a large air plane on a runway at an airport


© Provided by The Points Guy


MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

In a decision that could wind up causing confusion for some passengers, American Airlines announced it will now split up operations at Heathrow Airport between Terminals 3 and 5, according to One Mile at a Time.

The carrier will operate its flights to and from New York out of Terminal 5, alongside its Oneworld partner British Airways. All other American routes will originate from Terminal 3.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

The decision to divide and conquer across two terminals is a curious one. It would seem to make more logistical sense, at least for passengers, to have an airline operate all of its flights from the same terminal.



a airplane that is parked in a parking lot: British Airways 747 at London’s Heathrow (LHR) November 2016. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)


© The Points Guy
British Airways 747 at London’s Heathrow (LHR) November 2016. (Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

American moved all of its Heathrow flights to T5 in July 2020 as the pandemic forced the shuttering of T3 due to lack of airport traffic. A benefit of the move is it made it easier for American passengers to make connections with BA.

But now, those travellers who may not be aware that American is working out of two different terminals could find themselves a bit lost.

Video: The Best U.S. Airports for Cheap International Flights in 2021, According to the Experts (Travel + Leisure)

The Best U.S. Airports for Cheap International Flights in 2021, According to the Experts

What to watch next

UP NEXT

UP NEXT

Related: Inside the reopened Terminal 3

Another factor to consider with this split is how it affects travellers on the ground. The lounge situation in Terminal 3 isn’t ideal at the moment. The Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge and the Qantas Lounge are both closed, as is the Admirals Club. The only Oneworld lounge currently open in Terminal 3 is the British Airways Lounge and it’s limited to business-class flyers.



a large passenger jet sitting on top of a runway: An American Airlines plane prepares to takes off from Heathrow Airport following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England. Picture date: Wednesday May 26, 2021. (Photo by Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images)


© The Points Guy
An American Airlines plane prepares to takes off from Heathrow Airport following the further easing of lockdown restrictions in England. Picture date: Wednesday May 26, 2021. (Photo by Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty Images)

Related: New drop-off charge for Heathrow

Terminal 5 has the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge as well as the First Lounge that’s reserved for Oneworld Emerald status holders. So, at least while most lounges remain closed in T3, passengers flying American between London and New York City would seem to have a much better lounge situation at Heathrow.

Featured image by Steve Parsons / Getty Images.

 

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Continue Reading