Luxury Travel: If you're on your way to a luxury destination, then the last thing you want to have to think about is the hassle of airport security. Addressing a need for fast service so that passengers can get on their way, British Airways has recently announced the opening of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.

Designed to accommodate 30 million passengers annually, British Airways' Heathrow Terminal 5 is the largest single-span structure in the UK. Terminal 5 houses one of the most advanced baggage systems in the world, containing more than 17 kilometers of conveyer belts and the most advanced early warning smoke detection system to prevent small problems from becoming big ones and slowing down the flow.

The new terminal is five times the size of Terminal 4, features 96 self-service kiosks and another 96 fast bag drop desks and houses extensive retail facilities with 144 stores and restaurants spread across 200,000sq feet, designed to make your travel as quick and easy as possible.

British Airways Middle East commercial manager Paul Starrs explains, "We have achieved our objective of making British Airways passengers' journey through Heathrow smooth, simple and stress-free."



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"We have speeded up the whole airport process, leaving travelers with more time for relaxing, eating, shopping or working."

Mr. Starrs said that it takes passengers less than 15 minutes to get to their gate, if they use pre-printed boarding passes and self-service kiosks, as the average check in time is 8.5 minutes and it took just over five minutes to pass through security. Sounds like plenty of time to explore the finer features of Terminal 5 including a variety of eateries, from fine dining to grab and go as well as luxury shopping at fine stores including Coach and Bulgari amongst others. If you want to use your extra time at the airport to relax, check out the gallery or changing expositions or just check out the view in a relaxation area.

If you are worried that an airport that actually cares about getting passengers to their destination will cost more, fear not because Mr. Starrs says that while ticket prices may fluctuate, "If you book early and plan your travel you can get really good value flights, particularly for people who want to upgrade from business class."

Terminal 5 seems like a luxury destination in itself and a great way for a luxury vacation to start.

For LxM Carly Zindermann

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