British Airways Arrivals Lounge

British Airways Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5

Not to be missed if you are an eligible British Airways passenger arriving or connecting in London Heathrow Terminal 5, the British Airways Arrivals Lounge might be better described as a complex, given its unparalleled size and range of amenities. The lounge offers traditional arrivals services such as showers to freshen up after a long flight, breakfast for those who choose to maximize sleep time on-board, a fully equipped business center, local and international press, and an area to relax. In addition, the lounge features a number of luxurious amenities including cabanas with infinity bathtubs, and for those customers arriving in First Class, a private dining room with waiter service.

To maximize your experience, follow along as we explore this unique lounge. Whether you terminate or connect in London, first you’ll need to exit baggage claim and customs. Then, follow the signs to “Airline lounges – Invitation required” and make your way upstairs to the mezzanine level. A convenient perk is the ability to store your bags in the secure area to the left of the reception desk. This is actually highly recommended as the showers are on the small side.

After checking in, head straight ahead for breakfast, or make a right for a shower.

British Airways Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5

Showers

The “hydrotherapy zone” is humongous, with a whopping 94 shower rooms. Check in with the shower attendants (don’t mind the occasionally surly attitude) and they will either assign you a room number if a shower is immediately available, or hand you a buzzer should there be a wait – the lounge does get busy early in the mornings.

Make a note of your shower room and enter the shower maze – it’s a sight to behold, a warehouse like area subdivided in different color-coded sections. Push the door of your shower – it opens inwards – and you’re in. The shower rooms are a mixed bag. With multiple massaging jets and a rain shower, they aspire to be fancy, but the cramped cruise ship like design with neon lights, hospital-like finishes, awkward sewer gargling noises, and tendency for the stall to overflow on the floor are rather disconcerting. Quality Elemis amenities are provided, though deodorant is missing. A nice perk is the complimentary pressing service – open the double door, hang your items, and they’ll come back wrinkle-less within ten minutes. Each shower room has a built-in sound system, with pre-set news and music channels. It’s only unfortunate that the system only appears to work every so often.

British Airways Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5

Should you be in the mood for a bit of pampering, you may inquire as to the availability of a cabana. There are just a handful of them, though most passengers ignore their existence so they might be available. Significantly larger than the shower rooms, the cabanas come with an oversized dressing area, an overflowing “infinity” bathtub, and a large chair. Plenty of towels are provided. Again, it’s as if British Airways intended for these facilities to be luxurious but the designer somehow missed the mark: the décor is plain and sterile, and form trumps function (faucets splash.) We wish that British Airways would provide a bathrobe as well as foaming bath to complete the experience. That being said, nothing beats a bath after a long flight, and lamenting the lack of a bathrobe in a soaking tub at an airport is something we’re happy to deal with 🙂

British Airways Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5

Seating and business center

Next to the shower area is a large seating area with comfy couches and a few partitioned semi-private areas. Power outlets are available throughout, as well as a vast selection of newspapers and magazines and an espresso machine. This dimmer portion of the lounge is a good place to rest, unfortunately British Airways stopped short of providing napping chairs and day beds or even a designated quiet area. (Note that recliners can sometimes be found in the shower area, by the windows.) The space receives limited daylight and features no views, but patrons typically stay only long enough to catch up on email or wait for a shower.

On the other side of the lounge, to the left of the reception desk, is a well-appointed business center with work cubicles, computers, and complimentary printing and scanning services. Next to the business center are also large individual bathroom stalls and a baby changing room.

British Airways Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5

Breakfast

The breakfast buffet features delicious fresh pastries, and a range of hot and cold options, including a full traditional English breakfast spread. Patrons may also order eggs any style – just flag one of the servers. A broad selection of soft drinks and several espresso machines are available. (Note that there is no alcohol.) The hot fare is typically available until 1pm at the latest, after which breakfast turns continental.

On the downside, the breakfast area can be crowded at peak times. Seating is comprised of communal tables which lack power outlets, and the chairs are painfully noisy. Service can also be spotty.

British Airways Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 5

First Class passengers benefit from the exclusive and elegantly appointed Concorde Dining Room. A server will take your order at your booth and you may enjoy the broad selection of newspapers and magazines in the room while waiting. There are a few cooked-to-order options, but overall the food served in the Concorde room is pretty similar to the buffet fare. The setting however is extremely peaceful and relaxing, with rarely more than a few patrons in the room.

British Airways Arrivals Lounge LHR bottom line

While the décor won’t win any awards and the showers could use a makeover, the British Airways Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 is undoubtedly one of the best arrivals lounges in the world with an outstanding range of amenities.