Frequent flyers with British Airways already know this lounge, but I just discovered there is one lounge better than the others at London Heathrow airport. It’s not the Concorde Room either, though the Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Champagne served there is ambrosia.
It’s not the Galleries First Class lounge or the Galleries Club lounge in Terminal 5 South. Nor is it the Galleries Club lounge in Terminal 5 North, which is probably my least favourite of them all.
Galleries Club Lounge Terminal 5B
British Airways’ Terminal 5 at London Heathrow has satellite buildings named T5B and T5C. Flights that are departing from T5B and T5C have their own lounge located in T5B.
The thing is, a lot of people don’t know about this lounge so they all continue to use the regular lounges in T5A. That is no problem of course, but it does make for an overcrowded lounge experience.
Discovering why the B in T5B Stands for Better
The facility is the same as the North and South lounges in T5A, with the same food selection and drinks. That being the case, what makes this place better?
Since it is not well known and is designed for T5B and T5C people only, it is very quiet and relaxing. This must be the oasis of tranquility and calm mentioned on the BA web site. I finally found it and it is in T5B!
Hints and Tips
If you are flying from T5A, don’t dispair as you too can use this lounge. All you need to do is take the transit train from T5A to T5B, find the lounge and have at it. However, a huge caution!
When returning to T5A, do not take the automated transit train! This will dump you in arrivals and you will have to get out and re-clear security. The trick in T5B is to go to a lift with level -4 called Walkway and then walk back to T5A and get your flight.
Overall Thoughts
Clearly if you are departing from T5A, you need to have plenty of time if you’re going to T5B and back again. I had five hours so I spent the first couple in T5B in blissful calm, then spent the next hour and a half rammed into a full T5A South lounge with everyone else.
Either way, whatever you do, don’t take the transit train back to T5A, you have to go down the lift to minus four and walk back. It’s good for the health!
Have you used the T5B lounge before? What do you think? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Not sure how you can say the lounge in “B” is better than the Concorde Room. I still prefer the Concorde Room. Also, while crowded, Galleries First still has a much better alcohol selection and “off menu” ordering.
I agree with you on both points. Concorde Room is certainly superior and so is Galleries First. However, for those without access to those two lounges, this is certainly the best of the Galleries Club lounges by a mile. Quiet and yet with the same amenities as the other two lounges. Thanks for the comment!