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.
Continue reading: British Airways’ First Wing Heathrow Terminal 5
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I’m wondering how other countries take this if their regulations don’t allow liquids over 100 ml. Will there be secondary screenings introduced?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
I’m thinking how in Hong Kong you have to do a secondary screening at the gate for US bound flights.
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.
If I'm connecting at LHR would it make sense to go through customs and then use this?
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...
@Ben, how old is that picture of the galleries first lounge? Taken when T5 first opened? Lol
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.
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?
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.
Sadly nope. My wife and I are both Emerald via BA but have 3 kids so can’t use it.
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.