Heathrow layover & British Airways
Sep 4th, 2004, 11:05 AM
#1
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Heathrow layover & British Airways
We're going to have a five hour layover in Heathrow on our way from Dulles to Prague. What I mainly want to do is try to stay awake and freshen up. Are there shower facilities at the airport? Is there a charge? Also I've heard some restrooms in Europe have pay toilets - is that true at Heathrow? I don't know whether to get pounds before we leave or not. Ideally whatever we have to pay for there we'd like to charge.
Also, does anyone have any other advice (warnings or reassurances) about Heathrow or British Airways? I don't know enough to know what questions to ask. Thanks
Also, does anyone have any other advice (warnings or reassurances) about Heathrow or British Airways? I don't know enough to know what questions to ask. Thanks
Sep 4th, 2004, 12:40 PM
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If you check www.baa.com, Heaathrow site, there are many details for your need.
I have seen paid shower facility somewhere in Heathrow,toilets are free. But in Euroope,you do have to pay for toilets in many train stations and public ones.
Depends on the arrival time, it can be very busy through the security. Otherwise, there are plenty to walk around in Heathrow for 4-5 hours. It is not a bad airport. Perhaps it will be convenient if you have few pounds for dirnks or small charges.
My only concern about British Airways is their baggage handling-they tends to misplace the luggages.
I have seen paid shower facility somewhere in Heathrow,toilets are free. But in Euroope,you do have to pay for toilets in many train stations and public ones.
Depends on the arrival time, it can be very busy through the security. Otherwise, there are plenty to walk around in Heathrow for 4-5 hours. It is not a bad airport. Perhaps it will be convenient if you have few pounds for dirnks or small charges.
My only concern about British Airways is their baggage handling-they tends to misplace the luggages.
Sep 4th, 2004, 12:53 PM
#3
There are showers in the Flight Connection Centre. Note you will be arriving in Terminal 4 at Heathrow and leaving for PRG from Terminal 1. This will entail a second security check and an intra-terminal bus ride, unless you want to go through customs and go through the rigamarole of switching terminals yourself (a major pain.)
Sep 4th, 2004, 02:12 PM
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At Heathrow, everyone accepts both Euro and US $$ , in addition to GBP, but they will "convert" it according to exchange rate. so, really no need to purchase GBP just for that.
I have never seen showers, but the toilets are free.
I have never seen showers, but the toilets are free.
Sep 5th, 2004, 08:55 AM
#6
I did exactly this two weeks ago, so can answer your question! Landing Terminal 4 (security check then bus ride) and departing from Terminal 1 this will be right on your path...
Just as you come into Terminal 1/2, and go to the Terminal 1 side to the right, there is a shower room immediately on your left. There is clear signage "Showers" and it is separate from the regular bathrooms. The charge is 3GBP which includes liquid soap packets and a towel (2GBP with no soap or towel).
What you get is a private room with toilet, shower, sink, bench, and hairdryer. Pay the attendant at the desk as you enter. I paid in pounds, and even then she wanted change/coins which I happened to have, rather than to break a 10 note.
It was heavenly after getting off a long flight. There did not seem to be a time limit, I probably used the room for 1/2 hour. Take a change of shirt socks, and undies in your carry-on bag.
I had Pounds from a past trip that I'd gotten ~$40USD worth either from an ATM or exchange bureau. I'll take the word of other posters than you can spend in other currencies, but prices are all given in GBP at Heathrow.
Hope this helps!! Wishing you safe travels from, Susan in Seattle
Just as you come into Terminal 1/2, and go to the Terminal 1 side to the right, there is a shower room immediately on your left. There is clear signage "Showers" and it is separate from the regular bathrooms. The charge is 3GBP which includes liquid soap packets and a towel (2GBP with no soap or towel).
What you get is a private room with toilet, shower, sink, bench, and hairdryer. Pay the attendant at the desk as you enter. I paid in pounds, and even then she wanted change/coins which I happened to have, rather than to break a 10 note.
It was heavenly after getting off a long flight. There did not seem to be a time limit, I probably used the room for 1/2 hour. Take a change of shirt socks, and undies in your carry-on bag.
I had Pounds from a past trip that I'd gotten ~$40USD worth either from an ATM or exchange bureau. I'll take the word of other posters than you can spend in other currencies, but prices are all given in GBP at Heathrow.
Hope this helps!! Wishing you safe travels from, Susan in Seattle
Sep 5th, 2004, 09:05 AM
#7
As for British Air I had a fine experience (well as good as a 9-hour overnight flight can be!).
A hot dinner/meal at the start, beverage and cocktail service, individual seatback TV screens, cold boxed breakfast/snack toward the end of the flight. Everyone gets pillow, headphones, blanket, socks, eyemask, toothbrush. Cocktails, wine, and headphones are free-of-charge (I mention this if you are not familiar with international flights).
I would encourage you to have some pounds to use at the airport. It will make things easier. I'm sure you can charge if you eat in one of the restaurants, but I don't know if that will work, say you just want to buy a bottle of water, a magazine, or use the showers as mentioned above. It's easy enough to get Pounds, either from your bank at home or better yet using an ATM or exchange bureau to switch a small amount of cash when you are at Heathrow.
A hot dinner/meal at the start, beverage and cocktail service, individual seatback TV screens, cold boxed breakfast/snack toward the end of the flight. Everyone gets pillow, headphones, blanket, socks, eyemask, toothbrush. Cocktails, wine, and headphones are free-of-charge (I mention this if you are not familiar with international flights).
I would encourage you to have some pounds to use at the airport. It will make things easier. I'm sure you can charge if you eat in one of the restaurants, but I don't know if that will work, say you just want to buy a bottle of water, a magazine, or use the showers as mentioned above. It's easy enough to get Pounds, either from your bank at home or better yet using an ATM or exchange bureau to switch a small amount of cash when you are at Heathrow.
Sep 5th, 2004, 10:21 AM
#8
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If you're not flying in a premium cabin, then you can buy lounge access for around 20GBP per person. This will provide complimentary soft/alcoholic beverages and light snacks, as well as a more luxurious shower facility. The atmosphere is quiet and restful.
