FlyerMU

So, I'm sat here at IAH waiting for a slightly late BA196 and its the first time I've flown through here as a Gold. So I was somewhat surprised when the friendly lounge assistant in the Galleries lounge directed me to the 1st lounge that I hadn't even realised existed previously. The 1st lounge dragon seemed grumpy when I went in.. then I realised that rather than a fairly good view of the apron I'd get a birds-eye onto the D terminal passenger dropoff zone. Additionally the lounge was being run on the library / morgue principal (total silence except for the occasional sniffing / sobbing) . Too late, I'd procured a rather nice St Arnold Summer Pils so was force to wait it out whilst I drank that (waste not want not and all that). Horror, the sandwiches were curling.

Beer dispatched I made my excuses and hurried back to the safety and comfort of the Galleries lounge. I may have sacrificed unfettered access to champagne (only Prosecco on view in Galleries, pretty sure they used to have Verve Clicqout), but gain a nice seat with a view, fresh sandwiches, friendly reception, extra space and background music.

So, as I sit on one of the high chairs looking out over D9 I wonder.. are there other outposts where the business lounge trumps its more high falutin 1st class brethren? Is it worth mentioning in the lounge DB?

Acid

I prefer the JFK Business over First - Its much bigger and I like the outdoor terrace for having a quick drink before the flight.

jeffers

I'm flying 196 next week in F and had read up about this lounge. The "reviews" I saw claimed it was small but good enough. Pics looked pretty dire though and you seem to echo that.

I think I'll check out the Centurion Amex lounge instead.

rocketship87

BDA F lounge is similarly bad. Claustrophobic and bad lighting. I only use it if I don't feel like bumping into people I know in the Business lounge.

SWISSBOBBY

I would add SFO to the list... the F lounge is a room at the entrance to the main Terraces lounge...

MrsW

i agree with this. Plus you've got the pre flight dining room, the kids play room, the Elemis spa and the showers in the Business lounge. I find the First lounge dark and gloomy.

Oaxaca

JFK definitely. Possibly also SFO and SEA (can't decide about that one). And ignoring food and drink provision, perhaps LGW too. Nothing wrong with the Flounge, just think the Club lounge is a nicer space.

Raffles

Dubai

We could also have a 'when is the Priority Pass lounge better than the BA lounge' thread ....

orbitmic

The question should almost be reversed. Outside of LHR and LGW very few F lounges are actually nicer than their J counterpart. They may be a little bit less crowded, but amenities are typically exactly the same and space far more claustrophobic. Exceptions as part of BA's own lounge network are few and far between!

jday

you cant have been to any of the major airports then. There are some pretty nice OW F lounges out there.

rossmacd

Yes, I would agree with the OneWorld bit - some stunning OW F lounges around the network.

Palmer

Isn't the BA Business lounge at Gatwick better than the First lounge? It certainly is when your flight departs before 07:30!

Palmer

orbitmic

Perhaps you missed that bit in my post?:

ie I am not talking about CX or QF F but about BA F lounges specifically.

Doccykins

I actually prefer the new J lounge at Gatwick to the F lounge. More space, better atmosphere, better choice of food. Only downside is that for self pour fizz you have to go back over the other side.

1010101

SIN - the main lounge is nicer than the pokey CCR offering although the adjacent QF lounge is better than them both.

Not BA lounges but one I'm sure many BA passenger use frequently - The Pier J at HKG is arguably nicer than The Pier F, and certainly nicer than The Wing F.