T5 First Wing - picture review
Mar 30, 2017, 2:22 am
#76
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Professional Studies
Posts: 22
wow thank you so much. It looks very nice and well-designed.
Mar 30, 2017, 3:52 am
#77
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Iver
Programs: BA GOLD/OWE BA Amex Prem Plus Tesco Airmiles Qantas Bronze IHG SPG Eithad
Posts: 2,902
Mar 30, 2017, 4:01 am
#78
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Albania
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold
Posts: 47
Looks really nice.
It should definitely be an improvement for Silvers also. Opening those two lanes for Gold and First Class passenger should decrease the number of persons using North and South Fast Track.
As noted, it will be quite far for persons arriving on the HEx but for Uber and taxis passengers it should become a really pleasant experience.
For connecting passengers with an EU passport it gives another reason to go landisde and stop using Fast Track transit security which I think is the worst Fast Track ever in Heathrow.
It should definitely be an improvement for Silvers also. Opening those two lanes for Gold and First Class passenger should decrease the number of persons using North and South Fast Track.
As noted, it will be quite far for persons arriving on the HEx but for Uber and taxis passengers it should become a really pleasant experience.
For connecting passengers with an EU passport it gives another reason to go landisde and stop using Fast Track transit security which I think is the worst Fast Track ever in Heathrow.
Could you, or anyone else, advise on the distance from the underground terminal to FW check-in? My wife is not disabled but does struggle with excessive walking. Thanks in advance.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:05 am
#79
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL/GFl, HH Diamond, BW Diamond, Virgin Voyages Deep Blue Extra, Blue Peter Badge Holder
Posts: 3,937
Im afraid the distance is from one end to the other, but if she needs disabled assistance, she can use the designated check in desk, and if required. Be transported to the lounge which may or may not use the first Wong entrance.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:09 am
#80
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London
Programs: Mucci (Scirocco Sash), BAEC Gold, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 864
It’s a good trek, but not difficult – you can get the lifts from the Underground platforms (not sure if you need to take more than one lift, I usually get the Heathrow Express and you can get the lift straight up from there) and then at worst you will need to walk the length of the terminal on the departures side to take you to First check in which is at the end of the building furthest from public transport.
No steps or anything like that required, maybe a 5 minute walk from when you arrive on the departures level if walking at a (very) slow pace? Plus side is that you are then in Galleries First (if that is your destination) so no further walking required, until you need to leave for your flight.
No steps or anything like that required, maybe a 5 minute walk from when you arrive on the departures level if walking at a (very) slow pace? Plus side is that you are then in Galleries First (if that is your destination) so no further walking required, until you need to leave for your flight.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:13 am
#81
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Glasgow, UK
Programs: Seigneur des Tarifs Utils First Class Mucci with Honours :) - BA GGL / CCR
Posts: 1,551
Must have missed this yesterday when coming through, Looks smart though and saves that walk through security downstairs back track and then up again to get to GF.
Although had I have done this I wouldnt have seen the medical drama unfold at South Security yesterday
Although had I have done this I wouldnt have seen the medical drama unfold at South Security yesterday
Mar 30, 2017, 4:20 am
#82
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Albania
Programs: BA Exec Club Gold
Posts: 47
It’s a good trek, but not difficult – you can get the lifts from the Underground platforms (not sure if you need to take more than one lift, I usually get the Heathrow Express and you can get the lift straight up from there) and then at worst you will need to walk the length of the terminal on the departures side to take you to First check in which is at the end of the building furthest from public transport.
No steps or anything like that required, maybe a 5 minute walk from when you arrive on the departures level if walking at a (very) slow pace? Plus side is that you are then in Galleries First (if that is your destination) so no further walking required, until you need to leave for your flight.
No steps or anything like that required, maybe a 5 minute walk from when you arrive on the departures level if walking at a (very) slow pace? Plus side is that you are then in Galleries First (if that is your destination) so no further walking required, until you need to leave for your flight.
Really helpful - much appreciated. I think we'll be fine. Looking forward to the experience when we fly out on 21st April.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:33 am
#83
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: 63,821
When you get to Departures, you can just use the first available check-in desk, you don't have to go to CW or First if you don't want to, and off peak there are usually desks that have no queues. North Fast Track is then 75 metres from the tube lift arrival, and there are many check-in desks over that distance.
If you want to use the First Wing, then from the tube lift door to the First Wing is 300 metres, which is just about the longest distance you have to face in T5, it's more compact that many airports, including LGW, STN and LTN.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:43 am
#84
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 698
One disadvantage of closing millionaires' door is its use to exit the lounge area.
I guess most First passengers are heading for the transit so they're better off using the main lounge escalators.
On the other hand for CCR to gates A1 to A12, leaving via the door always felt quicker than going the other way. The walk from the main lounge escalators to A5 feels very long and seems to be upstream against the flow of most other passengers heading south.
I guess most First passengers are heading for the transit so they're better off using the main lounge escalators.
On the other hand for CCR to gates A1 to A12, leaving via the door always felt quicker than going the other way. The walk from the main lounge escalators to A5 feels very long and seems to be upstream against the flow of most other passengers heading south.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:52 am
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 15,132
One disadvantage of closing millionaires' door is its use to exit the lounge area.
I guess most First passengers are heading for the transit so they're better off using the main lounge escalators.
On the other hand for CCR to gates A1 to A12, leaving via the door always felt quicker than going the other way. The walk from the main lounge escalators to A5 feels very long and seems to be upstream against the flow of most other passengers heading south.
I guess most First passengers are heading for the transit so they're better off using the main lounge escalators.
On the other hand for CCR to gates A1 to A12, leaving via the door always felt quicker than going the other way. The walk from the main lounge escalators to A5 feels very long and seems to be upstream against the flow of most other passengers heading south.
Mar 30, 2017, 4:56 am
#86
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA LtG, Flying Blue Plat
Posts: 274
I got persuaded to use it on checking my bags in at F on Tuesday, nothing more to add to the above pics, however, my criticism of the system was proven correct in the short time I was there - it's possibly something that wasn't visible to the tens of staff that were about either.
There was a lovely couple in front of me, they were travelling in F for a special trip, and understandably they were very excited. On reaching the Flounge they were blown away, and I sort of held back to see if they were going to do what I thought... and they did - sat down in Flounge instead of going to the CCR! I told a member of staff this at the CCR and they went and collected them, but it's something that the staff need to keep an eye on (or is it maybe something that the staff want?!) either way, it is unfair of these passengers not to experience all of the bells and whistles that come with their ticket.
There was a lovely couple in front of me, they were travelling in F for a special trip, and understandably they were very excited. On reaching the Flounge they were blown away, and I sort of held back to see if they were going to do what I thought... and they did - sat down in Flounge instead of going to the CCR! I told a member of staff this at the CCR and they went and collected them, but it's something that the staff need to keep an eye on (or is it maybe something that the staff want?!) either way, it is unfair of these passengers not to experience all of the bells and whistles that come with their ticket.
Mar 30, 2017, 5:09 am
#87
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,772
I got persuaded to use it on checking my bags in at F on Tuesday, nothing more to add to the above pics, however, my criticism of the system was proven correct in the short time I was there - it's possibly something that wasn't visible to the tens of staff that were about either.
There was a lovely couple in front of me, they were travelling in F for a special trip, and understandably they were very excited. On reaching the Flounge they were blown away, and I sort of held back to see if they were going to do what I thought... and they did - sat down in Flounge instead of going to the CCR! I told a member of staff this at the CCR and they went and collected them, but it's something that the staff need to keep an eye on (or is it maybe something that the staff want?!) either way, it is unfair of these passengers not to experience all of the bells and whistles that come with their ticket.
There was a lovely couple in front of me, they were travelling in F for a special trip, and understandably they were very excited. On reaching the Flounge they were blown away, and I sort of held back to see if they were going to do what I thought... and they did - sat down in Flounge instead of going to the CCR! I told a member of staff this at the CCR and they went and collected them, but it's something that the staff need to keep an eye on (or is it maybe something that the staff want?!) either way, it is unfair of these passengers not to experience all of the bells and whistles that come with their ticket.
I'm sure a lot of people, who don't know otherwise, will settle themselves in the Flounge. Sure, some here will love less people in the CCR and that will make it more exclusive, quieter, easier to get served etc., but at the end of the day, some could be led to believe that this is method in this madness.
Hoping it doesn't come to "our customer feedback showed that our first class customers preferred the sanctity of our first class lounge".
Mar 30, 2017, 5:17 am
#89
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,144
That's one aspect of why I've been wondering about BA and the future of the CCR.
I'm sure a lot of people, who don't know otherwise, will settle themselves in the Flounge. Sure, some here will love less people in the CCR and that will make it more exclusive, quieter, easier to get served etc., but at the end of the day, some could be led to believe that this is method in this madness.
Hoping it doesn't come to "our customer feedback showed that our first class customers preferred the sanctity of our first class lounge".
I'm sure a lot of people, who don't know otherwise, will settle themselves in the Flounge. Sure, some here will love less people in the CCR and that will make it more exclusive, quieter, easier to get served etc., but at the end of the day, some could be led to believe that this is method in this madness.
Hoping it doesn't come to "our customer feedback showed that our first class customers preferred the sanctity of our first class lounge".
if they closed the CCR that would probably please most people on FT anyway; as most always moan about it and say how sub standard and rubbish it is compared to other flagship lounges so I presume most people wont be bothered if it stayed or went would they not?
Mar 30, 2017, 5:48 am
#90
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,928
Hi xenole,
if they closed the CCR that would probably please most people on FT anyway; as most always moan about it and say how sub standard and rubbish it is compared to other flagship lounges so I presume most people wont be bothered if it stayed or went would they not?
if they closed the CCR that would probably please most people on FT anyway; as most always moan about it and say how sub standard and rubbish it is compared to other flagship lounges so I presume most people wont be bothered if it stayed or went would they not?
Whilst all that is true, can you imagine the furore on here should that great little haven be closed? It doesn't bear thinking about
