British Airways has just unveiled a brand new lounge design concept that will be used in all of its lounges moving forward. The carrier operates a vast network of lounges and I can’t wait to see this concept rolled out across its network.
British Airways Makes Major Updates to its Lounge Design
British Airways has just unveiled a brand new lounge design concept that will soon make its way across the carrier’s network. The UK flag carrier partnered with Gensler on the new design. Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said this about the new design:
“We’re thrilled to be unveiling our new design concept with new lounges in both Miami and Dubai. These unique spaces have been created with our customers in mind and are the next step in our extensive lounge transformation plan. Whether they’re looking to relax, dine, work or enjoy a drink at the fully staffed bar, there’s something for everyone.
We’re proud to bring our brand to life in these spaces, having blended our British originality with each destination’s unique character. This approach has allowed us to make the most of brilliant talents from around the world. We’re grateful to all the teams, both within British Airways and our partners, who’ve helped make our vision a reality. We are incredibly excited to welcome our customers to these new lounges.”
Ashley Dowell, Design Director, Senior Associate at Gensler, added:
“We are honored to have partnered with British Airways to carve the path for the global lounge concept being introduced around the world. Hospitality driven and inspired by the heritage of British Airways, combined with the rich vibrancy of each location, the lounges will reflect a global journey framed through a British lens. Welcoming, intuitive and bold, the new lounges offer a surprising retreat for travellers to relax, work and socialise in the midst of their travels.”
According to the airline, the new design concept is meant to establish a cohesive architectural identity that connects the airline’s lounges across the globe. Drawing inspiration from the airline’s heritage and the character of each destination, the spaces are designed to feel welcoming, intuitive, and restorative, creating moments of calm, connection, and delight for customers wherever their journey takes them.
British Airways has also hidden ‘look-up’ moments throughout its lounges which introduce some hidden ‘Easter eggs’ for eagle eyed passengers visiting its lounges.
New Lounges Debut in Miami and Dubai
The first two British Airways lounges that feature the new design elements are located at Miami International Airport (MIA), which is a hub for OneWorld partner American Airlines, and Dubai International Airport (DXB). While the core design cues remain consistent, each lounge receives its own local flair.
British Airways Lounge Miami (MIA)
For the first time in decades, British Airways has its own, standalone, lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA). The airline has just opened a 13,000 square foot lounge at the airport which is its largest lounge outside of London.
While its transatlantic joint-venture partner American Airlines is in the process of opening a new Flagship Lounge in Miami, the British Airways lounge is located directly above the airline’s departure gate in Terminal E.
The lounge is intended to honor the airline’s British originality, charm and wit, which has been combined with features that have taken inspiration from the city of Miami, such as its Art Deco design and iconic buildings. The new lounge is outfitted with large windows along its walls which provides sweeping views across the airfield.
A full-service bar is the focal point of the lounge and is positioned in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows that add plenty of light to the lounge. Bartenders can whip up a selection of classic cocktails and mocktails, including a Prickly Margarita, which is unique to this lounge. The bar also has a wide variety of spirits and beers, including local offerings.
The lounge offers five distinct areas that flow into one another while still offering travelers private, individual spaces. In addition to the bar, the lounge is outfitted with dining space, focus pods, and a lowered central lounge with partitions for added privacy.
For passengers preparing to board a long-haul flight, two shower suites are available along with colorful striped restrooms. These are inspired by traditional South Beach beach chairs and provide travelers with a way to refresh before their flight.
The lounge has a self-serve buffet which offers locally-sourced dishes with a British twist. Passengers can enjoy selections like local papaya and lacinato kale salad with toasted coconut and citrus honey vinaigrette, and seared South Florida flounder fish with lemon, Kalamata olives, fried capers and rice.
First Class passengers are invited to visit the exclusive Concorde Dining Room for an elevated à la carte dining experience. The experience includes a range of dishes such as Wagyu beef strip loin with roasted trumpet mushrooms and a truffle reduction or roasted diver scallops. Champagne and English Sparkling Wine, including Pommery, Cuvée Louise 2005, are also available for First Class passengers.
British Airways Lounge Dubai (DXB)
The first lounge to feature the new design elements was the British Airways lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The 5,800 square foot lounge is located in Terminal 1 blends contemporary British design and traditional United Arab Emirates elements.
The new space nods to traditional Middle Eastern style with sweeping arches, patterned metal paneling, and mirrored walls that have taken inspiration from local architecture. Like the Miami lounge, a full-service bar acts as a focal point of the space as part of the new design concept.
Visitors to the lounge are greeted by a framed entrance that leads into a space that balances warm hospitality and exclusivity. Artisanal finishes such as fluted marble, antique mirrored ceilings, and bespoke detailing create an inviting and sophisticated space.
The lounge’s ‘look-up’ moment is a chandelier framed by a mirrored ceiling in the main dining area, with the iconic British Airways ‘speedmarque’ embedded above. Lighting and mirrors are used throughout to reflect light, bringing a sense of openness to the space.
On the food and beverage front, the lounge has a buffet featuring a range of options including an Arabic breakfast, mezze selection, cakes, and cheeseboards. Passengers can indulge in a selection of premium Champagnes and English Sparkling wines, along with expertly crafted cocktails, such as a Dubai Chocolate Martini, and Bucks Free Fizz, made using fresh orange juice with Lyre’s Classico Grande Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine.
First Class passengers have access to the Concorde Dining Room, which is accessible via a dedicated entrance. The à la carte menu features Middle Eastern signature dishes such as Arabic mezze and sweet dessert, Umm Ali, and British Original favorites including the famous Concorde Wagyu burger and Scottish smoked salmon.
While on the smaller side, it appears that the airline did a fantastic job with the buildout of this lounge. The spaces look warm and inviting and, while there doesn’t seem to be any natural light in this lounge, it still beats most of the other options in Dubai’s Terminal 1.
My Thoughts
I’ve had the opportunity to visit multiple British Airways lounges throughout the years. While they weren’t bad, they didn’t particularly stand out either.
This new lounge design is absolutely stunning and provides a good mixture of modern finishes and warm, inviting furnishings. While the Miami lounge is gorgeous, I’m more impressed with the build out of the lounge in Dubai, given its lack of windows.
While I don’t typically go out of my way to fly a particular airline based on the lounge offerings alone, passengers traveling on British Airways with lounge access should make a point to stop by these spaces prior to their flight.
What are your thoughts on the new British Airways lounge designs?
Summary
British Airways has unveiled a brand new lounge design concept that will soon make its way across the carrier’s lounge network. The first lounges to sport the new design elements are located at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).