Heathrow Airport Parking

Heathrow Airport Guide 
What You Can Expect When Landing in London

Heathrow is one of United Kingdom’s most well recognized airports and is practically a national landmark of England. Located in the famous city of London, Heathrow is easily one of the busiest airports in the world. The following info will help you to have a satisfactory visit. 
 

The Good Side of Heathrow

Heathrow has a contemporary design, and can even feel like a shopping mall in some parts. The best thing about Heathrow is that it is definitely geared towards the international traveler. There are many services to help with relaxation and comfort. Whenever anyone complains about Heathrow, it is usually due to the busy atmosphere, and not the airport's layout or facilities. 

The airport has limited, but free Wi-Fi that lasts up to 90 minutes if you register for the complimentary Airport Rewards program. The signal seems to be fairly consistent throughout the terminals, so you shouldn't have problems connecting. 

You'll also find plenty of charging poles to power up electronic devices. The poles are free to use, but travelers with chargers that don't comply with UK style plugs will need to make sure they have a USB cord available. 

If you're the type of traveler that abhors ignoring personal hygiene while on the road, you'll like what Heathrow has to offer. There are shower stations in Terminal 1 at the Traveler's Lounge, and in Terminal 4. Those in Terminal 4 are free of charge and you can even buy a small hygiene pack (including a towel, shampoo and soap) as an added convenience. 

As an added bonus, purple clad staff members are available throughout the terminals to help visitors with directions and facility information. 
 

The Problematic Side of Heathrow

Airport staff are unfriendly towards sleepers in the gate and common areas. Staff members routinely wake sleeping passengers and insist that sleeping is only allowed in the lounges. Despite this, it is possible to find places to sleep, although the constant noise and passage of people makes it difficult to rest peacefully. 

Furthermore, many of the staff members are not native English speakers. This makes communication to be a little frustrating. You'll need to remember to have patience when asking questions or otherwise interacting with some airport employees. 

Another downer is that there are not a lot of late night food options. You are basically stuck with cafes such as Cafe Nero or Cafe Costa, which sell sandwiches and snacks. 

The international terminal can also be a horrendous experience. Due to the large number of people that arrive at Heathrow, the arrivals area and immigrations lines are usually packed with bodies. The bathrooms also suffer from an inadequate amount of cleaning for the amount of use they receive. 
 

How to Enjoy a Layover at Heathrow

Plaza Premium on the fourth floor of Terminal 2A is an exclusive airport lounge that gives you a chance at some real R&R. You'll have to pay around £40 to enter, but once inside you can shower and relax peacefully in a private relaxation room. 

Those looking to get some solid rest can take advantage of Heathrow's in-airport hotel, Yotel. This convenience hotel is located inside of Terminal 4. Yotel offers small, cabin style rooms that are surprisingly comfortable. Guests also have access to complimentary drinks and paid food service. You'll have to leave the secured area to get there, but you will still be close enough to the departure area to get back in time for your flight. Just make sure to leave sufficient time to make your way through Heathrow's lethargic security line. 

If you are traveling with family, you can spend your layover time at the Family Lounge in Terminal 3. This area two separate play areas for children. One area is for toddlers up to age 2. The other is for kids aged 3 to 9. Older kids (up to age 15) can release some stress in the lounge's video game room. There is also a convenient quiet area for kids that need to nap or take a break from the busy airport atmosphere. 

Travelers suffering from the body pain associated with long flights should check out Be Relax in Terminal 5. Be Relax is a spa and massage parlor that specializes in revitalizing travel weary bodies. You can choose a chair or table massage, or get a facial or pedicure. They also sell portable massage devices for you to use on the next leg of your flight.

Finally, Heathrow's terminals have several designated spots that offer optimal viewing of aircraft. Due to the fact that Heathrow receives flights from all around the globe, it is interesting to pass time watching a variety of planes arrive and depart. Aircraft buffs and kids alike are guaranteed to have a good time! 
 

Where to Get a Bite to Eat

Most travelers who pass through Heathrow rave about a restaurant called Rhubarb. The draw to this place is the creative combinations of ingredients. The menu includes many tasty treats such as prawn dumplings or satay chicken skewers. One other popular dish is the fish and chips on mushy peas. They also serve breakfast all day and have a great little English breakfast plate complete with crumpets, strawberry preserves and tea. You'll find Rhubarb in Terminal 3.

If you want a true "wine and dine" experience at Heathrow, then Caviar House and Prunier Seafood is where you need to go. Although it is small in size, it offers an upscale dining experience you wouldn't expect to find at an airport. Your time here will be spent savoring quality caviar accompanied by toast and warmed bellinis, or fresh smoked salmon. The wide variety of shrimp dishes also provides delicious alternatives to get your seafood fix. In line with its high quality cuisine, Caviar House has an admirable wine selection to ensure an enjoyable pairing with your meal. This place definitely deserves a visit when you're in Terminal 4.

For travelers who want a quick dining option, your best bet is the Bagel Street Company. This quick food option mirrors American style bagel shops. Yet, for being a chain restaurant, Bagel Street has some quality food at lower prices than other eateries in Heathrow. Whether you choose a bagel or a sandwich, you have a wealth of customization options to get it just as you like. 

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