Heathrow - rows of queues (London Heathrow Airport (LHR))

Member Name: rosebud2001

Product:	London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Date:	02/08/08 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Choice of flights available

Disadvantages: Crowds, queues, transport between terminals, expensive

I have flown in and out of London Heathrow airport many times over the years and it has got to the stage now where I would rather avoid it if at all possible.

Heathrow's problem is that it is just too big and the infrastructure cannot cope with the sheer volume of people who use it now.

Terminal 1 has always been horrific - before online check-in I frequently had to hope I would be called to the front of the queue to ensure I was able to catch my flight.

There is also an interminable walk between gates at all terminals, although in my opinion Terminals 1 and 2 are the worst for this. The moving walkways are not always working which also doesn't help you get about quickly.

The thing that I do like about Heathrow Airport however is the shopping. Now I know many people complain that BAA, the owners, seem to care more about the shops and the money they generate, than the airlines and passengers, but having visited many airports all over the world, I have found the best shopping to be here and at London Gatwick.

Sadly of course, given how busy the airport is, you can expect every single store to be very busy and have to wait in yet another queue to pay for your items.

Eating here is also very expensive and there isn't a truly great place to get something to eat either.

My biggest gripe about Heathrow however is trying to get from one terminal to another. If you don't have heavy bags its possible to walk between Terminals 1, 2 and 3 using the subways although this can be unpleasant especially if there is work going on, as was the case at my last visit.

If you want to get to Terminals 4 and 5 however you are at the mercy of the Heathrow Express or the bus service provided by BAA and neither are particularly pleasant.

In summary I believe Heathrow has got too big for its boots and I would rather fly via a quieter or better organised airport if at all possible.

Summary: European hub that may be the busiest, but isn't the best