{"id":232679,"date":"2016-06-08T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-06-09T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/news\/salon-concorde-lhr-ams-2\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T09:33:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T09:33:39","slug":"salon-concorde-lhr-ams-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mp-2702.milesopedia.dev\/en\/reviews\/airport-lounges\/salon-concorde-lhr-ams-2\/","title":{"rendered":"British Airways BA440 – London – Amsterdam Flight & Lounge Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After my first-class flight on British Airways<\/a> from New York JFK to London Heathrow, it was time to relax in the airport lounges before boarding my connecting flight to Amsterdam, my destination for the weekend!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flight British Airways BA440 – London – Amsterdam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n

It’s a long way through Terminal 5 to reach lounge British Airways Arrivals.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Terminal 5 – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

With little signposting, I’ll first have to clear customs (very quick thanks to the new passport scanners) before heading for the terminal exit…. and then asking for directions to finally find lounge!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Terminal 5 – London Heathrow – Arrivals Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Terminal 5 – London Heathrow – Arrivals Lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At this time of day, lounge is not very busy. Nice! Here are some pictures of the relaxation areas and the buffet.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

But before lunch, I decide to take a bath. Indeed, the lounge offers a large number of showers and a few cabanas with bathtubs. Given the low traffic at the lounge, there’s very little waiting for my \u201ccabana\u201d to be ready.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What could be better than a nice bubble bath after a transatlantic flight? Meanwhile, a valet is ironing my jacket and shirt. Royal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After this \u201cbrin de toilette\u201d, I decided to go to the Spa. All passengers traveling in first class are entitled to a 15-20 minute massage, barber, facial…<\/p>\n\n\n

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Normally on appointment, I go directly since there is no one! I chose an excellent back and shoulder massage.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa – Massage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After a nice bubble bath and massage, it’s time for lunch. I made my way to the room reserved for First Class passengers. The difference: it is not a buffet, but a table service.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Lunch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Lunch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Shortly after lunch, I head to the lounge business center to start writing my milesopedia articles!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Business center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After 2 hours at the lounge, I leave it to go through security to another lounge… the Concorde Room in Terminal 5!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lounge Concorde Room at London Heathrow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, although my connection to Amsterdam will be in economy class, having travelled in First Class just before, this entitles me to access London Heathrow’s most prestigious lounge.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The lounge offers a very British\/classy interior space, as well as a terrace overlooking the interior of Terminal 5.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Terrace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Terrace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You can dine at the table, just like in a restaurant. Everything is free of course.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Table<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The choice of alcohols is excellent.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Alcools<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I decide to sit comfortably in a club chair and order a burger accompanied by a glass of ros\u00e9 champagne.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Menu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – BA Burger and Champagne<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – View from lounge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After an hour in the Concorde Room, it’s time for me to head for my door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the way to Amsterdam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The widespread strike in France is causing delays and cancellations. My flight will arrive from Nice (my birthplace \ud83d\ude42 ) with about 30 minutes of delay.<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Terminal 5 – Departure Screen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The airport is particularly busy, as usual. I was delighted to be able to relax in the lounges, away from all the stress!<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Terminal 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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London Heathrow – Terminal 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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London Heathrow – Terminal 5 – Original storefront!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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London Heathrow – Terminal 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Here I am at my gate for my flight to Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Terminal 5 – Gate A22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

One can immediately feel the “downgrade”. Travelling in economy, I no longer have access to the priority lanes, and a stewardess comes up to me to tell me that my cabin baggage is too large and will have to be checked. I point out that some passengers – especially in the priority queue – have bags as big as mine! In vain…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s the “First Class to Economy” effect. The fall is hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that this passenger was able to bring on board his cooler.<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Boarding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What is the difference between business and economy class on British Airways’ intra-European flights? No legroom. Just the middle armchair was blocked off and used as a communal table.<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Business Class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I arrive at my seat. Like the rest of the cabin, it looks new. The leather is of excellent quality!<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Seat 12A<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

I notice that my cabin baggage… would have fit nicely in the luggage compartments. In short, no comment.<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Luggage Storage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

There is storage for magazines, and the legroom is decent.<\/p>\n\n

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We leave the door 30 minutes late. The pilot will not fail to point out that those responsible are “once again, the French strikers”. Sighs are heard among the passengers, and I make myself small. \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a busy late afternoon at London Heathrow. It will take a good 20 minutes before takeoff.<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Roulage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Roulage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Virgin Atlantic A346<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Traffic jam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Here is a video of the takeoff:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yW9BnKkd_qE\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shortly after takeoff, the service begins. It has to be said that the flight is very short (30 minutes). The choice is simple: sweet or savory and a few soft drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Service<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

After this short flight, I arrived at my destination for the weekend: Amsterdam!<\/p>\n\n\n

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Amsterdam Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The experience at London Heathrow, particularly in the two British Airways lounges, was excellent. I arrived at my destination completely rested, and was able to work efficiently during that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight to Amsterdam went smoothly, except for the carry-on baggage that I had to check. I wasted a good twenty minutes waiting at the baggage carousels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The maps to make this trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here, I needed American Express cards with Membership Rewards (transferable to Avios miles) and my Scotiabank Gold American Express card (which allowed me to pay the taxes with Scotia Rewards points).<\/p>\n\n\n