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British Airways to Open "First Wing" for First-Class Passengers and Elites

Sept. 19, 2016
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2 min read
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British Airways to Open "First Wing" for First-Class Passengers and Elites
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British Airways' first class isn't necessarily at the top of the premium category when it comes to European airlines — especially when compared to the products of both Lufthansa and Air France. In first class with both of the latter carriers, passengers are entitled to elite perks prior to boarding the plane — planeside transportation at departure and arrival, as well as a premium lounge experience. Now, it looks like British Airways has taken notice, and is working to improve at least some aspects of the experience — albeit only for its most premium passengers.

British Airways just announced its "First Wing," which will be a dedicated walkway between check-in and the lounges at London Heathrow's Terminal 5. The First Wing walkway is set to open in April 2017, and it'll be available to British Airways first-class customers, Gold Executive Club members and Oneworld Emerald members. The walkway will serve as a more private way for premium passengers to check in to their flight and then head through security at two new dedicated security lanes, speeding up the process.

A mock-up of BA's First Wing, which will open in April 2017.

Once the passengers are through security, they can head straight for the Galleries First Lounge or the Concorde Room, which will be accessible through the private First Wing walkway. Ultimately, while this addition is not a game-changer for BA, it's definitely an added perk when flying BA first class, if you're a BA Gold elite or if you're a Oneworld Emerald member. The UK-based carrier is making strides, but still has a bit further to go in order to be up to par with its direct competitors.

H/T: One Mile at a Time

Featured image by LHRYorathK

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.