Just got back from 2 weeks in Europe and transfered through Heathrow both ways. I had such high hopes that this was one of the world's great airports...but it sucked. Came down stairs Outside then had to get on some bus and ride around for 20 min to get to the next terminal. Very crowded and old. <BR>Few bathrooms anywhere. And the worst part was this departure lounge concept where everyone crowds into one spot. Then about 40 minutes before departure the gate is announced and everyone sprints down there. Honestly 3 hours was barely enough to change planes! Next time I'm flying Virgin and going to Gatwick!

I'm in complete agreement with ya matey. <BR>The only time we use Heathrow is when we are going to London.

Could'nt agree more - definitely one to by pass at all costs.

Thanks a lot guys. Now you tell me!!!!

Whether I agree or not doesn't matter. What does is that you take the time to write to the right people at Heathrow, telling them that you have put this message on the Fodor's site and that it has got responses agreeing with you. I am sure if you look at the B A A website you will find out who you are looking for management-wise. <BR> <BR>Americans have a reputation (a good one, I might add) for being effective complainers. Do your country proud!

My main complaint [after the dreariness of much of Heathrow and the "corral" theory of passenger management] is the distances that must be walked/traversed to get anywhere. While the signage is passable, I often feel as though I am in an endless sealed labryinth. I feel like a rat and I start wanting cheese <BR> <BR>Art -- if you had only asked

Well, for your travel enjoyment, why not stop and see the Detroit (Michigan, USA) airport? Based on the description of H. they may have been designed by the same boos).

Although Detroit (Northwest) may well be the lost luggage capital of domestic US flights, it is nothing compared to my three connections at Heathrow. I fly out of ORD, and I now feel much better about my home airport, even Concourse C, after seeing Heathrow.

All together now, Python fans: <BR>"And I'm so worried about the <BR>Baggage retrieval <BR>System they've got in Heathrow." <BR> <BR>Personally, I consider the words "great airport" oxymoronic, anyhow--but I will agree that I've had some of my scariest times in good ol' Heathrow.

Yeeesh! I was tempted to post a similar complaint a few months ago! They unload a 747 out on the tarmac (which takes *forever*) load us into busses and drive around where planes are taking off, trucks are speeding around, etc. I'm surprised people aren't killed out on Heathrow's tarmac daily. Then after we traverse the aforementioned sealed labyrinth we must all go down an escalator into a very small area and wait for our bus to change terminals -- so people are being dumped at the bottom of this escalator on top of each other. We had to go through Heathrow and change terminals THREE times on our last trip and I will never visit LHR again if I can help it. Gatwick or Stansted must be better!

Don't bet on it! I've never had a problem at Heathrow, but I can't stand Gatwick. Of course, DTW was my home airport for many years, followed by ORD, and then LaGuardia...

Susan, I used to have a job in England that required me to go "into the bowels" of Heathrow at least monthly, sometimes more often. You're right! It is total pandemonium. The terminals are bad enough--but out on the ramp and moving around the shops and office buildings under and between terminals is one of the most frightening things I've ever done. I simply refused to drive there--made one of my subordinates do it. And I drove in Naples for 3 1/2 years and had no accidents! I too don't see how they get buy without at least one fatality a day.

Oops, that's "get by", not "get buy". (And I read it before posting, too. Am I really beginning to fall apart?)

Bob - <BR> <BR>I'm curious - what exactly were you told that raised your hopes so high about Heathrow? I rarely hear comments about it one way or the other - but when I do, they're negative.

we are watching you........you TWAT! <BR>

I love arriving at Heathrow. It means I just got to London! (and I get to get off that plane after 11 hours) <BR> <BR>I saw a documentary on some of the many the jobs that it takes to make Heathrow work. It's amazing that it's not a bigger mess than it is.

Bob - Who is a Twat? More importantly, WHAT is a twat?

Firstly, the bloke that posted the question. <BR> <BR>Secondly, a TWAT is on page 876 of the Oxford English. <BR> <BR>thirdly: Tne Queen Mum has just died so show some f***king respect!

Bob, you ARE kidding about the Queen Mum aren't you? There's nothing about it on CNN yet, nor on their web page. Please say you're adding to this troll.

Gawd luv,,, if you cant cope with Heathrow don't ever go through Paris Charles de Gaulle....10 times worse.