In 2017, British Airways opened the First Wing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) Terminal 5, offering priority check-in and security. Several weeks ago, this facility closed so that new x-ray machines could be installed. There are two exciting updates — not only has this facility reopened, but liquids restrictions no longer apply.
In this post:
The basics of the British Airways First Wing
For some background, the British Airways First Wing is located at Heathrow Terminal 5, which is British Airways’ home. When you enter the terminal, just go to the very right of the check-in hall, and you’ll see the entrance to the British Airways First Wing.
There will be someone there to verify that you have access to the space. Then there are dedicated check-in desks, as well as a special security checkpoint. What’s also cool is that once you pass through the security checkpoint, you’ll immediately find yourself in the British Airways Galleries First Lounge, which is also connected to the British Airways Concorde Room.
We know that the UK is trying to end the airport liquids ban by 2025, and that’s possible thanks to new security scanners. These are progressively being installed at airports. In recent weeks, the British Airways First Wing was closed so that these new machines could be installed, and that process is now complete.
Not only does that mean that this checkpoint is now open, but there’s a further silver lining — the liquids restrictions no longer apply at this checkpoint, so you can take liquids of over 100ml through security.
British Airways and the airport aren’t widely publicizing this, because in the event that the checkpoint is closed, you’ll have to use the other security checkpoints, and those don’t yet have the new scanners. So it’s great that the liquids restriction no longer applies at the First Wing, but just keep in mind that it only doesn’t apply there, for the time being.
Who has access to the British Airways First Wing
Who has access to the British Airways First Wing? The entry requirements are the same as for the British Airways Galleries First Lounge, given that the security checkpoint lets out directly into the lounge:
- British Airways first class passengers have access to the British Airways First Wing, with one guest
- oneworld Emerald members have access to the British Airways First Wing, with one guest
Bottom line
The British Airways First Wing London Heathrow Terminal 5 has reopened, after a closure of several weeks. This is a dedicated check-in and security checkpoint for British Airways’ most valuable customers, and offers direct access to the lounge.
Thanks to new security scanners, liquids restrictions are no longer in place at the First Wing, which is exciting.
What do you make of the British Airways First Wing?
My husband and I went through First Wing Security in April and they made me take off my shoes and light jacket to be scanned. Both items had multiple zippers so I'm guessing the machines can't handle zippers very well.
I am Emerald. My husband and 2 kids are not. I assume this means I can't use it as a family since only 1 guest is allowed, correct?
Unless you're flying in F, correct.
Sadly nope. My wife and I are both Emerald via BA but have 3 kids so can’t use it.
Was there a few weeks ago. There was a line to enter the first class check in area. Like seriously that is the first time I ever had to stand in line to get access to a first class area check in. Finally someone came to look at my ticket to see if I am entitled to enter the area and realized I was already checked in via my connecting flight from the night before...
Was there a few weeks ago. There was a line to enter the first class check in area. Like seriously that is the first time I ever had to stand in line to get access to a first class area check in. Finally someone came to look at my ticket to see if I am entitled to enter the area and realized I was already checked in via my connecting flight from the night before and sent me on to security. Security checkpoint was convenient. Concorde room was not very impressive at all. The breakfast was meh. I found the onboard product to be nicer than I anticipated and i had a good FA. Keep in mind I flew into London on an Etihad F flight, so the bar was pretty high.
@Ben, how old is that picture of the galleries first lounge? Taken when T5 first opened? Lol
If I'm connecting at LHR would it make sense to go through customs and then use this?
No
Some people do this because Fast Track security puts you in with everyone else, and can be longer - so if you have eGates passport access, First Wing straight to the lounge can be quicker than using T5 connections and Fast Track Security. But sometimes it doesn't matter...
Connected through T2 in LHR today and we were also directed to a new security check line with new scanners, no need to unpack any liquids, laptops etc... nice.
I was flying BA in International First at end of February from Terminal 3 and wanted to check out Concorde Room - I was denied access to Terminal 5 & and then had to catch the train to Terminal 3. Not sure if I caught on a bad day!
No, you can't access another LHR terminal in that way, generally you have to go through security in the terminal that your flight is departing from.
If all countries aren't doing it, it's useless unless a totally domestic itinerary where all airports in the country have it- otherwise when you leave you can use it, yes, but then when you come back from Italy or Jordan or Tokyo you still have to potentially follow the rule for liquids. So you end up either checking that bag with the big shampoo or making sure you use it all or can put what's...
If all countries aren't doing it, it's useless unless a totally domestic itinerary where all airports in the country have it- otherwise when you leave you can use it, yes, but then when you come back from Italy or Jordan or Tokyo you still have to potentially follow the rule for liquids. So you end up either checking that bag with the big shampoo or making sure you use it all or can put what's left in a smaller container that meets the rule. I'd assume when you say UK is trying to get the liquids rule changed they mean with FAA and whoever sets the standards internationally.
Your comment is premised on a connection in another country. What about single-leg international itineraries? LHR to JFK or CDG or DOH or wherever. It wouldn't be a problem.
It’s great when you go on holiday somewhere hot from LHR and can take big bottles of your favourite sunscreen in your hand luggage. No need to bring it back when the bottles are nearly empty either.
Munich has this new xray machines since Q3/24 on selected lanes in T2, too. Bottles uo to 1L are no prob. Very convenient if you have a nonstop.
I’m wondering how other countries take this if their regulations don’t allow liquids over 100 ml. Will there be secondary screenings introduced?
This is about checking in at LHR. This is not about connecting at LHR. This is not about checking in or connecting at an airport in another country.
I’m thinking how in Hong Kong you have to do a secondary screening at the gate for US bound flights.