To complete off my overview journey, I flew British Airways’ A380 first-class from London to Chicago. Previous to my flight, I spent most of my time within the British Airways Concorde Room, which is the service’s lounge for its personal first-class passengers.
Nevertheless, I additionally checked out the British Airways Galleries First Lounge, which is actually British Airways’ first-class lounge that’s really compliant with oneworld lounge entry insurance policies. That’s to say that the lounge is open to oneworld Emerald members, in addition to passengers touring in first-class on oneworld accomplice airways.
This lounge is massive and properly furnished, however for all sensible functions, that is extra of a enterprise class lounge than a first-class lounge. So it’s good that British Airways has a particular lounge for oneworld Emerald members that’s higher than the usual enterprise class lounge, however that’s about all I can say. This definitely isn’t among the many greatest oneworld Emerald lounges, and it doesn’t even compete with among the greatest enterprise class lounges. Let’s get into the overview…
British Airways Galleries First Lounge Heathrow location
When you’re originating at Heathrow Airport, one of the simplest ways to get to the Galleries First Lounge Terminal 5 is through the First Wing. That is open to anybody with entry to the Concorde Room or Galleries First Lounge. Simply go to the very proper of the check-in corridor to the First Wing check-in space (be aware that that is being closed for just a few months in early 2024).
This not solely gives a extra personalised check-in expertise, but additionally gives a devoted safety checkpoint which lets out proper within the Galleries First Lounge, in order that’s unbeatable comfort.
When you’re attempting to entry the Galleries First Lounge from throughout the airside terminal, simply search for the signage for the Galleries South Lounges, and it is best to discover the Galleries First Lounge.
British Airways Galleries First Lounge Heathrow hours
The British Airways Galleries First Lounge is open each day from 5AM till 10PM, protecting all British Airways departures from the terminal.
British Airways Galleries First Lounge Heathrow entry necessities
In the case of accessing the British Airways Galleries First Lounge, that is supposed because the oneworld compliant first-class lounge. That’s to say that it may be accessed by:
- oneworld Emerald members touring on any oneworld flight; one visitor is allowed
- Top notch passengers touring on oneworld accomplice airways; one visitor is allowed
When you’re touring in British Airways first-class, you’ll need to use the adjoining Concorde Room.
British Airways Galleries First Lounge Heathrow seating & structure
The British Airways Galleries First Lounge is large, particularly when you think about that the lounge is primarily for oneworld Emerald members. I assume it displays what number of BA Gold members there are.
In some methods, the Galleries First Lounge feels extra fashionable and brisker than the Concorde Room. The principle a part of the lounge is in an oblong form, with some totally different seating zones. Simply inside the doorway is a champagne bar of kinds, with totally different sorts of tables every that includes two seats.
While you go deeper into the lounge, you’ll discover all types of conventional lounge seating preparations, with chairs and couches in rows dealing with each other.
The lounge then has a eating space off to the left, which is the place the buffet is situated, and it’a additionally the place lots of people find yourself sitting. This consists of a wide range of eating tables, most of which might accommodate two individuals every.
There’s then one other sitting space off to the aspect, which additionally comprises some high-top seating at a counter with some cool lighting.
There’s additionally a small play room for teenagers.
Final however not least, within the very again of the lounge there’s a terrace, form of just like what you’ll discover within the Concorde Room. This appears out over the terminal, and has a number of seating choices.
Bodily I’d say that is fairly a pleasant lounge, because it’s spacious, although it doesn’t have another thrilling facilities that set it aside. Additionally be aware that despite the fact that the lounge is massive, it does get very busy throughout peak durations.
British Airways Galleries First Lounge Heathrow meals & drinks
The British Airways Galleries First Lounge primarily has self-serve meals and drinks, so it’s precisely the alternative of the Concorde Room in that regard. For one, the lounge has a few espresso and tea stations, additionally that includes cookies and croissants. There’s no barista espresso on this lounge.
Then there are a few self-serve bar areas, with an enormous number of alcohol.
Then there’s the primary buffet space, which at breakfast was serving a wide range of cold and warm dishes. Chilly choices included chilly cuts, cheese, bread rolls, yogurt, granola, a wide range of cereal, contemporary fruit, and entire fruit.
Sizzling choices included oatmeal, scrambled eggs, baked beans, sausage, hash browns, mushrooms, and so on.
There have been additionally a number of juice choices.
The meals choice is the naked minimal I’d count on from a flagship enterprise class lounge, not to mention a first-class equal lounge. In the meantime the alcohol choice appeared a bit elevated.
British Airways Galleries First Lounge Heathrow loos & showers
The British Airways Galleries First Lounge has loos instantly off the lounge, with every toilet being a personal room with a sink and bathroom. Simply as is the case within the Concorde Room, the flooring have not less than been up to date since my final go to, although that is nonetheless removed from luxurious.
The lounge then has bathe suites which might be shared with the Concorde Room, and so they’re situated simply exterior the primary entrance to the Galleries First Lounge.
The bathe suites are purposeful however not luxurious. They’ve a bathroom, a sink, and a walk-in bathe, with toiletries in reusable Elemis containers.
Backside line
The British Airways Galleries First Lounge is a contemporary and enormous house, that includes a reasonably good number of self-serve drinks, and an okay number of meals.
All issues thought of, I’d say this lounge is form of disappointing. I imply, the airline places the phrase “First” within the identify of the lounge, and it’s particularly supposed to be for oneworld Emerald members, who in any other case get entry to first class-equivalent lounges.
That is such a far cry from the Qantas First Class Lounge Sydney or Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge Hong Kong. Heck, I’d say this gives a considerably much less good expertise than the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse London, which is only a plain outdated enterprise class lounge.
So I assume it’s good that British Airways has one thing form of higher than the enterprise class lounge for its oneworld Emerald members, however is it really materially higher? I don’t know, and I’ve a tough time getting enthusiastic about this lounge, although I’m curious if there’s one thing I’m lacking.
What’s your tackle the British Airways Galleries First Lounge?
