Relief finally in sight at Heathrow.
If you've flown through Heathrow lately, you know that things could only get better. Between interminable security lines, lengthy delays, and woefully inadequate baggage handling facilities -- British Airways lost an average of 3,000 bags a day in 2006 -- Heathrow seemed ready to implode at any moment.
But the end is finally in sight. On March 14, 2008, the Queen opened the eagerly anticipated Terminal 5, which will welcome its first flight on March 27. Designed by Richard Rogers, best known for designing Paris's Pompidou Center with partner Renzo Piano, the new terminal cost $8.6 billion and is the largest free-standing building in Britain.
So what's in it for you?
According to terminal officials, ten-minute security lines, bags on the carrousel by the time you arrive, and gates no more than a six-minute walk from security. Once you're checked in at one of the 96 self-serve kiosks, you'll find plenty of distractions: 100 shops including Tiffany & Co, Prada, and the largest Harrod's outside of Knightsbridge, and more than a dozen restaurants, from Gordon Ramsay's Plane Food to addictive noodle bar Wagamama.
Business and First Class passengers can relax in the luxurious lounges. Take an online tour at http://www.terminal5.ba.com/en.
British Airways says that 90% of their passengers will be routed through the new terminal, which will be used exclusively by them.
Now if they'd just do something about Charles de Gaulle.
