The British Airways Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 is an excellent pit stop for passengers on early morning arrivals in First, Club World and BA’s own Executive Club Gold elites.
Located after immigration and baggage claim, the sizeable Arrivals Lounge is up one level from the arrivals hall and accessible via lift and escalator.
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British Airways First Class Arrivals Lounge Review
Arriving in First on a redeye from Chicago, I was able to clear immigration in record time using the eGates and made a beeline for the Arrivals Lounge. A quick check of my boarding pass and I was warmly welcomed.
Given the number of early hour arrivals at LHR, the lounge was quite busy with passengers getting breakfast from the buffet or freshening up in one of the 94 shower rooms.
Fortunately, there are two benefits reserved for passengers in First, namely the Concorde Breakfast Room and Cabanas with baths. My first stop was to put my name down for a Cabana at the Shower Desk and then made my way to the Concorde Breakfast Room.
Concorde Breakfast Room
The Concorde Breakfast Room is a small room within the Arrivals Lounge that offers an a la carte menu with table service between 5AM and noon.
One attendant was dedicated to running service in the Concorde Breakfast Room and I was invited to choose any table after my boarding pass was inspected.
A smart printed menu was presented which offered a comprehensive breakfast selection, including dishes like smoked salmon with scrambled eggs that were not available at the main buffet. There is also a Champagne trolley by the entrance for those in a celebratory mood.
Still being rather full from dinner and double dessert on the plane, I opted for a fresh fruit salad and a long black to start the day.
During my hour waiting for a Cabana to open up only four or five other people made use of the Concorde Breakfast Room, making for a comfortable and quiet space.
First Class Cabana & Bath
Cabanas are reserved for First Class passengers and one of only three airline lounges in commercial travel where you can take a bath (the other two being the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt and The Wing First Class Lounge in Hong Kong).
An attendant escorted me from the Concorde Breakfast Room to Cabana 1, which had been prepared with amenity and towels.
A pressing service is offered and facilitated through the ingenious double sided door.
The sink was meant to have a waterfall tap but unfortunately ended up spraying all over the place as I tried to brush my teeth. Given Terminal 5 opened in 2008, there are certainly minor issues that need to be repaired across the building.
Fortunately the infinity bath did not disappoint with its generous size and Elemis bath products. Designed to be filled to the brim, the bath is a rather indulgent experience especially at an airport!
After about an hour, I was ready to rinse off (using the shower wand as there is no seperate shower) and head into London on the new Elizabeth Line.
British Airways First Class Arrivals Lounge Summary
British Airways offers an elevated arrivals experience for First Class passengers at London Heathrow Terminal 5 with a tranquil Concorde Breakfast Room and Cabanas with infinity baths.
