British Airways lounge shower question

Don’t know about the other terminals, but there is a lounge at both the north and south ends of terminal 5, departures. There are different lounges depending on your status.

https://www.oneworld.com/airport-lounge-results?location=LHR

You can check BA’s website for their lounge locations. Do take note that many but not all lounges have shower facilities. In general connecting passengers will need to go through a security screening at Heathrow. I haven’t been to the BA lounges but in other lounges the shower facilities are in the bathrooms. Once again it may just be some that have showers. Check with the desk when you enter the lounge to see if you need to reserve one. The shower rooms allow you to lock the door and are single use not communal. Toiletries are provided. I pack my toothbrush, paste and a fresh shirt in an external pocket of my carry on which stays with me in the locked room.

Have a great trip!

Edit to add. Welcome to the forums!

There are lots of lounges. I'm not familiar with those at LHR but generally, lounges are not open to the public without some sort of cost or status. Free entry is typically restricted to those traveling in business class or first class, or with some other criteria. There are also often separate "departure" lounges and "arrivals" lounges, which typically are limited to those arriving and departing, respectively (and can't be used otherwise). There are lounge memberships that come with some credit cards or other status. Sometimes you can simply pay a fee for one-time lounge access. The quality of the facility and what's offered varies tremendously.

So, you'll need to "qualify" to access whatever lounge you are considering; they have staff - often referred to as "lounge dragons" - who will check your status and determine your access. OK, that said...

Every lounge is different. Not all offer showers. Those that do, often come with long waits for those showers. It's always a good idea to head straight for the lounge upon arrival, check in, and once you are granted access, immediately ask about showers right away. Typically, they'll put you on the list for the next available shower, then may give you a electronic device that will light up and sound when your shower appointment is ready - so pay attention to that thing (I wait to eat until after doing the shower - I make getting the shower my top priority). As for security, many lounges (and all good ones) have free lockable lockers that you can put your carry-on bag(s) in while you are in the lounge (these sometimes fill up, too, so drop you bags there as soon as you enter, if you can). As for security during your shower, it's easy: the showers are not communal, you'll get a private bathroom/shower room (with a door that you can and should lock) all to yourself. They typically supply a clean towel or two, soap, shampoo, disposable accessories (toothbrush & toothpaste, comb, Q-tips, maybe a razor, etc.). All you should need is to get in there, everything else you need should be provided.

As to how you pack...if you are going to change into a fresh set of clothes, keep those accessible. A large plastic bag may be handy to sort clean/used clothes. Otherwise, not much to worry about other than getting that shower.

Getting a good shower in while in transit (or upon arrival) is a wonderful amenity that can completely recharge you on a long series of flights. If you can do it, take advantage.

You've been given a lot of information that doesn't really apply.

LHR is a unique situation. Numerous terminals. Many airlines. Different lounges depending how your transfer at Heathrow.

Would you please provide us with the following information.....

Where are you flying from into Heathrow and where are you flying to?

Which airlines?

Are you either a status member of BA/Oneworld or are you flying in either business or first class?

With this information, we can suggest which lounge to visit, which terminal, and whether you can actually enter.

our layover is almost 4 hours

In addition to the questions Frank II posed, is your trip on one ticket? Checked bags?

Your 'almost' 4 hours could shrink to much less usable time depending on the specifics of your stop at Heathrow.

It's likely that you'll be at Terminal 5 in which case you can use either of the Galleries lounges, North and South. To be able to use these lounges you either need to be flying Club Europe or have silver or gold status with BA's Executive Club or the Oneworld equivalent.

Both lounges are usually very busy and you will likely have to book a slot to use the showers, ask at the front desk for the password. The easiest lounge to get to is the North lounge. This is located next to the fast track security used for Club check-in in zone A/B. The showers and toilets are to the left as you enter the lounge and past the tea and coffee section.

The North lounge is smaller than the South and because of its proximity to the Club check in it does get very busy. On occasions I've been unable to find a seat so I've trekked the length of the terminal to the South lounge. The showers there are located to the right of the lounge once past the entrance.

Of course you may have sufficient status to use the First lounge or even the Concorde Room however I'm going to assume your choice is limited to the Galleries lounges. If your criteria doesn't fit then there isn't a British Airways lounge that you can use.