Iced lemon water. Plush sofas. Scented towels.
No, I hadn’t walked into a spa, but rather British Airways’ first-class check-in desk at Heathrow Airport,Terminal 5.
This private area, away from the teeming crowds of holidaymakers, is reserved for first-class passengers and frequent flyers.
Sadly, I had no such golden ticket, but I’d been invited to review BA’s First Lounge, for a fleeting taste of the high life.
Once I’d been handed my boarding pass, I strolled through a private security lane (no queue, of course) and straight into the lounge.
As I settled myself into a comfy seat, a notification on my phone informed me that my flight had been delayed. I took a sip of my complimentary champagne and realised I didn’t care at all.
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First impressions
Not all paid-for airport lounges are created equal. I’ve been in a few that resemble rather sad-looking staff rooms and pokey office canteens.
But First Lounge feels huge, with separate seating areas for people who want to relax and catch up on emails. And so much space means you’re not scrambling for a spot.
It’s clear some passengers here are used to the A-list treatment, while for others it’s a well-deserved treat – but everyone gets the same VIP experience.
It doesn’t feel stuffy or uptight, and you certainly don’t have to feel awkward about hitting that free bar.
What’s the food and drink like?
There’s a self-service, fully stocked bar, with everything from chilled wine and champagne to spirits and soft drinks.
Alternatively, you can order cocktails (as well as any other drink) from a second bar. Table service is available if you order via a QR code, and thestaff are friendly and attentive.
While you won’t find table after table of food options, a decent range is available and you certainly won’t go hungry.
The buffet has several stations, from salads, to chicken skewers and a curry selection with deliciously fluffy naan.
The hot dog stand was a nice touch too; you can personalise your snack with a variety of toppings.
And, while I’d recommend going in for the Victoria sponge for dessert, you could also grab an ice cream from a separate Jude’s ice cream stand.
Any other standouts?
While the lounge feels like an entirely separate airport, it’s just one escalator ride down to the main departure hall – convenient for that last-minute dash to Boots.
Once you’re weaving between the crowds, though, I guarantee you’ll be heading back upstairs as quickly as possible.
There’s a bonus for aviation enthusiasts: floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge mean you can spot planes taking off and landing.
The only downside is that it’s easy to lose track of time. There are no anxious travellers constantly checking gates, and the lounge did feel a little lacking in those all-important screens that tell you when it’s time to board.
I was so busy sipping fizz that I didn’t realise my aforementioned delay had disappeared.
Next thing I knew, I was legging it to the gate, and ended up being in the last handful of passengers to board. Oops.
How do I get in?
Unfortunately, you can’t just cough up the cash to get into the First Lounge. Access is available to passengers who are:
- Flying on a scheduled British Airways flight in first class.
- A Gold member of The British Airways Club on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways or one of their oneworld partners (regardless of ticket class).
- An Emerald member of any of the oneworld airline frequent flyer programmes on a scheduled flight operated by British Airways or one of their oneworld partners (regardless of ticket class).
Passengers must be over the age of 18 or, if under the age of 18, accompanied by an adult.
If none of these apply to you, you might need to find a fancy friend. As an Emerald member, you can invite one guest per flight to join you in the First Lounge.
Worth the money?
If you’ve bought a first-class ticket with BA, you’re spending some serious cash.
For example, according to the carrier’s website, the cheapest first-class flight from London to Dubai will cost £3,893 return. To get to Sydney, you’re looking at £8,125, to New York it’s £2,463 and to Tokyo it’s £5,302.
The kind of service and offerings in the First Lounge ought to be expected if you’re forking out the cost of a premium ticket.
However, if you’ve earned enough points over the years – or got yourself a bougie friend – to grant yourself access, then frankly, you’ve played a blinder.
As well as saving a fortune on food and booze, you’re giving yourself a stress-free start to your trip away. It’s a great way to start a trip and jet off in style.
How the other half live
Considering booking a business or first-class ticket, but not sure if it’s worth the dent to your bank balance?
The Metro Travel team has taken on the arduous task of travelling in style, so you don’t have to.
From an Emirates business class flight that ‘ruined’ one writer forever, to a glimpse into how the glitterati travel at Heathrow’s VIP Windsor Lounge, we share our verdict on elevated travel experiences.
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