59 Showers & Private Cabanas: British Airways Reveals New Heathrow Lounge

Credit: British Airways Published Oct 6, 2026, 11:26 AM EDT Louis is a military historian and the staff writer for History of War magazine, a leading military history monthly. He also has an interest in private and commercial aviation. Sign in to your Simple Flying account British Airways has announced a new lounge for its Terminal 5 C gates at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). It's part of the airline's project to overhaul every one of its LHR lounges. This new lounge will offer customers airfield views and an exceptionally long lounge bar. It is based on a new concept that was unveiled in Miami. British Airways is matching its new lounge with an overall improvement of the on-ground experience for its premium passengers. Most notably, it has plans to open a new check-in experience for first class passengers at LHR Terminal 3. This was developed in collaboration with American Airlines. The New Lounge Will Open In 2028 Credit: British Airways Work on British Airways' new LHR Terminal 5 lounge is currently underway, with plans to open by the end of 2028. The appearance of the lounge is inspired by a combination of flight and British design traditions. The materials used in its construction will all be sourced in Britain, featuring the work of leading British craftspeople. The centerpiece of the new lounge will be one of the world's longest airport lounge bars. It will measure 55.8 ft (17 m). The overall look of the lounge aims to be light and open, with many striking architectural elements. There will be distinct areas for dining, work, and relaxation, along with pre-flight shower facilities. First class passengers onboard British Airways and American Airlines will also have access to a new Terminal 3 check-in experience (pictured). Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and CEO, said: "By showcasing the best of British design, craftsmanship and hospitality, we will deliver a more premium, seamless experience for our customers. This is the first of many developments in the pipeline, and we look forward to sharing more as we transform the customer experience in the years ahead.” A New Concorde Lounge Is Coming Credit: British Airways Another eye-catching feature of the unveiled new Terminal 5 lounge is the dedicated Concorde lounge. This area will feature a private concierge service, along with improved dining. These passengers can enjoy a calmer and more private area. The construction of the Concorde lounge will include richer textures and darker materials. The area is perfect for getting settled in before a long-haul flight. This is not the first time that British Airways has invoked the Concorde name when providing premium lounge experiences at Heathrow. Terminal 5 is currently home to The Concorde Room, described by Points Well Made as "the ultimate first class lounge experience." This area can only be accessed by first class ticket and Concorde Room card holders. That makes the space far more exclusive than standard lounges, which are becoming available to ever-increasing numbers of passengers. The Concorde Room is more aligned with a London members' club than an airport lounge. The Investment Includes A New Arrivals Lounge Credit: British Airways Along with the Terminal 5 lounge and Concorde lounge, and the Terminal 3 first class check-in experience, British Airways is also developing its first arrivals space under its new lounge concept. Refurbishment of this area is set to start in early 2027, with completion by the end of that year. This space will be set up to help passengers transition from the strains of long-haul flying into their work, vacation or life in the UK. It will include a coffee bar and deli, dining areas, a relaxation zone and work booths. Arrivals lounge customers can also make use of one of the 59 shower rooms to feel refreshed after spending several hours in the skies. An enhanced experience will again be available to first class passengers under the Concordename. This space will feature private cabanas and a dining area that British Airways describes as "elegant." All of this area will be daubed in British Airways' traditional colors.