Security: The Great Beep Mystery

At the First Wing security gate (you don’t have to go to the main security checks when flying First), my boarding pass beeped negatively.

Once. Twice. Thrice.

The security officer kept swiping as if the universe might change its mind. I explained I’d come straight from the desk behind me. He let me through.

Through the private First Wing security (still one of the coolest perks with flying BA First from T5), down the quiet corridor, and straight into the BA lounges without touching duty-free. Bliss.

The Concorde Room: A Comedy of Swipes 

I’d never used the Concorde Room before, so I was buzzing. One to tick off my aviation bucket list. 

Except… my boarding pass beeped negatively again when they tried to check me into the Concorde Lounge. Twice. 

The agent told me I’d “already checked in.” 

I assured her I had not. 

She swiped again —(what is it with the repetition and expecting a different result?) — and eventually waved me through, taking my boarding pass to investigate. 

Inside, I asked about the Cabanas- these are individual rooms that you can book in the lounge and are totally private. They booked me one, but I went for dinner first. There is a la carte dining after all.  

Dining: Salmon, Stories & Security 

The Concorde Room is small-ish but elegant, with an à la carte dining room and a balcony overlooking the terminal. Some think it is starting to look quite dated- perhaps it is but I like the vibe.  

I ordered the salmon with celeriac ribbons and romesco, plus a glass of fizz. Left off the starter and the desert as I wanted to ensure that I could enjoy the full onboard experience later on. 

Then a BA legend came over — a woman who worked on Concorde in its early days. We chatted for ages whilst I ate my dinner. She was warm, funny, and full of stories. 

She told me that I had been given the wrong boarding pass. Not just the wrong seat — the wrong name. So that passenger was on my flight and I had her boarding pass duplicated. So much for Heathrow security. Epic fail. 

The Cabana: My Airport Sanctuary 

Cabana No. 1 was waiting for me. Each cabana has a small bed/couch, TV, desk, bathroom with a shower. The bathroom had the usual hospital ensuite chic that is in all of BA’s T5 lounges. I always moan about why they put so much effort into beautiful design else-where in the lounges and leave the bathrooms so bad.  

My other half, the Irishman had asked, “Who wants to shower at the airport?” 

Me. I do. After a 4:30am start, a full workday, and an evening flight — I absolutely do. 

I showered, changed, ordered a cheeky Cosmopolitan, and did an hour of work in peace. 

Back to the Lounge: Delays & Concorde Moments 

My flight was delayed, so I headed to the bar. 

My Concorde friend came back over — no more First flights departing, so the staff were basically waiting for BA109 to board. We chatted some more and I asked her for a photo of us together by the Concorde nose. She kindly accepted. Meeting people like this are the travel moments I live for. 

The Flight  

Eventually the flight was called and I headed off to my gate. I boarded BA109, seat 1K, in the older First cabin — lampshade light, blue‑tinted double windows, fold‑back TV. Classic. 

It was one of the older cabins – you can tell by the lamp shade and the TV that has to be folder back for take off and landing. I didn’t care that it was an older seat- was just happy with my upgrade/ Check out my LHR – SFO BA First experience in one of the new cabins- it was super sexy.  

I had warm nuts and fizz prior to take off. The predeparture drink on any biz or first route (and some Premium Economy) is one of my favourite perks above Economy.

Dinner was served fairly swiftly after take-off. The three photos of my dinner are totally blurred. I blame the turbulent flight or maybe it was the fizz! I enjoyed a salmon starter, a chicken main and cheese selection. Made my own epic fail of not taking a photo of the menu! 

I ask the crew to make up my bed which they do. I change into the Temperlay PJ’s and slippers. Then sleep for the best part of the flight and wake with around an hour to go. 

For my stay in Dubai I stayed at Jumeriah Mina A Salam. Check out the review of this gorgeous property with the best views of the Burj Al Arab. 

Top Tips 

Weather- Best Months to Visit Dubai -Avoid July. I forgot how aggressively hot it gets- I walked out of the airport and it felt like I was standing in front of an oven and then the sweating! The sweet spots are in my opinion are April and October for the best weather.  

Upgrade Tips: Always ask about upgrades at all touch points. Check your app on the lead up to the flight, ask at check and sometimes worth checking once you have boarded. I had a points upgrade with Emirates from biz to First when I had actually boarded and then asked. Cash upgrades can be fantastic value. Always set yourself a budget and stick to it otherwise it is easy to get caught up in the moment and then regret the spend later.  

Try the Cabanas – If you’re flying First out of T5, the Concorde Room Cabanas are absolutely worth a look. 

Perfect for showering, sleeping and working. A rare little sanctuary in a very busy terminal.