-
Hi, we’ve just booked LHR-Atl return in first for next year. I didn’t realise at the time (my fault for not checking before hand) that the flight goes from terminal 3 not 5. This is likely to be the only time we’ll fly in first and wanted to make use of the dedicated check in, concorde room in term 5. I assume you can’t do this and then transit over to term 3 so question is is it worth flying first from term 3 (I know e.g. the CP lounge there is highy rated) or should we look to reroute the flight to a term 5 departure or go for business from term 3?
You can’t use the T5 facilities.
The Cathay Pacific first class lounge is well regarded. There is also first class dining in the BA lounge as well. Personally it’d depend on what was most convenient in terms of arrival point as to whether I’d be swapping flights – the combo of those two will likely be very pleasant !
I’d be very wary of swapping to biz on this flight, it usually uses one of a trio of aircraft that still have the old CW seat fitted
I’ve gone First on BA from both T3 and T5. The Concorde Room was something a bit different, but the T3 options were great too, so I don’t think you’d be disappointed.
Isn’t there an AA F lounge as well? I’d do a bit of research (Flyertalk has insanely detailed threads on things like lounges) on which lounge offers what at the time you’ll be there. My favourite lounge meal is breakfast so whenever I’m in T3 I try and go to the Qantas lounge for eggs benedict with their pink grapefruit gin cocktail, however they don’t have an F section. You’ll find many of the lounge menus posted online as well, which can help with the decision making.
Thanks all. Good point on old CW def don’t want to end up in there. I don’t see many other first options in the region on BA (we’re using avios) so think atl remains the logical option. Will check out lounge options in more detail, we’re on an afternoon flight.
As others have, I’ve done the Concorde Room on a handful of occasions. I’d not choose to fly from T5 over T3 for just this lounge.
It’s not spectacular enough to merit such a decision (but is night and day above Galleries in T5). The lounge options in T3 are great – Cathy’s first with a la carte dining then hop over to AA F or Qantas if you had the time would be my choice.
There is a F mini CCR now in T3 I believe, but I’ve never bothered with it.
The CCR dining in T3 has pretty identical menu and drinks options as T5, so only the First Wing is a miss. Having several lounges to choose from (or trek around) in T3 is a plus.
The Concorde Room is certainly a pleasant place to while away and hour or two, but its main appeal is its exclusivity set apart from the melee of the lesser lounges or, worse, T5 itself. It’s not a patch on my local tapas bar. It’s not even close to my local gin bar or local deli as somewhere I’d choose to have a drink and some nibbles. Th Cathay First Class lounge in T3 is a perfectly acceptable alternative to the Concorde Room, being elegant and calm with a perfectly decent table service restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.
The First Wing is where T5 shines. First class check-in in T3 is an unattractive scrum, and queues are common. It’s all over in a few minutes, though, so I don’t let it bother me.
On balance, based on the few times I’ve been in First, I really don’t care whether I’m in T3 or T5. And, despite what some people here say, the seat and in-flight service are invariably much better than in Club, so I wouldn’t downgrade if I were you.
Thanks all, really helpful. We are going to stick with the F from T3.
Any advice on best seat options? Looks like we’ll be on an 777 200 with the 8 seats which I think will be the prime 2010 seat. We’re a couple so thinking middle seats but is there any real difference between row 1 and 2?
Thanks all, really helpful. We are going to stick with the F from T3.
Any advice on best seat options? Looks like we’ll be on an 777 200 with the 8 seats which I think will be the prime 2010 seat. We’re a couple so thinking middle seats but is there any real difference between row 1 and 2?
Row 2 is more set back from the galley of course so a bit less noise, not that there’s usually much, but there’s no bad seat in First. We initially went for a window but the seats are so cavernous that we swapped to be sat next to each other in the middle so we could gaze lovingly etc 😉
Unless you’re gold you won’t be able to preselect row 1 until much closer to departure.
It allowed us to book 1e and 1f on both flights, only A and K in row 1 seem to be blocked
It allowed us to book 1e and 1f on both flights, only A and K in row 1 seem to be blocked
You are able to book 1E/F as they aren’t considered prime. In reality, 1A is also no good as, like 1E, it’s directly in line with the loo and the galley. Staff from all cabins and flight crew not only use that loo but also use the F galley as a staff common room and my gosh, can they talk/bellow. You will be much better off slightly removed from all that in row 2.
Isn’t row 2 where the bassinet is? Does that stop you booking the middle pair?
*Just checked for our MEX flight and 2 F is the bassinet, maybe my OH is sitting next to a baby for 12 hours (I do all the booking so I get the window seat, lol), but presumably the cabin is now just full?
Thanks. Have changed it to 2e and 2f.
My wife and I prefer 2A/2E or 2F/2K. The middle pair of seats aren’t great for conversation: you’re too far apart, eye contact is hard as you’re both facing forward, and the hatch between you makes it feel like you’re having a chat to a bank cashier through a security screen. To me, it’s much better to be across the aisle where you can squat on the ottoman or armrest when you want to chat. If you’re lucky, you’ll be on an older plane that still allows buddy dining; if so, it’s again more convenient to be across the aisle from each other.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Popular articles this week:
