The UKs Principle Airport. (London Heathrow Airport (LHR))

Member Name: CokaCola

Product:	London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Date:	18/09/09 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: High Security Awareness, I felt very safe passing through, lots of shops, big range of destinations.

Disadvantages: Lots of passenger traffic.

Heathrow Airport is the busiest International Airport in the world and is also the principle airport serving the city of London, and the United Kingdom. It is famous for it's huge size, volume of passengers and vast number of potential destinations, and I figured that some people who have never passed through this establishment may be keen to hear from passengers who have. I have passed through Heathrow many a time, although I have to admit that pretty much all of my experience with the place is with terminal 3. Most recently, I flew to Los Angeles at the beginning of the month on Virgin Atlantic from Terminal 3.

Heathrow is fairly easy to get to, either by car or by public transport. From where I live, you simply head down the M4, and heathrow is very well signposted as you get near to it, with terminals 1,2 and 3 being clustered in the same place, and terminals 4 and 5 being a little bit different to get to. I tend to go on the National Express Coach, because it's one of the cheapest options, although the quality of this method of getting to the airport is certainly questionable at times, but that's for another review. Heathrow has a busy Central Bus Station, so is well set up for coach deliveries, and it's very easy to get to the first three terminals from this station. You could also come by train, get the Heathrow Express from London Paddington, which although expensive, is meant to be a very nice journey, or even get the tube, though I'm not sure how recommended this option is.

There is a lot of space around check in at Heathrow, which is nice, because other airports around the world often have very cramped check in areas which is always uncomfortable if the airport is particularly busy. There are representatives working for most airlines, and all seemed very happy to help me. I had problems using one of the self check in kiosks, but the assistance I recieved was very commendable.

After check in, you can proceed through security and into the departure lounge. The United Kingdom is very hot on airport security, I found it was far more hot than in the United States, so make sure you follow instructions, take your belt and shoes off, and declare any liquids, so that you can pass through smoothly and without incident.

The Heathrow departure lounge at terminal three is absoloutely massive in comparison to other aiports, and unlike at many airports, the gates are in a seperate zone to the shops and restaurants. For many gates, Heathrow signs advise that you allow for a 20 minute walk to get to them, which just goes to emphasise the size of this airport. The walk is pleasant, with regular air conditioning units (if only we had these in some of the countries that need them!) and nice views out onto the airfield.

Back to the shopping area, there are large duty free areas where you can pick up tax free alcohol and tobbaco. There are also various designer outlets, selling fashions and fragrances, and some popular London Shops, including Hamley's and Harrod's. The essential WHSmith and Boots stores are also available for use, and there are various gift shops too. I did not eat at the airport, but I saw a myriad of places to eat, from the more expensive looking restaurants to a bagel place which was proving extremely popular by the appearance of the queues!

Do not be surprised if you are searched when you get to the gate, they have tables set up usually and they pick on random people as you pass through. They feel for any possible hidden weapons, and they also examine under your belt buckle, and in your shoes. I suppose whilst this is a pain, it is for our own safety, and it was nice to see that the persons carrying out the searches seemed very friendly and not at all patronising.

Many people will argue that Heathrow is simply too big and busy for comfort, but I personally am a big fan, and I think it's something the UK should be very proud of.

Summary: I am a fan of Heathrow.