As for the other experiences- I don't check luggage through LON airports (or anywhere else for that matter). I may be lucky, but I'm not stupid
Cheers.
Well, bully for you. The implication in your comment - that those of us who checked luggage at LHR are stupid - is highly objectionable. You may recall that LHR had a "one piece only" carryon rule, plus many of the connecting European airlines have draconian limits on the size and weight of that single carryon item. With these rules, checking luggage became unavoidable for me, stupid or not.