Originally Posted by
skyrider007
There isn't a single part of Heathrow that I like. Why?
- only 1 piece of carry-on permitted regardless of travelling class
- old buildings / dirty
- overcrowded
- expensive tax
- extremely slow immigration
- rude customs staff
- horrendously long ques at security check (non-fastrack)
- too much airside shops
- expensive duty free
- insufficient airside seating (outside of lounges)
- insufficient gate seating
- short-notice of gate announcement (usually only 30 mins before boarding)
- long-distance walk between gates and main building
- escalators and moving walkways often broken or not working
- coaches park at the central bus station which is a 20 minute walk from most terminals (extremely tiring) and only two elevators are available
- the soon to open terminal 5 is reserved to BA operated flights only? how selfish is that
The list could go on and on and on and on..................................
Yes, it is poorly maintained, overcrowded, and it is a miracle that it works at all.
Regarding insufficient seating airside and at the gates, one reason for this is that BAA wants you on your feet and in the shops. Airport retail is very profitable operation for BAA. I personally have never had any problems with immigration staff.
As for Terminal 5, yes it will be for the use of BA but some BA flights will also depart from Terminal 3. BA is by far the biggest single airline operator out of LHR and consolidating most of its operations in one terminal will make a huge difference, particularly for passengers who currently have to change terminals for connecting flights.
There are also plans for a new terminal "Heathrow East" which has been earmarked for use by the Star Alliance and Virgin Atlantic. As part of these plans, Terminal 2 will be demolished.
Time will tell how Terminals 1 and 4 are remodelled for their new occupants, but there will be the infrastructure in these terminals for some good facilities, particularly, the Zone R premium check-in at T1.
Originally Posted by skyrider007
We all have different opinions, Heathrow just isn't one of my preferred airports - that's about it. Too bad I have an American passport and do not qualify to use the faster EU lanes. Can't choose where to born so I'm stucked in the longer line.
BA does pay a considerable amount of money for dedicated fast-track immigration facilities for BA's J/F pax who are non-EU nationals. It is a shame that this facility is not replicated at other airports, such as JFK.