- Air France vs. British Airways A380: Introduction
- Review: OneWorld First Class Lounge Los Angeles
- Review: OneWorld Business Class Lounge Los Angeles
- Review: New Tom Bradley International Terminal Los Angeles Airport
- Review: Air France A380 First Class Los Angeles to Paris
- Review: Air France First Class Lounge Paris
- Review: Air France Business Class Paris to Frankfurt
- Review: Hilton Frankfurt
- Review: Frankfurt Christmas Markets
- Review: Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge Frankfurt
- Review: British Airways Club Europe Frankfurt to London Heathrow
- Review: British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow
- Review: British Airways A380 First Class London Heathrow to Los Angeles
- Review: SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills
- Review: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
I was scheduled to have a 3hr5min layover, but due to the delay on the inbound flight that turned into a less than 2hr30min connection, which still should be plenty of time. My flights were both arriving and departing from terminal five, so you’d think it would be a fairly easy transfer, but Heathrow always has a way of proving me wrong. We landed at the “C” pier of terminal five, so I took the train to the “A” pier, which took maybe 10 minutes.
London Heathrow terminal five train system
Then I had to queue in the Fast Track lane, which is consistently longer than the non-Fast Track lane. That took forever. It really puzzles me that British Airways has a single lane for all premium passengers, whether they’re Executive Club Silver members traveling domestically or international first class passengers.
London Heathrow terminal five “Fast Track”
Then there’s not actually a premium security lane, but rather being in the Fast Track lane just theoretically gets you into the actual security lane faster than the others. Once in the security lane I had to queue for another 20 minutes.
London Heathrow terminal five
London Heathrow terminal five
London Heathrow terminal five
London Heathrow terminal five
Then I had to go over to the other side of terminal five to access the Concorde Room. There’s a side entrance they have, and an agent standing there guarding it that waves people in. It’s an international first class lounge, you’d think they’d be friendly and welcoming, but when I showed my boarding pass she simply gestured for me to enter Carol Beer style (at least she didn’t make me answer three questions).
Physically the lounge is nice, though certainly doesn’t have any “wow” factor, in my opinion. The lounge isn’t huge and tends to get crowded during peak times, though I do appreciate that all the seating areas are partitioned off a bit so it’s not just one, big crowded room. Fortunately it wasn’t very busy when I was there, since it was after the morning rush to the US and before the evening rush to the Middle East, South America, Asia, etc.
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow
My favorite part of the lounge is the terrace, which looks out over the terminal and is “open air” (well, open air within the terminal).
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow terrace
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow terrace
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow terrace
There’s one of the famous lounge “horses” on the terrace as well.
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow terrace horse
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow terrace view
I briefly stopped by the Elemis Spa to see if they had any treatments available. Their next available treatment was at 7PM, and next available chair massage was at 3PM. Yes, British Airways does let you book them in advance, but frankly based on how short the treatments are and the quality of them I didn’t bother. In the end I guess it worked out since I wouldn’t have made my appointment anyway due to the delay.
At this point it was 1:40PM and I decided to take a seat in the Concorde Room Dining section. This was my first time in the Concorde Room since it got a poor hygiene rating a few months back, so I couldn’t not eat there (kind of like how I made a point of eating at Amy’s Baking Company… because all her food is fresh and delicious *crazy eyes*). And frankly after my last visit when I was fairly certain I was being cussed out (as it turns out when Brits yell “fork, fork, fork,” it sounds a lot like…), I was kinda curious to see what kind of service shenanigans there would be this time.
When I got to the Concorde Dining area the host gestured for me to wait as he ran around, so I had to wait about five minutes before being seated. I was rather puzzled because there were at most a handful of passengers in the dining area.
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow dining
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow dining
He presented me with a wine list and menu, and I started by ordering a glass of champagne and Diet Coke (a classy combo, I know!). British Airways does deserve a lot of credit for serving Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle in the lounge, which is the same they serve onboard in first class — that’s a hell of a champagne!
The menu read as follows:
And the wine list read as follows:
After browsing the menu I decided to order the salmon fish cake for lunch, which I think I ordered clearly and simply, since I didn’t order anything else. Several minutes later the server returned and said “sorry, what did you say you wanted?” I reminded him I wanted the salmon fish cake. Then two minutes later he came back and said “you wanted the salmon fish cake, right?” I confirmed I did, and a minute later he returned with the dish lukewarm.
The presentation was fairly nice, though in terms of quality it was kind of tasteless and mushy. The “plum tomato salsa” wasn’t doing the dish any favors, either. Admittedly the Concorde Room was at an unfair disadvantage since I had just eaten in the Alain Ducasse restaurant in the Air France first class lounge a couple of days prior, where the food was beyond restaurant quality.
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow dining
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow dining
For dessert I ordered the sticky toffee pudding, which was a typically delicious British dessert. While the Brits aren’t known for their food, I am a huge fan of their desserts!
British Airways Concorde Room London Heathrow dining
About an hour before departure I left the lounge, because I once again had to take the train from the “A” pier to the “C” pier, where the A380 leaves from.
London Heathrow terminal five
London Heathrow terminal five escalator to train
London Heathrow terminal five escalator to terminal
London Heathrow terminal five “C” pier
London Heathrow terminal five “C” pier
British Airways 747
Eventually I arrived at gate C62, where my flight was leaving from. I found it rather interesting that Virgin Atlantic has huge ads in a terminal served exclusively by British Airways. Kinda surprised British Airways wasn’t able to squash them in their “home” terminal.
London Heathrow terminal five departure gate
London Heathrow terminal five Virgin Atlantic ads
At around 3:15PM they began Fast Track boarding, though as usual that’s half the plane, since it includes all first and business class passengers as well as elite members.
I proceeded aboard via what must be the world’s longest jet bridge.
Gate C62
British Airways A380
Anyway, Heathrow is an airport best avoided, and I think British Airways’ ground services at Heathrow leave a lot to be desired. This visit to the Concorde Room was less bad than my previous visit earlier this year, though still not amazing. For what it’s worth I’m convinced that Virgin Atlantic provides a better ground experience for their Upper Class (business class) passengers than British Airways does for their first class passengers in just about every way. And for that matter the three other major European airlines with a first class product — Air France, Lufthansa, and Swiss — all provide superior ground services for first class passengers at their hubs.
Still, looking at it globally British Airways probably has average ground services, as there are plenty of top Asian airlines without much of a ground experience to speak of
Interesting to read the opinions - much unfair bias. But funny how various oinions conflict each other, apart from some of the Southern Asian airports, Heathrows T5 is one of the best, if not thee best airport.
Busy airport, including the lounges, but a marked improvement on the vast majority of most others
Any one who drinks champagne and coke should not be writing about food or wine
LHR is an overcrowded mess and BA has been resting on its laurels for a generation or two. Yes the CCR is underwhelming as well. Just be glad you didn't arrive at immigration right after a jumbo jet from Lagos or Nairobi.
That's one bitter and snooty review, Mr. Lucky...
Can you access the concorde room if you booked FC on American but flying BA metal?
Family of 4, booked 2 with AA miles and 2 with avios.
Some interesting points about the lounges and T5 LHR generally. As a Londoner flying backwards and forwards across the Atlantic very frequently, I do think BA has needs to up its game...competitors are getting better bit by bit and the BA product feels staid generally.
I do take umbrage at the comments about British food though. I am not sure how you have formed an opinion that the food is not good (forget the lounges...
Some interesting points about the lounges and T5 LHR generally. As a Londoner flying backwards and forwards across the Atlantic very frequently, I do think BA has needs to up its game...competitors are getting better bit by bit and the BA product feels staid generally.
I do take umbrage at the comments about British food though. I am not sure how you have formed an opinion that the food is not good (forget the lounges for a minute and think restaurants). The UK, and especially London, has the most culturally diverse, innovative and high quality restaurants anywhere in the world today. From fresh and locally sourced British gastronomy to the best 3 michelin restaurants and a whole array in between. If you need a list of places to try I am happy to provide...
I really like your reviews normally, but I feel like your reviews of all British Airways products including its onboard cabin and lounges are very biased and not fair. I fly BA all the time and love it, you always seem to be negative, the Concorde Room and Galleries First/Club are both great lounges and BA beats all american airlines and most european carriers. But all your reviews seem very biased against British Airways and their products.
Hi Lucky,
Enjoyed this chapter. You're very right about most things Heathrow. I should say all things! But you haven't lived till you negotiate a shower in the First Class lounge for arriving passengers (outside of security). Or maybe you have, but I missed it. Anyway, it's like going to one of the municipal swimming pools of your youth. Two or three grouchy ladies, whom you've interrupted from their conversation, grudgingly sign you in...
Hi Lucky,
Enjoyed this chapter. You're very right about most things Heathrow. I should say all things! But you haven't lived till you negotiate a shower in the First Class lounge for arriving passengers (outside of security). Or maybe you have, but I missed it. Anyway, it's like going to one of the municipal swimming pools of your youth. Two or three grouchy ladies, whom you've interrupted from their conversation, grudgingly sign you in and assign you a shower room.
You have to know to ask for conditioner (shampoo is in the stalls and so is soap), a comb, a razor or whatever else they have squirreled away and hidden in their desk drawer. Each item is handed over, well, grudgingly. The drawer is shut. Then you have to ask for your next item. (I have noted this on the survey BA sends after every trip.)
The shower rooms themselves look like they're left over from the 1970s. They are small. There's a teeny strip of a bench and not enough hooks for your stuff. But you have to keep your stuff off the floor, because once you shower, the whole room showers with you.
Water pressure's pretty good. But the mirror is frightening. And as you dress (and watch out for your shoes and socks!) you have to mind the wet floor. My saving grace is the radio. I'm in time in the morning to hear Graham Norton.
Each time I emerge from the shower experience I feel as if I have accomplished something. Then it's time to run & grab some breakfast, as the whole shebang closes by 1pm. The self-serve coffee/tea machines are empty before then.
It's all very industrial cafeteria (there is a small room with waitstaff service. But this closes early. And the food is similar to what is in the cafeteria area, anyway). But... I have to say I'm always grateful, because this is as good as it gets at T5.
Excellent report, and endorse what the author says about The Concorde Room. Twice I have felt let down badly by BA raising expectations to a First Class threshold but delivering it on the cheap, below as others have said other (Asian and Gulf) airlines' business offering on and off the ground. There is a disorganised, under resourced, fragmented series of outsourced partners working in the lounges. None have much interest in their job or their customers.
Ha I also had the sticky pudding the last time I visited BA first lounge. Loved it. Eton Mess, Chelsea bun, banoffee pie, and of course trifle yum yum
I agree totally with this post. BA Concorde Lounge is a huge disappointment. I prefer the First Class lounge across the landing from it, especially if it isn't crowded. There's always a quiet corner somewhere. Not so with the Concorde Lounge. The one in JFK is much better. And Terminal 5 is a massive disappointment. Basically, it's at capacity already. Heathrow was built piecemeal over 60 years and it shows: no cohesive design or flow.
Jorge - You are rigt the mince pies are the best, especially with cream!
Lucky, the Virgin Atlantic Ads may be similar to BA being denied putting the Concorde in the circle in front of T5. Apparently BAA re-designed the circle putting a tunnel or something underneath such that the space could bear the weight of the Concorde on it. I think BAA and BA have a very interesting relationship.
Two things you don't get right in England, hot food and Heathrow. But some of the desserts I am quite fond of.
Mince Meat pie is one I really love around this time of the year!
Agree LHR security can be a nightmare. Don't know if you're leaving Edinburgh on BA, but if so the new BA lounge there looks superb! (photos are on FT). Do get in touch if you're free on the 2nd.
As I British reader of your blog, can I just say a very warm Lucky to the UK. Hope you enjoy Scotland!
Nice report, thanks! Appreciate the wine list. Was it nicer than the Air France list?
I'm sorry, but your posts are getting so repetitive. How many times can you sit in first class?
I really wish you would do something generous with some of your miles like TPG just did ( donated 1 million miles) instead of spending them on trips you've done a million times. I've read your blog for a few years now and have yet to see one charitable action.
I love this post as it is so spot on. London Heathrow has to be one of the most disappointing airports in the world. I love it (as a oneworl emerald you get lounge perks and I redeem for business or first awards if available) but you also have to hate LHR for all your points
- ridiculous engineering making a same terminal transfer take over an hour
- idiotic bus system and...
I love this post as it is so spot on. London Heathrow has to be one of the most disappointing airports in the world. I love it (as a oneworl emerald you get lounge perks and I redeem for business or first awards if available) but you also have to hate LHR for all your points
- ridiculous engineering making a same terminal transfer take over an hour
- idiotic bus system and route between terminals
- very poor staffing levels so always a wait
-lounges that feel grubby
- far too much traffic for 2 runways huge delays to land or take off which is also so environmentally unfriendly
Personally I don’t see the British quaint in this airport. But as a oneworld flyer where else do you choose to connect to Europe? Madrid or Berlin????
The cabana is worth reserving even if you have to empty the trash can first…………..
@ Yarki -- Hah, I could be mistaken, but I believe the 747 in the background actually has a gate much closer to the plane so the jet bridge isn't quite as long. I could be wrong, though.
The jet bridge is symbolic of Heathrow generally. It is common to see signs :25 mins walk to gate., and thst is after getting to waiting area.
Lucky, Lucky - how can you say it must be the world's longest airbridge when you can clearly see in the photo that that honor must go to the gate next to you, where the oneworld 747 was? ;)
Otherwise I absolutely agree with you about Heathrow and BA ground product. BA have this ridiculously quaint (and very British) notion that their product is one of understated luxury rather than over-the-top flashiness. While that can...
Lucky, Lucky - how can you say it must be the world's longest airbridge when you can clearly see in the photo that that honor must go to the gate next to you, where the oneworld 747 was? ;)
Otherwise I absolutely agree with you about Heathrow and BA ground product. BA have this ridiculously quaint (and very British) notion that their product is one of understated luxury rather than over-the-top flashiness. While that can be appreciated to some extent, their idea of understated luxury is clearly pitched to a lower standard than mine.
@ Joey -- Hah, the signage was pretty clear, so people didn't seem too confused, though there were a lot of people complaining as they walked down the jet bridge.
That is one looooooong jetbridge! Did people get confused where the gate was? I'd imagine people would think the gate closest to where they see the A380 is the BA A380 gate.
That's disappointing to hear-- I'm dumping some AA miles on my folks to send them to Ireland via LHR (with a week in UK/France VIA Eurostar) for their anniversary and have them flying BA First. Sounds like compared to Lufthansa, there really is no comparison. Damn you US Div. Miles availability!!
Surprised to hear the Air France product is that nice... wouldn't have thought that.
"Still, looking at it globally British Airways probably has average ground services, as there are plenty of top Asian airlines without much of a ground experience to speak of"
The difference is Asian airports tend to be adequately staffed in my experience. I've never waited more than 5 minutes for any reason at SIN or HKG, for example.