British Airways Galleries First Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 Gets a Fresh Look

Updated: December 21, 2023, 2:05pm CST

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The New Look British Airways Galleries First Lounge
Final Thoughts

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British Airways’ second-most exclusive lounge at Heathrow has undergone a makeover with more than just a lick of paint.

The refresh of the Galleries First Lounge in Terminal 5 at London Heathrow was completed in November, and we got to check out the revamped space!

Let’s take a look at what’s changed and what hasn’t in BA’s Galleries First lounge.

The New Look British Airways Galleries First Lounge

New Seating Options

The most noticeable (and needed) change is the complete refit of all seating, which you notice as soon as you enter the lounge after passing through security in the first-class wing.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating 7 — Welcome to your new Galleries First Lounge.

You’ll find new high-top tables and stool seating for those who like to be social.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating 8 — High-top tables and stool seats.

At the other end of the lounge, in the mezzanine area, private booth-style seating has replaced the high-top tables and stools.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating 4 — The area that is popular with AvGeeks and plane-spotters has completely changed.

You’ll also find similar seating in the main lounge area by the windows.

While the added privacy these seats bring will be celebrated, it appears there was an oversight when it came to power outlets.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating 3 — Privacy or power?

Where you used to find armchairs by the windows, there’s now a cluster of these modern low tables and chairs — also without easily accessible power outlets.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating 5 — Spot the power outlets.

Not all hope is lost, however. Some of the new between-seating consoles feature wireless charging capability.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating 6 — Wireless charging has been introduced.

You’ll find these mainly in the area along the windows where the old wingback chairs and power outlets used to be.

Hot Tip:

Despite being called the Galleries First lounge, this lounge is predominantly used by British Airways Gold (oneworld Emerald) card holders flying in business class or below. The lounge that first-class passengers should actually use is the prestigious Concorde Room — the airline’s most exclusive lounge offering.

The comfiest-looking new seating has to be these stylish lounge chairs.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating — Oh so cozy!

You’ll also find wireless charging in the consoles between these chairs for your convenience.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new seating 2 — More wireless charging.

Hot Drink Station

Sometimes it’s the little things that really make all the difference. Case in point: the addition of disposable coffee cups at the Union coffee stations.

British Airways LHR Galleries First new coffee machine — We’ll take an espresso to go, please.

And for those who prefer their hot drinks to be of the chocolate variety, you can now make your very own hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles.

British Airways LHR Galleries First hot chocolate — Who doesn’t want to make their own hot chocolate with all the fixings?

Final Thoughts

The overall design is much brighter, fresher, and more modern than the previous version, and the seats at least appear far more comfortable and stylish than those they replaced.

However, the lack of power outlets at many of the seats could lead to passengers struggling to keep their devices charged during their stay in the lounge.

Either way, it’s good to see an exclusive lounge being updated since it enhances the overall experience of travelers.