Unsurprisingly, airport lounges are better than general seating at the gate. There’s complimentary drinks and snacks, and free wi-fi – but more than anything else, there’s usually quiet.
The Terraces Lounge at Heathrow T5, for those traveling BA, is one of the largest and best equipped. After a long haul flight it’s certainly refreshing to be able to have a free shower in the lounge to perk yourself back up. Though slightly smaller, the alternative lounge reached from the B Concourse is almost always much, much, quieter than the primary lounge in the larger Concourse A. Flights departing for the USA almost always leave from B or C gates, and so it’s a safe bet to station yourself at the B lounge while waiting.
Things have changed in the time of COVID-19; most food is no longer self-serve, other than a few pastries. Each table has a QR code that takes you to a website from which you can order food and drink, which is then brought to you by masked servers. Passengers are expected to keep their masks on except when seated to eat or drink, and seating capacity has been reduced. There are also now plastic shields separating travelers from kitchen workers.