The Sofitel Hotel at Heathrow is very convenient for T5. We had a large room, with a very comfy bed. The downside was the air conditioning was a bit noisy, so we switched it off and consequently roasted during the night!  Not the best night’s sleep we have ever had.

Breakfast in the Club Millesime was delicious, with all the usual offerings of a continental spread. It can be a long walk to your room!

Following a smooth checkout, it was all of 15 minutes to the Fast Track security. I must say that it was a thoroughly untraumatic experience! Pleasant and helpful staff – which is not always the case.

A quick detour into Boots for some more mosquito spray (just in case our hold luggage doesn’t arrive when we do!) and off to the lounge. This time we went to Galleries First instead of the Concorde Room, as we had been there in November on our way to South Afirca. We thought the lounge was brighter, more spacious, and we enjoyed the Champagne bar, and the outstation in the middle of the lounge below!

Now off to the gate, with a stop a Starbucks on the way, using my Heathrow Rewards card at all opportunities to notch up a few more Avios. We need all the help given that our recent trips have all been BA redemptions using our AmEx 241 vouchers, so we need to build up the reserves again!

Next report in a few days.