London Calling: Travel tips from Helena Flynn, British Airways Ambassador

We talk to the well-travelled ambassador of British Airways, Helena Flynn, as she shares her tips for travelling in style no matter how long the journey. Especially if you are planning to travel to London, UK, you will find the inside scoop on where to go at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 really helpful.

Hear it from Helena herself below:

On the ground

If you feel like spoiling yourself, Terminal 5, London Heathrow, has a great selection of shops; my favourites include Harrods, which has an amazing selection of bikinis, wraps, sun hats and beach bags all year round and Reiss for a last minute sun dress. I can also be found in Jo Malone and as I am away from home a lot, I love to buy my favourite candles from there and take them on my trip so wherever I am it always smells like home.

In the air

As the air is dry when you fly, a good moisturizer is crucial, I always use Crème de la Mer face cream (which can be bought at Terminal 5 for £158.30 — approx SGD 331 — or in flight). It is a luxury but tends to last for about four months, so is a good investment. Pile it on the night before you fly, and if you can avoid wearing makeup on the day of travel even better, if not, keep it light and avoid long lasting lipsticks, which are drying. Once onboard, I remove my make up with Johnson’s facial wipes, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. I always carry a cashmere poncho with me as I tend to get chilly inflight, and it keeps me nice and comfy when watching my favourite movies. I also take my Evian water mist spray onboard and spray my face throughout the flight to keep my skin soft.

If you are lucky enough to be in our first class cabin, you will be given comfortable pyjamas and slippers, and in our other cabins, I recommend you bring your own pyjamas so that you can fully relax. You may get some funny looks but it’s important to be comfortable. I change immediately after boarding.

On arrival

Have you ever wondered how the cabin crew always look refreshed even after a long-haul flight? This is due to them moving around and not lying in one position for hours. I recommend that you should try to move around, stretch out and have a look at our onboard well-being tips video on the inflight entertainment system. To ensure your hair looks good when you land, take some dry shampoo with you, which you can spray in just before you depart the plane.

Often when I travel, I avoid eating in flight and prefer to maximise my sleeping time as I tend to be heading straight to a meeting when I land. Onboard I rarely drink alcohol and I mostly sip on peppermint tea. Moreover, I always drink a carrot and ginger juice from Giraffe at Terminal 5 in arrivals when I land, I find it helps me with the jet lag… not a medical fact but just one I swear by!

More tips from British Airways:

• – Download the BA’ smartphone app by visiting ba2go.com on your mobile phone, you can then select seats and check in for flights on the go
• – Reserve your seats online for free 24 hours before you fly at ba.com or through their smartphone app
• – Arrive early at the airport especially when flying from Heathrow Terminal 5, where you can enjoy duty free shopping at its best
• – Discover the treasures of British Airways’ infamous wash bag and pyjamas in First Class
• – After a longhaul flight before stepping into the ‘real world’ – why not use British Airways lounge facilities to freshen-up? These facilities are available for Club World and First customers

Watch the video: