[Anonymous]

[Kentflyer]

After flying VS Upper class for a few years I am going to JKF on BA in J class in Dec. Does anyone have any tips on the good / bad points of the new T5 buisness class lounges and tips on best seats on the aircraft ???

[BusinessTraveller]

Business Traveller replies:

You’re in luck Leemoon. We published an indepth report on the lounges in the main T5 building ahead of its opening in March, and this can be read at http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/t5-countdown-the-premium-passenger.

If you are departing from the satellite terminal and using the lounge there, a reader posted their comments on these facilities on a news story we published in September. This can be read at http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/new-lounge-and-more-flights-at-t5.

Finally the April edition of Business Traveller was dedicated to T5, and this can be read online at http://www.businesstraveller.com/archive/2008/april-2008.

It’s also worth noting that we have recently launched a sister site called http://www.seatplans.com, which should give you the information you need regarding picking the best seat on your BA flight. The website is still in its beta stage at the moment, and we welcome your comments, both on the website itself, and on your experience of the seat when you fly with BA.

[Kentflyer]

many thanks for these useful web links – I am sure I have the copies of BT at home somewhere, but greatto read it again… Sounds like Ba have made a real effort to keep J and F passengers happy…

[StephenLondon]

Do have a look and see what a/c you are on – BA are making some 777 switches to JFK in December, and as these a/c are not retrofitted with new generation Club World, you may be stuck with old seats, older video equipment, and a Club cabin that looks like a battery hen house.

[asteriosozounis]

StephenLondon is correct with BA’s 777 but BA has started updating their 777 fleet with the new Club World and AVOD inflihght entertainment system. If I travel with my partner I normally chose middle seats at the back of the club cabin if I’m on my own I chose the window seats still at the back of the cabin as they facing backwards. I have traveled in the old Club World too and I still think is an amazing product. The T5 Galleries lounges are fantastic one of the best lounges that I have ever visited …. But T5 is an amazing building anyway.

[Kentflyer]

Sounds like its worth checking early to experience the Galleries. I can see that there are a number of complex’s at T5 – is any one better than the other ??

[flyingformiles]

Well there are a number of lounges.

Club Galleries are for business class passengers and Silver BAEC (and equivalent OW members).
First Galleries are essentially Gold BAEC (and equivalent OW members).
Concorde Room is for BA First Class passengers only – status in the EC makes no difference.

The Galleries lounge is very nice – spacious and plenty to keep you occupied for a bit. If you’ve top tier status in One World you’ll also get into the First lounge which is nicer still 🙂

[VintageKrug]

As of November 2008 all 747s are now converted to http://www.newclubworld.com and 10 of the 42 777s (none at Gatwick) have been converted so if travelling from LHR you have about a 30% chance of getting a converted 777. All will be complete by end 2010.

Do make time to register for IRIS after Security, enjoy the view and excellent bargain £5 Eggs Benedict at Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food (avoid the rip-off OJ!), look out for some of the terrific Art from the BA Collection dotted around the Lounges and remember Champagne is available on request in all Galleries Lounges.

Would suggest you visit the South Galleries via South Security (up near the First Check In Area, has Fast Track and much less busy than North Security). Enjoy the cinema and Vintage BA/BOAC posters as well as bangers and mash or a salad.

South Galleries are far superior to the North Galleries (meant for Domestic flights).

Make sure you have time for a shower and massage pre-flight, and look out for Concorde and the carcass of BA 38 near the East Hangars when you taxi/take off.

[Author]

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