In the last eighteen months I have used Heathrow Airport (Terminal Four) to fly to New York, with my hubby. The airline that I used was British Airway and for long haul flights, they use Terminal 4.
Heathrow Airport may not be one of the largest airports in the world, but it is one of the busiest. I will be concentrating this opinion, therefore on Terminal 4, as I have not experienced the airport at any of the other terminals.
Terminal 4 was opened in 1986 and serves seven major airlines including Air Malta, British Airways (long-haul), KLM, Quantas, and of course Concord, when flying. This terminal catered for the travel needs of fourteen million passengers during 1999/2000.
Travel to Terminal 4, Heathrow Airport.
By Road
Use the M25 to Junction 15 or M4 to Junction 4.
If petrol is required then there is an ESSO garage can be found along the South Perimeter Road. It is 24 hour and even has a car wash!
By Train
Heathrow express from Paddington Station, London The non-stop service takes fifteen minutes. Well, that is if the trains are running!
By Underground (The Tube)
There is one station at terminal 4. The tube line required is The Piccadilly Line. This service is not 24 hours. During the night, a night-bus N97 is in use. To check travel times in duration of journey check with London Transport.
Tel. 44(0) 20 7222 1234
Regional Buses
There are regional bus services to many destinations from Heathrow Airport. Check the website below for details.
http://www.gobybus.com
There is a free shuttle bus service between all terminals. From Terminal 4, a free coach service runs regularly to the Central Control Area, for transfers.
Parking
There is ample short term parking, which requires payment on exit. It is not cheap, so carry at least £10.00 in your pocket to cover the cost when using this car-park.
At the front of the terminal there is a drop off point. Parking is prohibited with hefty fines and charges, if a car is towed away.
Long- term parking is available at the airport, with even valet parking, however it is cheaper to park in one of the many off airport car-parks. These car-parks are cheaper, with shuttle bus services to and from the terminal.
Motor cyclists are not forgotten, as specialised parking is also available at Heathrow airport.
Tel. 0800 844844 or 44(0) 121 666 4377
Other Facilities
The Business Centre is located in the Thomas Cook Group, Queens Building. This is located between Terminals 1 & 2.
St George’s Chapel is situated at Terminal 2. (If you are scared of flying like me, it is worth knowing as you may wish to visit).
At Terminal 4 Webpoints can be found once you have gone though security.
There are showers available both before and after passing though security.
The Direct Baggage Service is open from 05.30 hrs to 14.00 hrs. This allows you to have luggage sent to a London address following collection from the carousel. This service takes three hours and costs £26.00 for two items of luggage. This allows the passenger time to explore London or make that all important business meeting!
The Information Desk is open between 05.30hrs to 22.30hrs.
Left Luggage costs between £2.50-£3.50 depending on time of left duration.
Tel 44(0) 20 8745 4599
Shopping
Now for me this is all-important. Whichever shop I use at Heathrow, I always present my BAA Worldpoint card. I get points whenever I use it. This can lead to me getting a free £5.00 gift voucher. These can be picked up at any BAA airport.
At Terminal 4 there are few shops prior to passing security. Once though the security checks it is a shopper’s heaven. Boots, Harrods, Our Price, The Disney Store and WH Smiths, plus the usual range of Duty Free Shops all waiting to be explored. Costa Coffee, Garfunkels, McDonalds are also some of the many eating and drinking establishments. Do not forget the pubs!
Check-In
I have personally never had a problem here either. I tend to arrive early, usually 2-3 hrs before my flight to check-in. The staff tends to be friendly and helpful. I often need wheel chair assistance due to a back injury following a car crash. These wheel chair helpers are polite and chatty. They never expect a tip and are always grateful when one is given.
Due to my injury and also the fact that I hate flying in planes, if I am not flying first class, I always book a VIP Fast Track Lounge. This cost £20.00 per adult and £7.50 per child. It takes you out of the mayhem of the airport life. There are snacks and drinks available for free. Newspapers, television and webpoints as well.
I hope my knowledge of Heathrow’s Terminal 4 has been helpful. I like this airport, as it is not too big. My only complaint comes if my plane for New York leaves from Gate 19. It is a long, long walk. I would advise anyone with a back or leg problem to ask for assistance if his or her plane is destined to leave from this gate. A long flight is often just bearable with back pain but after this walk too, expect agony! Please ask for help. It is there and is free.
Useful website https://baa.co.uk