Report: British Airways First Wing security at Heathrow Terminal 5 to close for 3-4 months
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According to reports on X / Twitter from a usually impeccable source, the security channel in the British Airways First Wing at Heathrow Terminal 5 is to close in January for 3-4 months.
This shouldn’t be a surprise, of course. The UK Government has mandated that airports must switch to the new ‘keep your stuff in your bags’ / ‘bring all the liquid you want’ security scanners by June.
It isn’t clear why the project will take 3-4 months. Looking at feedback on Flyertalk from people who appear to have inside knowledge, the entire security area will be remodelled at the same time. However, with 24/7 working possible and no airside security constraints, it seems long.
There is apparently no requirement to reinforce the floor to cope with the weight of the new machines – something which is proving an issue elsewhere.
The check-in area in the First Wing will reportedly remain open for qualifying passengers, primarily British Airways Executive Club Gold members and ticketed First Class passengers.
You will then need to leave the Wing and head to South Security. It is reported that there will be a dedicated lane here for those who would qualify to use the First Wing, although as regular Heathrow passengers will know, staff tend to move passengers between standard and Fast Track lanes to even out the flow.
I haven’t seen any reports yet on when the main bank of scanners in Terminal 5 will be upgraded. Time is getting short, and once you get to Easter the volume of passengers will start to pick up.
More on this when we get some formal confirmation from Heathrow.
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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (May 2025)
As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Avios points from UK credit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!
In February 2022, Barclaycard launched two exciting new Barclaycard Avios Mastercard cards with a bonus of up to 25,000 Avios. You can apply here.
You qualify for the bonus on these cards even if you have a British Airways American Express card:
Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
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Barclaycard Avios Mastercard
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There are two official British Airways American Express cards with attractive sign-up bonuses:
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
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British Airways American Express Credit Card
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You can also get generous sign-up bonuses by applying for American Express cards which earn Membership Rewards points. These points convert at 1:1 into Avios.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
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The Platinum Card from American Express
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Run your own business?
We recommend Capital on Tap for limited companies. You earn 1 Avios per £1 which is impressive for a Visa card, and the standard card is FREE. Capital on Tap cards also have no FX fees.
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There is also a British Airways American Express card for small businesses:
British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card
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There are also generous bonuses on the two American Express Business cards, with the points converting at 1:1 into Avios. These cards are open to sole traders as well as limited companies.
The American Express Business Platinum Card
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The American Express Business Gold Card
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Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Avios. This includes both personal and small business cards.
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