Airports, London

LHA is often described as difficult to get around. I thought it wasn't that bad, ppl are helpful, directions are described pretty good and distances are as regular as they are at any huge airport. Yet, again, it's all about scheduling in enough of time. I think trying to get on a connecting flight in less than 2 hrs is an hopeless case. As for the lines/security measures I found'em at any US airport way more organized and there for way smoother (in comparison to the UK). At any airports in the US additional assitants along the lines of passengers are helping out ahead and make sure things are going as fast as possible. Scary the low security measures at European airports for national flights.

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At some point or another, if you are making any connections in Europe, you will most likely connect through London Heathrow, Europe's largest airport!!

With that said, it is crazy, mad at the airport!! I fly American Airlines and when I am flying on a conncetion, it is always from one terminal to another which can take up to 1 hour just getting there. I do like the fact that Heathrow has a fantastic waiting area with some of the best shops, espeicaly if you find yourself with some extra £s and need to buy some last minute items.

The Harrod's shop always has the items you find at the store for a few £ less, which I found out after paying the Harrod store prices. The signature Harrod's bags were £11.95, while at Harrod's I paid £14.95 for them...makes a big difference when you are purchasing more than one.

There are plenty of places to eat and to sit at while waiting for your connection. Make sure to check the monitor for you gate, as it does take some time to reach your gate from the main terminal waiting area.

Smallest of London airports, but most convenient for the city in terms of travelling time, and also the one where security queues tend to clear up fastest, due to the small size.

Obvious downside is not everyone can use it due to lower frequency of flights and fewer destinations available - the airport is mostly for short haul flights in Europe. The only long haul destination currently available is New York (on an all-business class service by BA, which is especially popular with Canary Wharf folk).

That said, if you're flying from Geneva, Paris, Amsterdam, Zurich, Madrid, Rotterdam, Basel, Luxembourg, and a few other European spots, it's an excellent choice.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway) is right outside the terminal, and - also with tube interchanges - can easily get you to pretty much anywhere in London. Trains are running at least every 7-8 minutes and more frequently at peak times.

From Amsterdam we landed at the London City Airport. Before we walked out there is an information desk. At the desk we told the lady there which hotel we were staying at and she assisted us in how to get there via the subway. It was very easy with her help. At the underground at the airport there was another attendant there that made sure we were on the right track. So there was really no way to get lost.

If your looking for away to get to or from any of the main airports in london then have a look at national express coache. i recently used them myself and for the money there is no better and more relaible way to get where you want to go.

http://www.nationalexpress.com/coach/Airport/index.aspx

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Gatwick Airport is situated around 30 miles south of the city that’s why it’s not very comfortable to fly to/from there. Its advantage is that it is cheaper than Heathrow and it’s not impossible to get in London for less money. There is a train Gatwick Express which runs to Victoria station and it’s like 15 pounds one way ticket.
Our flight was early in the morning that’s why we had to spend the night at the airport but it was not a problem. It is clean and comfortable, there are many places to eat even in the night.

You can buy tickets from driver, hotel, online or ticket vending machine. The vending machine is a easy way purchasing ticket, but usually credit card part of machine is broken. Last time I was not preparing that and I did not have any British pound. I had to go back to the terminal, change some money and bought ticket from driver. There are also some free buses to go to the hotel (http://www.londontoolkit.com/lhr/hotel_hoppa_bus.htm).

When traveling out of Heathrow headed on an international trip, make sure to allow yourself plenty of time. Normally US citizens are encouraged to allow two hours but I strongly recommend following the advice of London locals that say three hours is better.

Also when you're planning, if you're taking the Tube make sure to double check closures the day before, and anticipate a delay or two just in case when you're calculating your times.

Security checks going back into the US occur when you check in, at a main security station, and again before you reach your gate. Allow plenty of time in case you are singled out for bag searches or interviews.