London Heathrow Airport welcomes over 190,000 passengers every day, arriving from or departing to destinations around the globe. This tallies up to almost 70 million people a year and makes Heathrow the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the third busiest in the world. Heathrow is located in the London, England, suburb of Hillingdon and employs 76,500 people to ensure safe and happy travels for all.
Boarding with Ease
Heathrow Airport is served by 86 different airline companies whisking passengers to 183 destinations in 90 countries. The airport processes more international passengers (and their luggage) than any aviation site worldwide, and has four currently operating terminals to smoothly manage the traffic flow of cultures, backgrounds and languages. The most popular destinations from Heathrow are New York City, United States; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Dublin, Ireland; Frankfurt, Germany and Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Travellers needn’t be intimidated by Heathrow’s size and hustle-bustle, though. Check in locations are in Terminals 1, 3, 4 and 5, all boldly illuminated in yellow and clearly marked. (Terminal 2 is presently undergoing construction work and scheduled to reopen in 2014). Guests entering at Terminal 5 will find almost 100 self-service kiosks or desks staffed with personnel to make check-in a hassle-free passageway to their destinations.
Transfers between terminals are quick and easy to manoeuvre, with Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 located close enough to each other that foot access is preferred by many passengers. Those nervous about making a successful connection can reserve peace of mind prior to visiting Heathrow, where pre-arrival services include computer-generated mapping of step-by-step guides to connecting flights. Free train and bus service help passengers make those flights on time.
As a major European aviation hub, Heathrow Airport is equipped to serve the many professional and leisurely needs of passengers. Wireless broadband, free Power Pole charging stations, ATM’s, competitive currency exchange services and postal facilities are among the conveniences offered for personal and professional business needs.
Heathrow Airport Amenities
As a major European aviation hub, Heathrow is equipped to serve the many professional and leisurely needs of passengers. Wireless broadband, free Power Pole charging stations, ATM’s, competitive currency exchange services and postal facilities are among the conveniences offered for personal and professional business needs.
Numerous restaurants and shopping facilities are located on every terminal. Food establishments are ready to satisfy the many palates that travel through the airport, and range from coffee shops to seafood bars serving caviar and champagne. The airport also has pubs, but smokers can only light up in designated areas outside of the airport. Grabbing a smoke in between connecting flights will require a re-entry through the security process. Shoppers will enjoy the many stores and shops offering books, clothing, cameras, cosmetics, computers and much more. Shopping zones include duty free shopping for passengers traveling outside of the European Union.
Medical facilities at Heathrow are equipped by nurses able to provide general medical and first aid treatment. Internal telephones throughout the airport allow any passenger to dial 222 for emergency services, at which point an ambulance will be dispatched to the correct terminal. The airport also has several pharmacy locations that provide over-the-counter medications, as well as ones on Terminal 1 and Terminal 5 that are able to fill prescriptions.
Play areas, quiet lounges, an interdenominational chapel and a multi-faith prayer room are among the other amenities Heathrow provides to the diverse crowd passing through its facilities every day.
Ground Transportation
In addition to all major car rental companies operating out of Heathrow, busses, coaches, metered cabs , private-hire minicabs, chauffeur services, trains and London’s Underground Piccadilly line are ready to help passengers safely and smoothly manage their arrivals to and departures from the airport. The quickest way to travel to Central London is via Heathrow Express, which ranks as one of the world’s most efficient high-speed air-rails. Passengers who drive themselves to and from the airport have several parking options, including pre-booking their parking spaces.
Safety and Security at Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow is committed to and diligent about providing state-of-the–art technology to ensure all passengers experience safe journeys. New security measures include imaging technology such as body scanners and upgraded means for detecting explosives. Security is closely managed throughout the airport by government agencies and airport staff members, all who have been trained beyond what is mandated by the government.
From solo travellers to large groups, London Heathrow Airport is on target to make all experiences in their facility a pleasant part of any trip.