...well maybe not THAT secret!
British Airways has recently announced significant and widely unpopular changes to their Executive Club. These will make earning Silver status and therefore lounge access, far more challenging. (Find out more about the changes on the BA website). Until the impact of these changes starts to be seen in April 2026, overcrowding will remain a persistent issue in T5 Galleries lounges, including the First Lounge.
But what if there were a quieter, better option hiding in ‘plane’ sight? So in the opinion of Beyond the Airport...
Tucked away in the Terminal 5B satellite, this hidden gem is often overlooked because signs in the main terminal advise against heading to the satellites unless your gate is displayed. However, if you have lounge access, either via BA or partner airline Silver (or higher) status or by traveling in Club, there’s no reason you can’t use this lounge.
The Terminal 5B lounge has recently undergone a refurbishment, offering an updated and inviting space that tends to be quieter than its counterparts in Terminal 5A. Despite a small amount of promotion on social media, it remains a well-kept secret for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
Getting There and a cautionary note
You can take the shuttle train to Terminal 5B. However, note that the shuttle only runs in one direction, so you’ll need to walk back to Terminal 5A if your flight departs from there.
Walking between terminals is straightforward via the pedestrian tunnel, accessed by lifts to Level -4. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes and is well-signposted.
Only if your flight departs from 5B or 5C, will your departure gate be displayed on the T5B lounge screens, making the 5B lounge particularly convenient.
NB. We advise leaving for T5A no later than 60 minutes before your planned departure time unless you see from the screens that your flight is actually departing from T5B or T5C.
This is unofficial advice from Beyond the Airport rather than BA.
A Future lounge?
While there are plans for a lounge in Terminal 5C, it remains on the drawing board for now.
Map Directions: Heathrow Airport map.
The 5B lounge offers the perfect blend of comfort, quiet, and convenience, especially for those departing from satellites 5B or 5C. With its recent upgrades and relative serenity compared to the overcrowded main lounges, it’s undoubtedly Heathrow Terminal 5’s best-kept secret.
Don’t miss out - give it a try on your next journey!
Like this article and would like to use it on your website?
All content is copyright property of Beyond the Airport but we normally grant permission, provided you credit us with a link including the full website address. We appreciate an email first.
British Airways has recently announced significant and widely unpopular changes to their Executive Club. These will make earning Silver status and therefore lounge access, far more challenging. (Find out more about the changes on the BA website). Until the impact of these changes starts to be seen in April 2026, overcrowding will remain a persistent issue in T5 Galleries lounges, including the First Lounge.
But what if there were a quieter, better option hiding in ‘plane’ sight? So in the opinion of Beyond the Airport...
Welcome to the Terminal 5B Lounge
Tucked away in the Terminal 5B satellite, this hidden gem is often overlooked because signs in the main terminal advise against heading to the satellites unless your gate is displayed. However, if you have lounge access, either via BA or partner airline Silver (or higher) status or by traveling in Club, there’s no reason you can’t use this lounge.
The Terminal 5B lounge has recently undergone a refurbishment, offering an updated and inviting space that tends to be quieter than its counterparts in Terminal 5A. Despite a small amount of promotion on social media, it remains a well-kept secret for those seeking a more relaxed experience.
Getting There and a cautionary note
Walking between terminals is straightforward via the pedestrian tunnel, accessed by lifts to Level -4. The walk takes approximately 10 minutes and is well-signposted.
Only if your flight departs from 5B or 5C, will your departure gate be displayed on the T5B lounge screens, making the 5B lounge particularly convenient.
NB. We advise leaving for T5A no later than 60 minutes before your planned departure time unless you see from the screens that your flight is actually departing from T5B or T5C.
This is unofficial advice from Beyond the Airport rather than BA.
A Future lounge?
While there are plans for a lounge in Terminal 5C, it remains on the drawing board for now.
Bonus Tip: The Secret Pret
If you’re looking for a quiet spot outside the lounges in the main Terminal 5A, head to the smaller Pret a Manger opposite Gate A3. This hidden gem, located just around the corner from The Crown Rivers restaurant, is a favourite among BA short-haul crew during turnarounds, as well as ground staff.Map Directions: Heathrow Airport map.
Why the Terminal 5B Lounge Stands Out
The 5B lounge offers the perfect blend of comfort, quiet, and convenience, especially for those departing from satellites 5B or 5C. With its recent upgrades and relative serenity compared to the overcrowded main lounges, it’s undoubtedly Heathrow Terminal 5’s best-kept secret.Don’t miss out - give it a try on your next journey!
Like this article and would like to use it on your website?
All content is copyright property of Beyond the Airport but we normally grant permission, provided you credit us with a link including the full website address. We appreciate an email first.
