During my OneWorld Twice To Oslo trip I spent quite a bit of time in London Heathrow airport. This gave me plenty of time to visit several OneWorld Frequent Flyer lounges during each of my layovers. On each trip while heading east to Oslo I spent much of my time in Terminal 3 visiting the Qantas Lounge and Cathay Pacific lounge. Those lounges were fantastic and I had access to the Terminal because I was connecting from an American Airlines transatlantic flight.
However, when heading west, back to the United States, I opted to fly British Airways. This meant that I had to catch my westbound transatlantic BA flight from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5. Terminal 5 opened about 10 years ago and serves as an international hub for British Airways.
British Airways First Class Check-In London Heathrow
As you enter Terminal 5 you’ll quickly notice the massive British Airways banners which proudly say “A warm welcome to our home.” All British Airways customers must pass a check-in counter before entering the terminal.
However, as Terminal 5 is British Airways’ “home” the airport offers a special enhanced check-in service for First Class passengers and OneWorld Emerald elite members. Located at the south end of Terminal 5 is the British Airways First Class Check-In area.
Once inside you’ll find several check-in counters specially designated for First Class guests.
Just behind the First Class Check-In partition is a small waiting area where you can sit if for example all of the check-in counters were occupied. However, that scenario seems unlikely.
After retrieving my boarding card from the First Class check-in counter the agent directed me to the First Class security check point. During my visit the checkpoint was completely empty and I was the only passenger in line. Clearing security took no time and at all before I knew it the security staff directed me down a long curved corridor.
What’s extra special about the First Class check-in area is that after clearing security you don’t have to waste your time walking through the hectic terminal. Instead, you take the above corridor directly into the luxurious First Class lounge.
As you have already scanned your boarding card at the check-in counter there is no need to again check into the First Class lounge. Instead, once you reach the above sign you simply walk into the lounge area.
British Airways Galleries First Class Lounge Sitting Area
Immediately after you enter the Galleries First Class lounge you’ll find a sitting area with light wooden floors.
As you’ll see in a second, during both of my visits to this lounge the space was incredibly full. However, for some reason or another this area remained fairly empty on both occasions.
Along the wall as you enter the lounge is a recessed beverage counter which offered water, liquor, beer, soda, and light snacks.
Toward the center of the room is a second beverage station which offered water, wine, and Champagne.
I loved the large chandelier just above this freestanding beverage counter found just off to the side of the first formal sitting area.
British Airways Galleries First Class Lounge Area
As you venture deeper into the lounge you’ll find a large open area with more traditional lounge seating. Given how large this lounge is I couldn’t believe how crowded it was during each of my visits.
The lounge area is essentially a huge room with several wide leather seats. In between most chairs are end tables with built-in power outlets.
While the entire space is a single room, British Airways added these clever illuminated glass panels to help break up the space into smaller sitting areas.
The glass panels do help break up the lounge, but offer little privacy.
Toward the center of the lounge is a large wine and Champagne bar area, although it’s not officially referred to as the Champagne bar.
Toward the far end of the lounge are more intimate seating arrangements best utilized by groups traveling together.
I found the far end of the lounge was a bit less crowded than the rest of the lounge.
In the center section of the lounge is a massive acrylic newspaper rack looked nice, but out-of-place given the overall motif of the lounge.
After taking a couple of laps around the lounge I eventually found a place to sit.
British Airways Galleries First Class Lounge First Refectory
If you’re looking to grab a bite to eat while visiting the lounge you’re in luck, this lounge has a fairly large refectory with several food options available. No, I had no idea that refectory meant “dining area” during my visit, I just googled it too!
As you enter the First Refectory (fine I’ll call it the dining area from here on out) you’ll first notice a lot of seating along the glass wall to the left.
Again, during several visits it was often difficult to find any available seating in these dining areas.
A little farther back you’ll find more communal style seating which was usually a little less crowded.
Along the right wall as you walk toward the rear of the dining area are a few recessed areas. The first recessed area was a massive beverage cooler.
This beverage cooler featured a large selection of beer, soda, water, and juices.
The second area featured several snacks such as fresh fruits, cheese and crackers, and soups. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial you’ll find what you’re looking for at the far end of the dining area.
British Airways Galleries First Class Lounge Buffet
In the far back corner is a large buffet counter. The rear buffet station featured hot food options in the afternoon and hot breakfast options in the morning.
During my afternoon visit the hot food area offered a few stews, cooked potatoes, vegetables, a warm pasta dish, and breaded fish.
The forward buffet station featured the signature British Airways sandwich halves. These are the same no-crust sandwich halves you’ll find as a snack in economy on long-haul flights. This buffet counter also featured a “salad bar” which was essentially just a bowl of lettuce.
Located at the forward end of the buffet was the dessert station.
I passed on dessert during my visit…. well ok, I didn’t; the chocolate cake was great!
After spending a few minutes in the First Refectory making a plate of food I returned to my seat in the lounge area to eat. I felt a bit awkward walking through the lounge with a plate of food, but there was virtually no available seating in the dining area so it was my only option.
British Airways Galleries First Class Lounge Champagne Bar & Coffee House
As with any self-respecting First Class lounge the British Airways Galleries First lounge features not one, but two Champagne bars. Technically, there are three if you count the one from earlier in the review. However, only one is properly designated as the “Champagne Bar.”
Similar to the dining area, the Champagne bar is located down a corridor which connects to the lounge.
As you head toward the Champagne Bar you’ll first past the Coffee House. The Coffee House is essentially three or so self-service coffee machines which are capable of making your typical coffee drinks.
There are also hot water dispensers if you would prefer to have a cup of tea. Also, there are several small containers of biscuits (cookies) located throughout the Coffee House.
Past the Coffee House is a small sitting area complete with plush red leather couches which seems like an homage to Cathay Pacific The Wing’s Champagne Bar.
Again, in this area you’ll find a funky acrylic newspaper rack so you can read a periodical as you sip your Brut Champagne.
Finally, at the far end of this hall you’ll find the beautiful Champagne bar.
I personally think this Champagne bar looks incredible. I love the overhead sculpture and who doesn’t love bottomless Champagne flutes.
Consistent with the rest of the lounge Henroit Rose Brut and Brut Souverain were on offer. I was a bit surprised to not find a slightly elevated Champagne selection on offer at the designated Champagne bar.
British Airways Galleries First Class Lounge First Terrace
One unique area of the Galleries First Class lounge is the First Terrace. As the name implies this is an “open air” area of the lounge although it is still very much inside. The First Terrace is located at the very far end of the lounge and is separated from the rest of the large by a large glass wall.
Once outside there are large couch style sitting areas and a few beverage stations. During one of my visits this space was heavily decorated with some kind of drink advertising.
Along the outer railing of the First Terrace are sitting areas which somewhat feel like outdoor seating areas?
I spent a few minutes on the Terrace, but overall didn’t really enjoy sitting out there. The couches weren’t exactly comfortable and the noise from the main terminal below was a bit distracting. Although, I suppose it was a little better than the dozens of people talking loudly into cell phones back inside.
British Airways Galleries First Class Lounge Washrooms
What would a lounge review without a proper look around the (men’s) washrooms. I’ll save my commentary till the end…
Each men’s room was a private restroom complete with a sink, a mirror, and a toilet.
Next to the sink were two bottles of Elemis products and either 115v or 230v power outlets for an electric shaver.
Yes, I’m not kidding, these were the private restrooms within the First Class lounge at London Heathrow. While I find many First Class lounge restrooms to be a bit over the top, I couldn’t believe how terrible these washrooms were. British Airways definitely needs to consider remodeling this area of the lounge soon.
How To Get In When Connecting?
You might have noticed I entered this lounge from London via the First Class check-in counter. However, if you’re connecting in London Heathrow you won’t have access to this entrance. Instead, you must enter the lounge from the main terminal, which is a bit tricky.
After clearing Terminal 5 security you must walk downstairs to the main terminal level. There are British Airways located on either the North or South end of the terminal.
If you turn south after clearing security you’ll find the below door. This is the entrance for the exclusive Concord Room only. If you want to access the Galleries First lounge you must head north, go downstairs, head south, then head upstairs again. It’s a little frustrating given the lounges are somewhat connected.
Once you go through all of that you should find signs for the British Airways Galleries South lounges.
Above the escalator is an odd shaped disco ball.
As you ascend the escalator you’ll find additional signage which directs you to the proper lounge.
As you turn left toward the Galleries First lounge you’ll find check-in counters where you must scan your boarding card to gain entry.
Once inside you’ll notice the odd horse lamps which remind you that you’ve made it to the right place.
Final Thoughts
As I visit more and more lounges throughout the world these reviews become a little more difficult. I have a hard time sticking to simply the facts and trying to keep my opinion of the lounge out of it. I’ll start off by taking that approach.
On it’s own, the British Airways Galleries First lounge is an extremely large and overcrowded lounge with a modest food, beverage, and alcohol selection. If you’re departing from Terminal 5 and have access to the Galleries First Lounge, but not the Concord Room, then you can’t go wrong visiting this lounge. After all, if you have access to this lounge you also have access to First Class check-in and security which was quite nice.
That being said, this lounge is pretty underwhelming, especially when you consider the other OneWorld lounges on offer in Terminal 3. If I were connecting from Terminal 3 I would not make it a point to get to Terminal 5 any earlier than necessary to visit this lounge. In fact, going forward I will most likely skip it altogether when connecting as it isn’t always convenient to get to. Likewise, if I’m leaving London from Terminal 5 I wouldn’t arrive at the airport any earlier than necessary to visit this lounge.
All in all, the British Airways First Class lounge is a nice lounge, but it’s nothing to write home a blog about.
