London Heathrow Airport

Flew in and out of both Terminal 3 and 5 respectively and found Terminal 3 to be the same as it was two years back. Immigration queues for the non-EU passports were amazingly long and I wonder why the BAA authorities cannot work something out and make the terminal more user friendly and immigration friendly ? Terminal 5 on the other hand was a breeze and the modern architecture gave it a nice feeling. The Self Check In Kiosk is such a brilliant idea and saves a lot of time and hassle.

Heathrow is a very impressive operation. The part I was in was a bit jaded and grubby and chaotic. But all in all my LHR experience was very positive. Loads of places to eat and shop. Some decent views of the apron from the boarding gates. What I like most about Heathrow is the sheer quantity off carriers operating on all manner of routes from that airport. It really is a world class hub. And I am sure that if I has been travelling through the new T5 - I would have found the upkeep of the facilities that more bit clean and aesthetic.

Used Terminal 4 to fly to and from Nairobi. It has improved a lot since the recent terminal changes and although busy it felt less crowded and claustrophobic than before. There were very few queues of any great length which helped make it less stressful too. Credit where it is due - this airport is improving.

Return trip from DUB to DEL transferring at Terminal One for Terminal Four. We found the transfer process relatively flawless even though our bags were not checked through. We took the elevator down to the train and found it quick and comfortable compared to many airports. This is a great improvement on previous connections made at LHR. Terminal Four lacks facilities airside not many eateries to choose from. Terminal One seemed better but the walk to the aircraft is way too long.

Terminal 3 quick check-in with Virgin Atlantic 2½ hours before departure. We were requested to go straight to airside then proceed to gate 2 hours before departure in order to allow for Gate security. However we were turned away from primary security being told passengers not allowed through until 2 hours before departure. Once allowed into security the queue was moderate. No gate listed until 1 hour before departure so had to endure the crowded shopping mall for an hour. BAA policy on using most of the space for shopping really does make using LHR terminals a depressingly uncomfortable experience.

First time using T5 - excellent. BA land agent was able to tell me all about the terminal and where to go when I got airside. BAA had staff on hand airside to assist travellers. Departed from B gates to USA. Security at gate was thorough but good humoured. Had to get a bus to the plane - so what. Bags waiting at carousel on return. Excellent first experience.