Observation Deck
Jan 17, 2002 | 11:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, AF Flying Blue, AA Advantage, AS Mileage Plan
Posts: 2,159
Observation Deck
Greetings everyone,
I will have about 2 hrs to spare at LHR and I understand that there is a Queen's Observation Deck. Could someone kindly advise as to where it is located and how to get there? I am an airline enthusiast and would like to take some pictures.
Thanks.
I will have about 2 hrs to spare at LHR and I understand that there is a Queen's Observation Deck. Could someone kindly advise as to where it is located and how to get there? I am an airline enthusiast and would like to take some pictures.
Thanks.
Jan 17, 2002 | 12:12 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 19,257
Hi,
Leave Terminal 2 on the ground level( Check in) by the escalators to the Underground but exit by the revolving doors and you will be out in the pick up/drop off zone.
Turn right and you will see the Queens building ahead of you . Walk to the end of Terminal 2 ( past the place where the baggage trolleys go back into the building and turn right. At the far end thre is a green compactor in a cage. Immediately after two drinks machines you will find 2 green doors and 76 steps up to the roof, turn right on the roof and walk past various seats to the far end where you will find the viewing platform, shop, snack bar and toilets.
Opening hours 9am unitl dusk in winter (4pm) later in summer (7-8pm)
Hope this helps.
Leave Terminal 2 on the ground level( Check in) by the escalators to the Underground but exit by the revolving doors and you will be out in the pick up/drop off zone.
Turn right and you will see the Queens building ahead of you . Walk to the end of Terminal 2 ( past the place where the baggage trolleys go back into the building and turn right. At the far end thre is a green compactor in a cage. Immediately after two drinks machines you will find 2 green doors and 76 steps up to the roof, turn right on the roof and walk past various seats to the far end where you will find the viewing platform, shop, snack bar and toilets.
Opening hours 9am unitl dusk in winter (4pm) later in summer (7-8pm)
Hope this helps.
Jan 19, 2002 | 12:13 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 19,257
Hi aw,
A few more pieces of information that may be of interest;
The views are generally facing south so you will get good views of Terminal 2 (European airlines) the Southern runway 27L/09R and Terminal 4 ( British Airways intercontinental). For most of the time as thw wind is from the west you will get good views of the planes landing and queuing up for take off on the Southerly runway ( the runway use is alternated at 3pm ie if aircraft werelanding on the southerly runway before 3pm then after 3pm the runway will be used for take offs.
You will not get a good view of Terminal 3 aircraft (intercontinental ) as buildings are in the way and the same for Terminal 1( BA shorthaul) but you shouls see some of them as they land/taxi towards the runway.
If thw wind is from the east then you will get views of the aircrat at rotation as the stat of the runway is a long way to the west.
If you are at Heathrow any day (apart from Saturday) around 10:30 am then you will see the BA Concorde depart for JFK.
A few more pieces of information that may be of interest;
The views are generally facing south so you will get good views of Terminal 2 (European airlines) the Southern runway 27L/09R and Terminal 4 ( British Airways intercontinental). For most of the time as thw wind is from the west you will get good views of the planes landing and queuing up for take off on the Southerly runway ( the runway use is alternated at 3pm ie if aircraft werelanding on the southerly runway before 3pm then after 3pm the runway will be used for take offs.
You will not get a good view of Terminal 3 aircraft (intercontinental ) as buildings are in the way and the same for Terminal 1( BA shorthaul) but you shouls see some of them as they land/taxi towards the runway.
If thw wind is from the east then you will get views of the aircrat at rotation as the stat of the runway is a long way to the west.
If you are at Heathrow any day (apart from Saturday) around 10:30 am then you will see the BA Concorde depart for JFK.
Jan 19, 2002 | 12:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: AA Executive Platinum, UA Premier Executive
Posts: 300
You might want to browse this plane spotting site for some LHR viewing information and photos prior to your visit:
http://members.tripod.de/planespotters/lhrspot.htm
http://members.tripod.de/planespotters/lhrspot.htm
Jan 19, 2002 | 11:00 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Burlingame, CA
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles, AF Flying Blue, AA Advantage, AS Mileage Plan
Posts: 2,159
Thanks for the useful tips, guys. Actually I will be arriving on US Airways into LGW at around 810A on Fri. 1/25 and will catch a connection on BD from LHR to CDG at 1220P. I think this will allow me sufficient time to enjoy the deck.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Jan 31, 2002 | 12:02 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 1,307
Love both the observation deck at LHR and LGW. LHR used to be much bigger before they closed off half the thing when they moved ELAL to Terminal 1. Also, getting up there can be a pain.
If you come from Terminal 1 or 2, there is a corridor that you can take from the departures level, this is easier, follow the signs to the Business Center as well as to the other terminal, and ahout half way you will see a stair case, take that up one floor, then follow the signs up. It has been a while since I have been to both, just too busy, unfortunately, as they are fun. LHR really should do something to make the observation terrace easier to access.
Zurich has the best, hands down. Enjoy.
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