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.
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?
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