Terminally Chic

Decadence on display in one of the six lounges at Heathrow's Terminal 5.

Granted, there was a time when the actual traveling part of a trip was enjoyable, rather than endurable, but those days, like monogrammed steamer trunks, seemed lost to an era more romantic than ours—that is, until now.

Thanks to the notable debut of Terminal 5, the exclusive port for British Airways at London's Heathrow Airport, flying just got a lot more glamorous. Despite some early hiccups, T5's soaring glass-and-steel structure, with a single-span, wave-form roof and floor-to-ceiling windows, is nothing short of stunning. Passengers can bide their time in six over-the-top lounges, some of which are outfitted with Swarovski-crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf cocktail bars and decadent Elemis spas.

There are also 112 high-end shops, including Prada, Paul Smith and Harrods, and dozens of restaurants, such as Gordon Ramsey's lone airport outpost. Finally, a terminal where a layover is actually something to look forward to. ba.com.