New lounges for BA
When you step into British Airways’ new Galleries Lounge at O.R. Tambo International Airport you could be forgiven for wondering whether Einstein was wrong about relativity.The new lounges, which include a dedicated First lounge, may be a different size and shape, but in most other aspects are identical to the exceptional Galleries Lounges at Heathrow’s Terminal 5. At a quick glance, frequent travellers may think they’re coming back before they’ve departed.
The Galleries Lounges combine expert design and high-quality finishes with comfort and practicality, providing areas to relax in, work or enjoy a drink and a snack before a flight. It’s a concept that’s more than proved itself in the five or so months since Terminal 5’s been open with over 82 percent of lounge visitors giving them an unequivocal thumbs-up.
Clearly, though, there’s more to the concept than just plush finishes and somewhere to wait for your flight.
Of course there are the usual features such as a customer-service desk in case you want to arrange an onward flight, treat yourself to an upgrade, amend a booking or just reassure yourself that you remembered to add your frequent flyer number. There are also 10 personal computers with free internet access in case you want to check this all yourself on www.ba.com, book a transfer, a hotel or just check the weather.
Let’s take a tour to see what else there is.
The dedicated First Lounge seems a good place to start. You’ll need a First boarding pass or Gold Executive Club card to get in. Don’t have one? Never mind, be my guest. You could go to the business area, but why not stop at the Gold Bar for a drink first? Champagne? There’s also plenty else to choose from, including an array of local and imported wines and a selection of beer and spirits. And yes, of course the chandelier is real crystal.
Before you sit down — and there’s no need to rush there are plenty of seats, 80 to be exact — let’s get a snack. You can choose hot or cold, but don’t ruin your appetite because the menu on board’s also pretty good. We can always come back later for some coffee before we board.
Finished? OK, let’s take a look at the Club World lounge.
It’s big, but then it has to be. This is for everyone flying in Club World and Gold and Silver Executive Club members. There are 163 seats in here, but just as well because British Airways is adding another five flights from Joburg to London each week from May next year.
That’s the Silver Bar over there, where you can get another drink or a top up if you need one. The Deli Bar’s and Coffee House are also nearby if you’re still feeling a bit peckish.
Want to catch up on the news? There’s a news zone just over there. Alternatively if you want to check BBC online or any of the other news sites, why not just get your laptop — there’s free internet access throughout the Galleries Lounges.
And in case you think the lounge designers Davis and Baron haven’t thought of everything, there are five showers, plenty of washroom and even a baby changing area.
That should cover everything, but if you want to know more about the Galleries Lounges visit ba.com
