Tobias-UK

Yes, this is now the lounge, it’s the Escape Cardholder Lounge to give it its official name. It also has extended hours for BA, the lounge will be open from 05:00 until 20:00 every day.

flarmip

Thanks. Presumably it's now BA-only, with the "original" lounge becoming the Priority Pass/paid-entry option?

ademanuele

There were too many people to be BA only last time I visited, I suspect pre-booked Priority Pass and DragonPass amongst others, will check the sign on Sunday morning (if it has been updated!).

MaxFlyer

I saw the sign just now and it said BA first followed by PP, DP and some others.

I’m flying FR on a positioning flight so didn’t use the lounge.

Tobias-UK

I understand this lounge, the Escape Cardholder Lounge, is for BA passengers and (space permitting) PP and certain other card programs. The original Escape Lounge if for paid entry guests plus overflow PP cardholders when space permits.

I've just checked the Priority Pass App and it says PP are to use the original Escape Lounge, but I suspect that may be an error. Up until recently the PP App had both the Escape Lounge and the Escape Cardholder Lounge listed as options.

ademanuele

I wonder if both lounges will remain open permanently, the “new” BA lounge used to be seasonal and closed in the winter months. A relief if paid entry passengers now use the other lounge.

ademanuele

At the BA Lounge this morning, two different signs at the entrance. Opening times different to what’s on the oneworld web site.

DeathSlam

I went to the wrong lounge because I just saw the 'cardholders only' sign, so assumed that wasn't me (on a CE booking)

ademanuele

Security was busy/chaotic today, priority lanes by the security trays were not being policed and regular passengers were simply walking into the priority queues. I do have some sympathy with the security staff, passengers just do not bother to follow the rules and slow things down.

A new sign has appeared at the BA lounge. The lounge was quite busy and I asked at the desk whether it was BA only and was told that other passes could also gain access, I wonder if BA are aware? Apparently when the lounge closes (eligible) BA passengers can use the other lounge (which I assume has longer opening hours). The lounge is also apparently seasonal so BA will be back next door after the summer.

Tobias-UK

The lounge is still the Escape Cardholder Lounge but priority is given to eligible BA passengers. When space permits PP and members of other lounge access card programs are allowed access.

marble35

So, I bring mixed news. There is a definite left luggage kiosk in terminal 3, upstairs at the check-in desks. It was fully shuttered when I got there (18:00 on a Wednesday) but there were lights on inside. So it *may* be in use but unfortunately I can't tell you any more than that. No phone numbers on anything and a couple already there were trying to phone someone to reach them. I took some photos which may or may not be any use. Good luck!

peter3102

I was on BA1389 to LHR yesterday and on the strength of the app telling me that bag drop opened at T -2.5 hours I set off 15 minutes earlier than intended. Big queue for closed bag drop and no desks opened until 5 minutes before the prescribed 2 hours, ended up number 7 in CE queue. I've never seen security so quiet, fast track straight to tray pick up, didn't even have time to prepare my electronics and liquids although I was delayed by BP failure to scan. No queue for normal security either. New lounge much less frantic than Escape although food offering more restricted but nice bacon roll perfectly adequate for breakfast. Self pour drinks the same dubious brands as Escape so not sampled, friendly staff told me it would remain open until mid November and then back to Escape only. BP failure again at gate 143 corridor. Seated on aircraft for almost an hour before take off due to 'rain showers' , possibly an overreaction to recent turbulence issues. Good crew managed to feed me and offer 3 glasses of champagne in the 35 minutes flight. After 20 minutes wait for bags just managed to catch my bus to LGW. Now in LGW lounge awaiting flight to UVF.

flarmip

Not aware of any material change to BA SOPs following the Singapore Airlines incident. The delay "due to rain showers" was probably more likely shorthand for a delay awaiting a slot into Heathrow. Even the slightest gust of wind can cause delays there, it is panned to operate at nearly 100% of theoretical capacity so if anything goes wrong, there are delays.

manymany

Yesterday I was early for the 19:40 BA1407 flight, got there around 16:30. I went to the Escape Cardholder Lounge, but was denied entry because "we close at 18:00, so you can go to the other lounge as it closes at 19:30". I went to the other lounge, the yellow one, there was a sign outside saying it was full. I was told "oh, BA passengers use the other lounge, you can go there". He let me in after I explained I had just tried lol.

I wanted to try the Escape Cardholder Lounge because I've been in the yellow one the past three weeks. Not sure I'm missing much though as it looked just as busy and similar food.

marble35

You're not missing much. Slightly better bar setup but that's it. The food is exactly the same as they have served every single day since the start of 2024. It is May now btw.