BA makes final preparations for Terminal Five

As British Airways prepares for its move into Terminal 5 on March 27, 2008, customers are being encouraged to check their flight details prior to the largest airline move in UK history.

The first flights to move to Terminal 5 on March 27 include all British Airways’ domestic and European flights (with the exception of Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Nice and Helsinki).

Flights to and from Tripoli and longhaul services to and from Johannesburg, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Miami will also transfer on the same day.

On April 30, the remaining intercontinental flights will move to Terminal 5 with the exception of Singapore, Sydney and Bangkok.

The long awaited move into the airline’s new home will mean a smoother and simpler experience for customers who should make it from check-in, via fast bag drop and through security in around ten minutes.

Robert Boyle, British Airways’ commercial director, said: “The opening of Terminal 5 heralds a new era in air travel. Customers can look forward to a calmer, smoother, simpler airport experience at Heathrow. We’re very excited about the move and hope customers are too. In order for them to arrive ready to fly and knowing what to expect, we’ve been sending regular communications to them and built a comprehensive microsite to allow them to familiarise themselves with the building and its fantastic facilities.”

Key advice to customers includes:

Before you get to the airport:

* Check your booking on Ba.com/managemybooking to ensure you know which terminal you need to depart from or check the transition schedule for flights at Britishairways.com/travel/routedest/public/en_gb

* If possible, check-in online and print your boarding pass Ba.com/managemybooking up to 24 hours before your flight departs

* In advance of your flight check all the information about getting to the terminal, its facilities and way-finding at Terminal5.ba.com

At the airport:

* If you haven’t checked in online, make your way to the kiosks on the departures level.

* Once checked in, you can move straight to the Fast Bag Drop desks to deposit any hold luggage.

* Ensure you have all relevant documentation including visas. Customers who have checked in online or at a kiosk who are flying longhaul or taking a shorthaul flight to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Prague or Kiev and are only carrying hand luggage will need to go to one of the Passport and Visa Check desks before going to Security. If you have luggage for the hold, your passport and visa will be checked at a Fast Bag Drop or Customer Service Desk automatically by our staff.

* If you are travelling with only cabin baggage and you do not need a visa, make your way straight to security once you’re checked in.

* Remember, to maintain flight punctuality, travellers must have entered the security search area and be ready to fly at least 35 minutes before their flight departs.

* Relax and enjoy British Airways’ new home!