We traveled in and out of this charmingly named international airport because of a gift trip from our children since we're fully vaccinated and boosted -- which was why we flew to England to join the British in celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of their Elizabeth II ( because it's a once-in-a-lifetime event and, the Queen is a fellow Veteran ) https://www.yelp.com/biz/queen-elizabeth-london-2 .
It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on earth has ever produced the expression, 'As pretty as an airport'. Airports are not pretty. Although some airports go to great lengths to overcome not pretty, this one does, airports are not pretty no matter where they are.
Not pretty airports arise because airports have so many travelers in a hurry who are so tired, cross, wobbly on their legs after having sat for so many hours, their checked luggage is later labeled with the unwelcome and dreaded 'unavailable' euphemism due to an 'officially classified Act of God' ( all meaning totally lost luggage ) they're primly told by long-in-the-tooth staff glaring at them with too much lip gloss, and their rental vehicle and no rental car is just not available told by pimply-faced teen-age rental car staff with bored eyes to travelers foolish enough to believe they want to drive or even can safely drive in London.
Not pretty is understandably what these beleaguered travelers feel. Perhaps these not pretty airports are why and how some religions get started. It certainly must be the reason why so many religious sects hang around airports looking for converts. Religious sects have figured out that some people at an airport are at their most vulnerable and perplexed, desperately ready to accept any sort of guidance.
As decades-seasoned airline travelers we found Heathrow Airport adequate, even sophisticated.
Customs? No problem.
Baggage? Never lost as we each only had wheeled carry-on that we never let out of our sight.
Navigating? No problem as our cousins took us in hand for a three-hour gallivanting tour of the airport and then off to their home. I'd never been on a tour of an airport before. Turns out we could have easily spent far more than three hours happily touring this airport. There was a plethora of cool, amazing and even famous businesses at Heathrow offering in many fashions to separate us from our money.
Cleanliness? Adequate.
Organized? Very.
Security? Better and nicer than American airports.
Automated people movers? Standard.
Amenities? Seems like there is everything here.
People watching? 67 million passengers of any possible appearance and behavior pass through this airport each year.
Showers? All the Heathrow showers cost money or require membership.
Terminals? Four, and it is worth noting that all terminals are not created equal as the services and facilities vary at each terminal here.
Sleeping? Reasonably accommodating of airport sleepers. Nap rooms offered in a few of the lounges. On the landside, or public area of the terminal, sleep cabins and guest rooms can be booked on a short-term or overnight basis. Hotels inside airport.
Lounges? Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships.
WiFi? Free and unlimited.
Internet kiosks and mobile charging? Lots.
Public Transit? Heathrow Pod Parking allows you to get to and from Terminal 5 in a driverless, 4-person electric vehicle in just six minutes that operates one every second.
Extras? Lots. Disabled-friendly, Mail & Fly, SIM Cards & Mobile Phone Rental, Postal Services, Duty-Free, Baby Changing Facilities, Children's Play Area, Children Eat Free, Reserve & Collect, Water Stations, Information Desks, Airport Ambassadors, Luggage Baggage Trolleys, Luggage Storage & Lockers, Medical and Financial Facilities, Art Gallery, Observation Areas, and more.
All-in-all? Heathrow Airport is very civilized. It makes American airports look like vulgar amateurs. read more