This is a so so airport to me, way too many people and it was mobbed. I get that it's an international hub but my goodness it was crowded.
From terminal 5, you have to take a shuttle bus over. And then for international flights, more security checks and lady that was directing security wasn't very nice to me. She didn't want my stuff in two bins in two lanes but she wouldn't say anything to me and I couldn't understand her gestures. I finally got the message to move to one lane with 2 bins but I didn't appreciate her rudeness.
They've got a really nice kind of circular area for eating and shopping and on the inside of the circle, you can sit. So many people were seated, there were seats available but not plenty.
There's a lot of food options here (even a caviar bar), where u can sit down or grab and go. Every place for food had incredibly long lines but Pret A Manger's line was moving, so I got a snack there. Iced matcha oat latte and a croissant, both solid.
I had about another hour to kill prior to my gate being announced so I spent some time buying a few London souvenirs. I been to London for Y2K and had just finished college. There is a Harrods here, so I was there for a bit as I love their department store and since I had so much stuff already, I bought another Harrods bag to put all my stuff in. I also got one where all the British guards are painted on it, it's very pretty, and couldn't resist.
I also spent some time at Boots and got a few Yorkie bars (which are hard to find in the US) and bought yet another bag with Double Decker buses on it. I am definitely turning into my mom haha.
One hour prior to departure, your gate number is assigned and then you can proceed to the gate.
Boarding was pretty smooth and this was a pretty big flight with non stop service to Phoenix.
Flight back was uneventful. And would consider flying British Airways again, food was surprisingly good, service alright and seat was comfy.
But, I would have to deeply consider flying again thru Heathrow. I was here 25 years ago and remember how much I liked it back then, but guess I'm getting older now and want quieter, but also don't recall this many people flying thru...
Its a solid airport but just chaotic. read more