of we will see it when we see it. It's quite possible - given all the other aspects involved in this major move - that the ongoing delay is (partly ...?) outside BA's own control.

BA do have a track record of keeping us waiting for promised improvements ; but are seemingly more efficient when removing or downgrading services & facilities. BoB was launched bang on schedule, surprise surprise ; albeit with somewhat less-than-impressive delivery, service-wise.

Puts one in mind of the fuel retailers who are extremely adept at translating wholesale price hikes into increased pump prices ; but mysteriously slower at passing on reductions .......

TravellerFrequently

Due to poorish eyesight and/or poor computer, I am not quite able to make out the paid for champagne prices?

Can someone with better eyes/computer assist please?

Thanks to corporate-wage-slave for the detailed 'hot off the press' coverage!

Disco Volante

The lounge failed its safety test, according to Raffles: http://www.headforpoints.com/2017/01...e-safety-test/

A P Yu

That report also mentions people being turned away due to queues. As we saw with previous interim arrangements

layz

He also describes it as a farce, which all things considered is a bit over the top! I think c-w-s has done a much better review, more details, more level headed.

T8191

Avoiding hyperbole, and not knowing the exact details of why it failed, could we just say it's very disappointing?

The juxtaposition with the BoB failure issues just compounds the disappointment, as they are inevitably linked for some passengers (sorry, customers) wanting something to eat.

I'm hopeful things will be better-ish in time for our next encounter in March.

subject2load

(my bold)

I do believe you've just said exactly that

Rami Tamimi

None of the signs mention anything about non BA Sapphire/Emerald members. Did they forget about us, or was it deliberate?

corporate-wage-slave

My understanding, as hinted in post 1, is that they didn't complete the electrical testing (mandatory for this sort of enterprise involving the public) due to too many loose ends (metaphorical sense) rather than it actually failed. Probably just a nuance in the circumstances: if they had done the test it would have probably failed.

I also did see some queuing for the No. 1 Clubrooms. There was actually space freeing up every few minutes, but there was a timelag. Where Raffles was sitting there is a round seating and table combination, which could sit 8, but after 4 people around it, no-one else was going to shift round to create space. It's not that well designed actually. Passengers were given the choice of waiting (most did) or using Speedbird. I noticed managers watching the Information Boards to see when RAK was leaving since that was a gilt edged flight. It's possible there were Priority Pass people, though it's difficult to overstate how BA the terminal is, there were very few other flights there this morning.

aceman

I've actually just realised this current situation is much better for a silver travelling on CE, since when the regular lounges do open I very much doubt we'll be getting eggs benedict and champagne

corporate-wage-slave

Some of the signs had the oneworld colour spot, but that is a bit obscure. An oversight, but I imagine non BAEC cardholders are very thin on the ground at LGW, it's not much of a connecting airport.