When Heathrow Terminal 5 opened in 2008, you could feel the surge of national pride from the antipodes. English philosopher Alain de Botton (of the barrel) was even granted unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to write A Week at the Airport, which skilfully romanticised an enterprise of iconic customer inconvenience. The Chernobyl of the British Isles.

Having said that, British Airways’ The First Wing check-in at Terminal 5 (open to Qantas Platinum, with its exclusive security lane depositing you inside the First Lounge, itself nothing flash) remains the most precious amenity on Heathrow’s 3000-acre lot.