BA lounges : COVID-19 closures and reopenings
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#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
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BA lounges : COVID-19 closures and reopenings
Does anyone have any insight or views on when BA will start to reopen its lounges. I am not asking about capacity issues and social distancing, just when the lounges will actually return to service.
I had heard that the First Wing and the GF would both reopen on 1 July but I can’t say my source is the most reliable. He works for BA and normally gets it right about 80% of the time.....
I had heard that the First Wing and the GF would both reopen on 1 July but I can’t say my source is the most reliable. He works for BA and normally gets it right about 80% of the time.....
#4
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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In some other posts on this issue I suggested it would be a week or two after Step 3 which is currently down for 4 July. I doubt Step 3 can be brought forward (though Step 2 effectively was) since there is a review ongoing for the physical distancing guidelines and that needs to complete in enough time for the hospitality sector to work out the operational implications. Having said that, I've been through the Statutory Instruments, and it's not clear that lounges are forbidden: there are interdictions on places selling food and drink, and private members clubs too, but not specifically airport lounges. Since the doors of the CCR are open to all* and no charge is made for the food and drink therein, it may not be illegal to open on 1 July.
Spoiler
#5
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London
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Posts: 1,015
Does anyone have any insight or views on when BA will start to reopen its lounges. I am not asking about capacity issues and social distancing, just when the lounges will actually return to service.
I had heard that the First Wing and the GF would both reopen on 1 July but I can’t say my source is the most reliable. He works for BA and normally gets it right about 80% of the time.....
I had heard that the First Wing and the GF would both reopen on 1 July but I can’t say my source is the most reliable. He works for BA and normally gets it right about 80% of the time.....
#6

Join Date: Feb 2014
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In some other posts on this issue I suggested it would be a week or two after Step 3 which is currently down for 4 July. I doubt Step 3 can be brought forward (though Step 2 effectively was) since there is a review ongoing for the physical distancing guidelines and that needs to complete in enough time for the hospitality sector to work out the operational implications. Having said that, I've been through the Statutory Instruments, and it's not clear that lounges are forbidden: there are interdictions on places selling food and drink, and private members clubs too, but not specifically airport lounges. Since the doors of the CCR are open to all* and no charge is made for the food and drink therein, it may not be illegal to open on 1 July.
Spoiler

#7
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
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#11

Join Date: Feb 2014
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I think as very long and tiring itineraries are more likely in covid-flight-deprived era showers are needed more than before. And with lower pax number they should have plenty of time to clean and disinfect... go figure!
#14
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: North East
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My guess would be early/mid July for one lounge to be opened, perhaps two at a push numbers depending. I can actually see arrivals opening up fairly soon afterwards too. First would be the most obvious choice initially, with the terrace potentially used for the usual CCR passengers. I imagine everything will be table service, no matter what one's status may be.
It also remains to be seen how any form of hospitality would yet be worked in airports where the operators have a policy of mandatory face masks.
I'm pretty confident in stating that lounges in the UK will not be opening for hospitality on the 1st July though.
It also remains to be seen how any form of hospitality would yet be worked in airports where the operators have a policy of mandatory face masks.
I'm pretty confident in stating that lounges in the UK will not be opening for hospitality on the 1st July though.
#15
Join Date: Oct 2005
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