Heathrow Express’ Business First passengers will get fast-track security
As of July 1, all passengers with Business First tickets on the Heathrow Express will also have access to fast-track security lanes once they reach the London area's iconic Heathrow Airport (LHR).
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“We’re really excited to be enhancing our Business First product, enabling customers to fly through security, and spend more time relaxing before their flight,” said Mark Eastwood, head of commercial strategy at Heathrow Express, who announced the news at the Business Travel Show Europe.
“We know our customers value speed and convenience, with this new offering further enhancing their departure experience from Heathrow. For those in a rush, we are confident that we will now offer not only an express train, but [also] a quick route to the plane from central London," Eastwood said.
A real game-changer, this business ticket is set to appeal to travelers to the U.K.'s biggest airport now more than ever.
When you compare a one-way fare booked online on Business First ($38.92 or 32 pounds) with the price of a single ticket ($30.41 or 25 pounds), the $8.51 (7 pounds) upgrade is a good value if you’ve already decided to travel to the airport using Heathrow Express anyway.
A one-month open return will set you back $66.89 (55 pounds) and will also include fast-track security once you arrive at Heathrow.
Related: Watch us race to London Heathrow – Elizabeth Line vs Heathrow Express vs taxi
If you’re in no rush to reach the airport, it’s worth keeping in mind that London’s newly-launched Elizabeth line is much cheaper, costing $13 (10.70 pounds) off-peak and $15.45 (12.70 pounds) during peak times — but without security fast track.
The Heathrow Express is one of the costliest railway services in the capital – up to $6 (or 5 pounds), and costing more in economy than on similar Express services to Gatwick and Stanstead. It regularly tops the airport transfer cost table in Europe, too.
Related: Elizabeth Line set to open in London, giving travelers more transit options to and from the airport
Bottom line
Heading to Heathrow from central or West London this summer? While pricier than some other options, Business First on the Heathrow Express will give you a speedy journey from the train station to the airport.
It will also make life easier when you reach your terminal with the new security fast-track service. If you want to save a little extra money, you should always book online for a better deal.
To see which mode of transport from central to London Heathrow Airport won for speed, read Watch us race to London Heathrow by cab, the Heathrow Express and new Elizabeth Line.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees