British Airways Galleries South lounge review in pandemic era

Terminal 5 is the realm of British Airways, the beating heart of the world's third-largest airline in terms of nations reached (a total of 82).

In these months London Heathrow Airport, the seventh busiest in the world, the only one where slots (takeoff and landing rights) are worth tens of millions of euros, is deserted, or nearly so. All operations are moved to Terminal 5.

British Airways lounges at London Heathrow

Depending on your travel class, status in the British Airways loyalty program, and level in the OneWorld alliance, you have access to one of five lounges in the terminal.

As mentioned, it is the home of British Airways, and more than 30 million passengers passed through here every year, at least before the pandemic.

If you travel in economy and do not have British or One World status, you can access the two independent lounges in the terminal: Aspire and Plaza Premium by taking advantage of your Priority pass included in American Express Platinum fee.

The other lounges are:

South, North and B Gates Galleries are actually three identical lounges located in strategic areas of the terminal. They can be accessed by passengers traveling in business (Club World or Club Europe) and economy, but in the latter case only Silver status holders in the executive club of British Airways. Or the Sapphire level of One World.

Galleries First: is an exclusive lounge for BA and One World frequent flyers, as only status holders can enter here. Gold British Airways or Emerald from One World. Something similar to what happens at Frankfurt with Lufthansa's Senator Lounge.

Concorde Room: this is the most luxurious lounge and is dedicated exclusively to first class passengers or Concorde Key holders, the highest elite level in BA's Executive program.

The South Galleries

As the name implies, it is located in the southern area of the terminal, precisely its location makes it more convenient for passengers arriving with a connection since it is closer to the checkpoint area than the northern lounge, which is located near the terminal entrance.

As mentioned to access this waiting room you must be a business passenger or in status.

The spaces

We are talking about, arguably, the largest lounge in the entire airport capable of accommodating hundreds of passengers, even in this period of capacity reduction.

It is equipped with different types of workstations. There are lounge-type setups, restaurant-type tables, workstations. It is so large that there is actual signage inside to show guests where the various stations are.

So many stations have power outlets, and the entire lounge is covered by adequate wifi, though not too much broadband.

Obviously due to the pandemic, the buffets are closed, as well as the self-service stations dedicated to hot drinks, and everything has been replaced by table service through the dedicated app.

The Services

All passengers have access to the Elemis Spa, located on the lower level. In addition to showers, a free 15-minute massage is available. This service is offered as a benefit to all passengers regardless of travel class.

In the pre covid era it was very difficult to get a reservation given the very high demand, but today everything is different and, as well as the lounges, even the SPA was deserted.

There is also a small movie theater, equipped with comfortable seats; the area is darker than the rest of the lounge. But, during my two visits, a simple TV news channel was playing in the big screen, not a movie.

As mentioned, there is then the relaxation area with capsules signed "The White Company" for sleeping and relaxing. Again, as with the spa, now finding vacant seats is not a complicated task, hard to imagine that it will remain that way when everyone returns to travel.

Food and drink

The pandemic has changed everything. Goodbye to buffets and self-service and welcome technology. Each table is equipped with a QR code, after scanning you have to register by entering your name and the keyword of the day, from that moment you can order anything you want and you will be served directly at the table.

I had a chance to visit this lounge twice in less than 5 days at different times. The first time was in the afternoon, the second time early in the morning. In both cases it was anything but crowded, as was the entire airport.

The dinner menu included a choice of salads, hot dishes (chili con carne, soup of the day, chicken tajine). Also possible to have the classic afternoon tea accompanied by small sandwiches or cookies.

Also empty, or locked, are all the coolers scattered around the lounge, where drinks could usually be served. Again, this is all done through the app, with only self-service bottles available.

The breakfast menu included a choice of sweet and savory, served at the table after ordering via the app.

Although this choice prevents gobbling at the buffet, I must say that the solution adopted by BA seems to me to be far better than the one I was able to have in Frankfurt. In Lufthansa's lounges.

In conclusion

Service is definitely premium, even in the midst of a pandemic. The table service and variety of offerings do not make one regret the pre covid days. Add to this the fact that the lounges are open and offer almost full service, and it is already a not inconsiderable plus these days.

• trip to Dubai