In this post:
BA First Wing Refresh Begins at Terminal 5
BA has officially begun a “refresh” of the First Wing at Heathrow Terminal 5, the dedicated check-in and security area open to passengers flying in First, as well as BA Gold and Oneworld Emerald status holders.
While the First Wing still does an excellent job, it’s fair to say the space has begun to look a little tired compared with newer premium ground experiences elsewhere.
The Wing will remain open during the works, which will take place overnight. One check-in desk will close temporarily from mid-September, and lounges will be unaffected.
There are no details yet on exactly what updates are planned, beyond BA confirming to us today that “some improvements to the space”. This could mean anything from a branding update to a complete redesign, although I’m sure any investment will no doubt be welcomed!
What improvements would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below.
Bicester Village Triple Avios/Double Accor Points Offers + Uber Bonus
Bicester Village is offering triple Avios on your spend until 31st August (up from the usual 1 per ยฃ1). To trigger the offer, you’ll need to spend ยฃ250 or more in a single transaction and have your payment card linked; you won’t be able to add your receipt afterwards. It can take up to 24 hours for your card to register, so make sure you do it on time.
This is an excellent offer if you’re planning a summer shopping trip! The outlet has more than 160 fashion and lifestyle brands, and the bonus Avios can really add up. A spend of ยฃ500 would earn you 1,500 Avios (usually 500). Up that to ยฃ2,000 and you would earn 6,000 Avios (usually 2,000).
Things to Note
-
Offer only applies at Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, not other European locations.
-
Eligible cards must be issued in the UK, US or Ireland, and be a registered Visa, Mastercard or Amex.
- The spend must also be at a participating boutique. Some boutiques don’t award Avios on certain cards. Here are the exceptions to note:
-
Annual spend is capped at ยฃ30,000. If your purchases exceed the yearly amount of ยฃ30,000, you will collect 5 Avios for every ยฃ20 spent.
-
Avios will be awarded within 30 days.
Add the Uber Bonus
Complete a return trip to the Village with Uber before 31st August and earn 250 bonus Avios. Your Uber and BA accounts must be linked.
A ‘return’ trip means a trip to and from any starting location to Bicester Village (Bicester Village, 50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6WD). The bonus counts for any service from UberX through to Uber Lux, including Uber Rail and applies from any starting location. Standard Avios usually post within 24 hours, while the 250 bonus will appear within 30 days of the promo ending.
Link your BA and Uber accounts here >>>
The Accor Offer
Accor is also running a Bicester Village promo when you shop before 31st August. Spend ยฃ500 or more across participating boutiques and you’ll earn 4 ALL points per ยฃ1 (usually 2). That’s roughly 7% back, compared to the usual 3.5%.
There are also extra perks for ALL Platinum and Diamond members, including additional discounts and exclusive offers at the Village.
Find out how to claim your bonus Accor Points here >>>
BA Vs Accor
You can’t benefit from both the BA and Accor offers; you must choose which is right for you. If you choose to link your card with British Airways to earn Avios, you won’t be able to claim ALL points. Bicester will reject the claim.
The Accor offer yields better value, but is only really worth it if you’re already collecting ALL points and plan to redeem them. You can read all about the best ways to earn and spend Accor points in our Accor Points guide. It also depends on how much you spend. The BA offer has a lower threshold of ยฃ250, whereas you’ll need to spend ยฃ500 for the Accor offer. The Accor offer is also great if you’re planning to shop at a location other than Oxfordshire.
Double Marriott Bonvoy Points on Homes & Villas
Marriott Bonvoy is offering double points on Homes & Villas stays of three nights or more, for travel between 11th August and 31st December 2025. You must register for this offer before you book. You can register here.
This raises base points from 5 points per $1 to 10. Remember, you’ll still have the elite bonuses on top, taking you to:
- Gold: 25% bonus = 11.25 points per $1
- Platinum: 50% bonus = 12.5 points per $1
- Titanium/Ambassador: 75% bonus = 13.75 points per $1
Double points essentially put Homes & Villas on par with full-service Marriott hotels such as Le Mรฉridien and Sheraton for base earnings. Booking through Homes & Villas is ideal if you want more space, an extended stay or accommodation for a larger group. This may not be the best offer we’ve ever seen, but if you’re already planning a stay, the points can really add up.
There’s usually a minimum spend requirement on these promos, but not this time. Ambassador-qualifying spend applies, and Platinum and above also get a 1,000-point welcome gift (500 for Gold Elite).
Add the 10% Off Offer
Until 31st August, you can also get 10% off selected Homes & Villas stays of two nights or more before 19th December 2025.
The discount is available on both cash/credit card and Marriott Bonvoy point redemption bookings. The Homes & Villas collection is made up of mostly high-value properties, so 10% can add up. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, 10% won’t end up saving you much.
Things to Note
- Points will arrive in your account 72 hours after your stay
- To get the bonus points, you must book via the official Homes & Villas site.
- Marriott-branded hotels, branded residences, and Marriott Executive Apartments are not eligible.
6 comments
I have commented in the past that structures, such as lounges and shops, added since T5โs construction spoil the aesthetics, views and functionality of the building.
An issue with the First Wing Check-in and security areas that needs addressing is the airflow and air conditioning during hot weather. While the entrance wall may add privacy, it appears to have cut off the supply of fresh air to the area. Itโs uncomfortable passing through as a passenger but must be unbearable for the staff stationed there.
When I think of a warm welcome I think smiles and interaction, not a sweaty glow on the faces of the people working there.
37 Amex exceptions, many of the most popular brands ๐. Iโll give that a miss.
….first refresh since the First Wing opened in 2017.
I think the First Wing opened many years before 2017.
I first used the First Wing around 15 years ago.
There was a first check in area prior to 2017 but there was no direct entrance to the lounges or separate security. The official First Wing opened in April 2017.
Ah, yes you are correct – apologies.
I remember now, after going through fast track security, we had to go through that door to the right to get into the Concorde Room.
I don’t think I used the First check-in area / First Wing again until after 2017.
Refresh the toilets would be an obvious start and not have them operate in the bizarre mega vacuum approach – must catch some out !
Comments are closed.