flight125

Hi all,

I'm flying CE for the first time in years and also for the first time with my better half. We're doing EDI-LHR-DBV and the same on the return.

Neither of us have status and we're looking to get the most out of the experience. Can anyone recommend tips/tricks/useful info for us?

If it helps, we've got an early flight out of Edinburgh and around 3hrs in LHR to connect in each direction. Returning from Dubrovnik around 1140 IIRC.

stu1985

Useful info - remember to use fast track for security and boarding. Lounge in EDI is a nice place to spend an hour or so.

Apart from that, not much. Keep your expectations low and you'll be pleasantly surprised! Enjoy!

HIDDY

More or less what I was thinking. I personally think the biggest benefit of having lounge access is when you have a lengthy connection. So I wouldn't bother getting to EDI too early in the morning just to spend longer in the lounge...enough time to grab a coffee and quick bite is enough for me. Relax and enjoy the T5 offering.

fluffymitten

Not much to add from the on topic posts above.

Not used the lounge at EDI but have heard it's pleasant.

Three hours in T5 Galleries (well, it'll be closer to 2) is more than enough time. Check where your flight is going to depart from as the lounge at B gates might be less zoo-like. If you like a glass of fizz, you'll need to wave someone down and ask for it as it's not self-serve.

There are no dress codes, travel in whatever you feel comfortable in.

No idea what the lounge situation is in DBV but the forum guide will have that info.

chriswiles

I'd say they do (or did) in the old JFK Concorde lounge. It felt quite formal, business-like and full of people in suits and similar, both the times I was in the lounge. The LHR Concorde room felt more relaxed in comparison.

scottishpoet

It depends what you are looking for

For some people "making the most of the lounge" is necking as much champers as possible.For me thats just a way of risking a denied boarding.

For me its finding somewhere away from the throng of the airport where I can sit and chill in relative comfort for 45 minutes before my flight

I'd suggest getting to EDI about 90 minutes to 2 hours before the flight, then you can make your way through check in and security without any stress as you have enough time should tehre be any queues

In the lounge, a snac and something to drink. If EDI is like Glasow there is self service alcohol but if you want a champagne you need to ask someone.

At LHR after the EDI flight its an easy transit, no security, just go up the domestic transit stairs. You come out in departures more or less under the North lounge. With 3 hours personally I would go to the lounge in B knowing that I have plenty of time to walk back to A if thats where my flight end up leaving from, and I am comfortable with the way back (do not use the transit train to get back, tahtw oudl introduce a world of issues).

Otherwise pick the north or south lounge, chill, nibble, have a drink, but leave enough room for the dining you will get on yoyr CE flight. as a band 4 I tend to find the catering on board in CE good.

PGberkshire

this, but I think Croatia is band 3, so maybe slightly smaller meal.

but you’ll get

lounge food in Scotland
small snack /meal on flight to LHE
lounge food
midsized meal to Croatia

so plenty of catering

Oxon Flyer

Folks, some disruptive, off-topic diversions have had to be removed.

Always worth pausing to identify bone fide first-time questions from low-post-count FT members before jumping in and trashing their thread.

scottishpoet

a yes sorry, band 3, but still the band 3 food is usually good.

sigma421

Champagne is now self-serve in T5 Galleries Club (unless something has changed in the last fortnight) so no need to do this anymore! Off a domestic, you can be in Galleries in T5A about 5 minutes after leaving the plane so long as the domestic connections line isn’t too big, so you should get most of your 3 hours.

Duck1981

Champagne confirmed as available to pour yourself

I would just maximize time in lounges and have several bubbles in the plane - crew will be very happy to provide you with refills, don't be hesitant to go to the galley in case you've run out (and many time I came back to my seat with two bottles in hand).

I remember my first flight in a premium class - it was a very special experience. In my family - fully working class - flying was always a very special and rare thing and once I sat down for the first time in Business (I think I was 30 years old after finally earning some money which allowed it) it was like.... ahhhhhh

Radiation Station

I second the suggestions to visit the 5B lounge at Heathrow with a three hour connection - there is an excellent thread on this forum where there are directions to this lounge via the mystical tunnel, which is a fun experience too. EDI is a nice lounge too; it doesn’t have much food but it’s a relaxing space. I hope you enjoy your flights, it’s always a thrill to travel in business, especially when airports are busy and you can use the priority security lanes and check in desks.

fluffymitten

Oh fab news! Should I get bumped down to Silver, I now know better

BA850

One useful tip: If you'd like to keep hold of your Champagne during landing, ask the crew for a plastic cup (glasses must be collected, unfortunately). More often than not, they'll offer one pro-actively, but just in case they don't!