British Airways BA440 – London – Amsterdam

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Audrey Voisine
Audrey Voisine

Audrey Voisine

Audrey Voisine
Audrey, co-founder of Milesopedia, is a dedicated entrepreneur, avid traveler, and mother of two children. She shares valuable tips and recommendations for families and frequent travellers alike, helping everyone get the most from points and rewards programs. As Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications, she is committed to guiding Milesopedia readers toward more accessible, practical, and memorable journeys.
All posts by Audrey Voisine
Flight Carrier British Airways
Departing Airport London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Airport Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Flight Number JL7103
Duration 1:15
To the point Here is our photo report of the Arrivals and Concorde Room and the flight BA440 from London to Amsterdam with avios miles and Scotia bonus points.

After my first class flight on British Airways that took me from New York JFK to London Heathrow, it was time to relax in the airport lounges before boarding my flight to Amsterdam, my destination for this weekend!

Flight British Airways BA440 – London – Amsterdam

It’s a long way through Terminal 5 to reach the British Airways Arrivals lounge.

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Terminal 5 – London Heathrow

Not much indicated on the signs, I will have to go through customs first (very fast thanks to the new passport scanners) before heading to the exit of the terminal …. then ask for directions to finally find the salon!

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Terminal 5 – London Heathrow – Arrivals Lounge
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Terminal 5 – London Heathrow – Arrivals Lounge

The Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5

At this hour, the salon is not very busy. Nice! Here are some pictures of the relaxation areas and the buffet.

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – London Heathrow

But before lunch, I decide to take a bath. Indeed, the lounge offers many showers, and some “cabanas” with bathtub. Because of the low traffic at the salon, there is very little waiting for my “cabana” to be ready.

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – LHR – Cabana

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

After this “brin de toilette”, I decide to go to the Spa. All passengers traveling in first class are entitled to a 15-20 minute massage, barber, facial…

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa

Normally on appointment, I go directly since there is no one! I choose an excellent back and shoulder massage.

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Elemis Spa – Massage

After a nice bubble bath and massage, it’s time for lunch. I go to the room reserved for First Class passengers. The difference: it is not a buffet, but a table service.

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Lunch
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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Lunch

Shortly after lunch, I head to the business center of the show to start writing my milesopedia articles!

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Galleries Arrivals Lounge – Business center

After 2 hours in the lounge, I leave it to go through security and into another lounge… the Concorde Room in Terminal 5!

The Concorde Room at London Heathrow

Indeed, although my connection to Amsterdam will be in economy class, having travelled in First Class just before, this gives me the right to access the most prestigious lounge at London Heathrow.

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow

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

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Terrace
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Terrace

There is the possibility to dine at the table, like in a restaurant. Everything is free of course.

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Table

The choice of alcohols is excellent.

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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Alcools

I decide to sit comfortably in a club chair, and order a burger with a glass of rosé champagne.

non-expiration of best western points
Concorde Room – London Heathrow – Menu
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – BA Burger and Champagne
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Concorde Room – London Heathrow – View from the lounge

After a short hour in the Concorde Room, it’s time for me to head for my door.

On the way to Amsterdam

The general strike in France causes delays and cancellations. My flight will arrive from Nice (my birthplace 🙂 ) with about 30 minutes of delay.

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London Heathrow – Terminal 5 – Departure Screen

The airport is particularly busy, as usual. I was happy to relax in the lounges, away from the stressful atmosphere!

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London Heathrow – Terminal 5
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London Heathrow – Terminal 5
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London Heathrow – Terminal 5 – Original storefront!
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London Heathrow – Terminal 5

Here I am at my gate for my flight to Amsterdam.

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London Heathrow – Terminal 5 – Gate A22

One can immediately feel the “downgrade”. Traveling in economy, I no longer have access to the priority lanes and a stewardess comes to see me to tell me that my carry-on bag is too big and that it will have to be checked. I point out that some travelers – especially in the priority line – have bags as big as mine! In vain…

That’s the “First Class to Economy” effect. The fall is hard.

Note that this passenger was able to bring on board his cooler.

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Boarding

What is the difference between business and economy class on British Airways’ intra-European flights? No room for legs. Just the middle chair blocked and used as a common table.

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Business Class

I arrive at my seat. Like the rest of the cabin, it looks new. The leather is of excellent quality!

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Seat 12A

I notice that my carry-on luggage… could have easily fit in the luggage compartments. In short, no comment.

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Luggage Storage

There is storage for magazines, and legroom is decent.

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam

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, I make myself small. 😀

There is a lot of traffic in this late afternoon at London Heathrow. It will take a good 20 minutes before takeoff.

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Roulage
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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Roulage
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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Virgin Atlantic A346
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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Traffic jam

Here is a video of the takeoff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW9BnKkd_qE

Shortly after takeoff, the service begins. It must be said that the flight is very short (30 minutes). The choice is simple: sweet or savory and a few soft drinks.

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London Heathrow – Amsterdam – Service

After this short flight, I arrived at my destination for the weekend: Amsterdam!

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Amsterdam Airport

Bottom line

The experience at London Heathrow, especially in the two British Airways lounges, was excellent. I arrived at my destination completely rested, and was able to work efficiently during that day.

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 luggage carpets.

The maps to make this trip

Here, I needed American Express with Membership Rewards (transferable to Avios miles) and my Scotiabank Gold American Express card (which allowed me to pay taxes with the Scotia Bonus points).

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Airport lounges
Region
London
4.4 Milesopedia Rating

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