Review First Galleries, British Airways-style first-class lounge and service

See Heathrow Airport so deserted is a punch in the stomach. Especially if you visit it during what should be the first weekend of the Christmas season.

Few flights, few passengers in what has now become the new normal in the Covid-19 era.

I passed through this airport a few days before the pandemic within the pandemic broke out, that is, before the "English variant" that not only brought London and the UK back into a lockdown almost total, but it also crippled connections between Britain and half the world, including Italy and Europe.

The lounge

This lounge is dedicated exclusively to frequent flyers British Airways with at least Gold status or to OneWorld airline passengers with Emerald status, the highest in the alliance.

It is obviously a level above the lounges dedicated to passengers traveling in business, it is a special service dedicated to the company's loyal customers, a solution similar to what Lufthansa offers its customers with Senator lounges.

Located below the Galleries South is directly connected to the check-in area by a dedicated corridor that allows BA frequent flyers to pass through separate security checkpoints and reach precisely this lounge.

British Airways Galleries South lounge review in pandemic era

It's huge and ... empty, like the rest of the airport.

That this is in a premium lounge is evident at the entrance with the huge life-size statues of horses that preside over the main entrance to the lounge.

It directly overlooks the southern part of the terminal, so it is possible to enjoy watching the movements of aircraft and service vehicles, which of course are few given the low traffic.

The décor is neat and thought out to the smallest detail, there is also a champagne room, and from the lounge you can directly access the Elemis Spa, to get a massage or shower before boarding your next flight.

There are hundreds of seats in a variety of configurations, from lounges to restaurant tables, from lounging areas to sofas. There is also a "concorde terrace" a terrace overlooking the terminal.

Food & Beverage

Obviously, the range and mode of service have also changed because of Covid. No self-service and only table service.

Closed the vending machine islands where hot drinks are served and everything is booked through the app, after reading the QR that identifies the table.

Empty refrigerators, only some water bottles on the counters, for everything else you wait for the very fast service of the Lounge staff.

The menu is obviously more sophisticated than the business client lounge, both in terms of the food on offer and the selection of drinks, Champagne and spirits much more sought after

Everything is done through the app and it works great, simple to use and immediate service.

I ordered the cheese nachos with the addition of extra cheese and bacon and as a main course a chicken breast, really good.

In conclusion

While Alitalia has yet to reopen its lounges, even at Fiumicino, British Airways has restored service to 100% in full compliance with the regulations imposed by the pandemic. This lounge is perhaps one of the best in Europe, and service is taken care of down to the smallest detail.

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The verdict

To get into this lounge you have to have sweated the Gold level with British Airways, it means a lot of flying with this airline and its OneWorld sisters. The reward is truly VIP service, even in this pandemic situation.

9

Rated Location

9

F&B

9

Services

9

Pro

• The lounge
• Table service
• The menu and wine list

Against

• Many tables had inoperative power outlets