The Concorde Lounge at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is British Airways’ exclusive space for First Class ticketed passengers and members of its highest-tier loyalty programme. Designed to offer an elevated pre-flight experience, this lounge offers a level of comfort and service that sets it apart from the busier lounges in the terminal, but it’s important to note that some of its once-premium features have disappeared in recent years.
Entry: The First Wing Experience
You begin your journey to the Concorde Lounge by entering through the First Wing, tucked away in the furthest corner of Terminal 5. Here, you’ll be greeted by a golden screen that separates you from the rest of the terminal—a subtle reminder of the exclusivity that awaits. After a quick check-in, you’re whisked through private security, bypassing the main terminal and avoiding the duty-free maze. British Airways reportedly pays a hefty sum for this privilege, ensuring their most loyal and premium passengers get straight to the relaxation they deserve.
A Tempting Detour, But Keep Going
Upon clearing security, you’ll land in the First Class Lounge, where you’ll find a tempting array of self-serve champagne and other refreshments. While it’s easy to stop here and indulge, it’s worth carrying on a little further across the hall to the Concorde Lounge for a more intimate, elevated experience.
The Concorde Lounge: Dining and Intimacy
Once inside the Concorde Lounge, you’ll be treated to waiter-service dining in a private dining room—something that elevates the experience beyond the usual buffet-style offerings. The food and drink here are of a higher calibre, with a rotating selection of top-tier champagnes to enjoy. Although British Airways had to part ways with their long-time favourite, Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle, due to the brand’s decision to distance itself from the aviation sector, the alternatives are impressive and ensure the champagne experience remains top-class.
The lounge’s internal terrace, overlooking the bustling Terminal 5 below, adds a pleasant atmosphere to the overall space. It’s not the largest first-class lounge in the world, but its more intimate environment offers a calming escape from the crowds—a much-needed haven before a long-haul flight.
The Downsides: Where the Lounge Falls Short
As luxurious as the Concorde Lounge is, there are a few areas that fall short of the first-class experience. The toilets, for example, still feel very industrial—a stark contrast to the elegance of the lounge itself. Similarly, the showers are the same as those for the other lounges and, frankly, have seen better days. What was once a standout feature, the private cabanas for longer relaxation, are long gone, and the once-beloved Elemis spa was a casualty of cost-cutting measures some time ago.
A Final Note
While it may not be the world’s best first-class lounge, the Concorde Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 offers a fantastic space for a few hours of pre-flight pampering. Between the elevated food and drink, private dining, and intimate atmosphere, it’s a comfortable retreat that helps set the tone for the journey ahead—even if a few of its former highlights have faded away. If you’ve got the privilege of access, it’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a glass of champagne, and let the stress of travel melt away.