LHR – London Heathrow Airport Good News

London Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 5 is due to open on March 27.  Trials are currently on the way to test the different processes in the terminals such as signage, check in, security, baggage systems and arrivals, and volunteers are being sought to participate in the tests.

Terminal 5 has capacity for 38 million passengers, and has been designed to streamline the traveller’s journey through Heathrow. Equipped with 96 self-service kiosks, 140 customer service desks and 96 fast bag drops, and a flight connections center, in the heart of the terminal, this will ensure that you’ll spend less time queueing walking and waiting so that you can concentrate on enjoying your journey.  There is also state-of-the-art baggage processing.  The only problem is that it is exclusively for the use of British Airways!

Terminal 5 has been hailed as one of the most spectacular architectural spaces in modern Britain and rivals the splendor of the newly restored St. Pancras station.  Apparently it is so huge that you could fit three Empire State buildings, on their sides, into the baggage claim hall alone.   Six Underground platforms for the Piccadilly line, as well as the Heathrow Express will deliver passengers to central London.  There’s plans for a line running west from Heathrow.

All sounds great for BA passengers but unfortunately other airline passengers will continue to suffer at the other terminals.  See earlier blog on World’s Worst Airport.

Helen