British Airways new Terminal 5 at Heathrow sports Wi-Fi and productivity areas

Last week British Airways sent the word out that they are planning to open a new section at Heathrow airport on March 27th called Terminal 5 (click link for promo site).

Unfortunately, the site copy and the e-mail focus more on how many passengers they can funnel through than on the productivity environment. I shot a few quick questions over to BA, and this is what I got:

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A lot of the copy on the terminal5 web site focuses on relaxing, security, and checking in for your flights. What kind of business productivity options are available in the terminal? Will there be free wi-fi in selected spots? Throughout the whole terminal?

There are dedicated work and entertainment zones in the lounges with computers,printers and outlets. Terminal 5 has six areas with internet kiosks. There is also high-speed wireless internet throughout the terminal for purchase, but is complimentary in all of the lounges.

What about stations where people can charge their electronics? Will there be outlets for European and US gadgets, or just the UK plugs?

At this time, there are no plug sockets for customers in the general BAA retail/seating areas for health and safety reasons relating to the need for all appliances to be PAT certified in the UK (Portable Appliance Testing).

I’m also curious about the “Flight Connections Centre” - most of the time I think it’s handy to be able to look up your next flight’s gate right when you exit the plane, rather than having to converge on some particular listings area. Most airports now have the arrivals/departures monitors scattered around near various gates so travelers don’t have to do too much accidental back-tracking. Is this something that terminal5 plans to do without?

Up to 90 per cent of British Airways transfers will take place through Terminal 5. The transfer channels will be highlighted with purple signs making it easy for customers to connect from one flight to another. An underground track transit system has been installed throughout Terminal 5 to transfer customers between the buildings. All passengers connecting through Heathrow Terminal 5 will be directed to the Flight Connections Center located at the center of the terminal building, just a short walk from the gate. In most instances you’ll simply have your boarding pass scanned, before proceeding through security and into our spacious departure lounge ready to board your next flight.

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I’ve griped about it before: I’m sorry to hear that Wi-Fi isn’t free and pervasive, but I think it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing that happen. In the meantime, stick to the lounges I guess.

And if you’re curious about the BA highlights, this is according to the e-mail I got:

Key highlights:

* With 96 self-service kiosks and 140 customer service desks, customers will experience little to no queues. Passengers will be through security in less than 10 minutes.
* The layover experience will be far superior with 112 retail stores and restaurants– the largest retail offering of any UK airport– among other amenities.
* The terminal will be capable of handling 30 million customers a year and will have one of the most advanced baggage systems in the world, capable of handling at 12,000 bags per hour at up to 30km per hour. This is possible through the unique system which recognizes where the bags are against the clock, allowing late running bags, in particular transfer bags to be delivered right to the aircraft side by the baggage system. No other major airport has such a system.
* The largest airport lounge complex in the world is made up of six lounges to accommodate 2,500 passengers. They will be available for British Airways’ premium customers and will feature a host of luxurious facilities including a gold leaf bar, private cabanas and Elemis travel spas.