Heathrow Terminal 5 Does Set a New Standard
Written: Mar 21 '09
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Product Rating:
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Pros: check-in in streamlined and baggage claim is a snap - plus great shops!
Cons: too little space to put your shoes back on after security control
The Bottom Line: T5 is a success and takes the aviation experience to the next level. This has become my favourite terminal to travel from!
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| jwissinger's Full Review: London Heathrow Airport |
On several recent occasions I have traveled through Terminal 5 -- Once with the family and once on a solo mission. On both occasions the experience was very positive. A combination of inspiring construction, new technologies and a more relaxed passenger experience make this one of my top terminals flying to and from.
Getting to T5: The first time we hired an airport transfer service to transport us to the airport with all of our luggage. The taxi is able to drop passengers off quite close to the check-in area and some of the walkways are covered to protect during inclement weather -- which is more often than not. On the other trip I arrived via the Heathrow Express. The train journey takes about 20 minutes from Paddington Station and drops you off several floors below check-in. There are a bank of glass elevators to convey you to your desired floor - although on my return journey only one elevator was working.
Ticketing & Check-In: The individual check-in kiosks deliver a new state of the art system. It claims to allow passengers access to the same information as check-in attendants. All passengers have the opportunity to check-in online and select their seat. There are attendants available if you have any questions. I can understand why when it first opened it may have caused problems. It is important to have knowledgable staff to serve the passengers on this new system. Although it is not difficult to use, it is an unfamiliar, but pleasant adjustment from more standard systems. After ticketing and check-in are completed at the kiosks bags are dropped at small stations nearby. The whole experience of checking in feels less stressful, more open and not nearly as much like a cattle herd as it often can be at most airports. There are a whole row of shops behind the bag drop counters that passengers and those accompanying them to the airport can enjoy prior to going through security.
Security: Since 9/11 and following every incident since security seems to be constantly going through an overhaul. Did you look at how much you paid in taxes and security fees alone the last time you flew from the states to the U.K? -- it is now in the range of $375! Though they haven't lowered the costs, T5 has had the luxury of rethinking the security process from the ground up. First, you go to a station where all they want to see is your ticket. At this point if you are not already in the system they will take a photograph of you. They will be able to tell that your passport is in the system, as on one occasion I had to go to a kiosk to have them scan my passport. Also, they hand out plastic bags and have bins available so that you can prepare your carry-on luggage in case you have packed something you shouldn't have. Second you go through the scanning stations. They put your bags on the belt and you walk through the scanner as usual. The difference is that the bins for placing your items in are nearly fully automated. I noticed that the height of the conveyors seems to be more condusive to ergonomics as well. If you get this far and still exceed the liquid allowance they are even prepared to help you check your bag in so that you don't have to throw it away. Then you collect your things and can reorganize yourself at some of the benches. I think they could have provided a little better facilities for this aspect as it seems a bit tight for space.
Shopping and Eating: There are so many shops and places to eat! It is over multiple floors and many of them provide views out through the three story high glass wall onto the tarmac. We had breakfast at the Giraffe which provided a very nice experience for the children. In another shop they sell all the football memorabilia and I was able to purchase a Manchester United sweatshirt for my grandfather. They have all the typical stores, but some extra swanky shops as well.
Getting to your Gate: There are three concourses - A,B & C. A is within the main portion of the terminal while Concourse B&C require use of the underground tram. Concourse C is still under construction so the tram doesn't currently go there. Buses are still being used quite heavily to take passengers to planes and when landing to bring you back to the main portion of the terminal. They seem to be quite efficient, lined up and ready to go. I'm hoping that once construction is complete they will reduce the need for buses as this seems to interrupt the whole flying experience once you are in the terminal.
Baggage Claim: The first couple of days the terminal was open highlighted a baggage fiasco. However it seems to be operating efficiently now. It was easy to find which area our bags were coming in on and they were there waiting for us on each occasion. At most airports there is usually at least some wait.
Immigration: I didn't notice anything innovative or different about this process. It should look familiar to you. They separate EU Passport holders from other passport holders. They do have two lines for those with U.K. visas which makes it a snap.
Overall T5 seems to be a success and taking the aviation experience to the next level....or at least up to date with current needs.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
jwissinger
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Member: John Wissinger
Location: London
Reviews written: 18
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
An American living in London; Sharing the experience and lessons learned.
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