Heathrow Airport

5 Things to Do at Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is a major international airport in London, United Kingdom, serving millions of passengers each year. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and is a hub for several major airlines. The airport has four passenger terminals, and offers a wide range of facilities including shops, restaurants, and lounges.

History

Heathrow Airport was originally a small airfield called Great West Aerodrome, which opened in 1929. It was used mainly for private and military flights until the late 1940s, when commercial airlines began to use the airport for international flights.

In 1946, the British government decided to develop Heathrow as London’s principal airport. The first permanent terminal was opened in 1955, and over the years, the airport has expanded to include four terminals, two runways, and a wide range of facilities.

Today, Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports, serving millions of passengers each year and connecting London to destinations around the globe.

Anyone who has ever traveled from Heathrow Airport knows that the trip can involve a lot of time in the airport. Because it is such a giant place you will probably want to get there early instead of running the risk of having to rush about like crazy to get checked in and then make your way to your departure gate. Thankfully, there are lots of things to do to keep you entertained while you are here if you get here too early.

Get Some Shopping Done

There is a wide selection of shops at Heathrow Airport, including some you might expect to come across and some you might not. It is easy to find magazines, books, and travel accessories but you might not be expecting to come across iPhone accessories, shoes, jewelry, and toys. There is definitely enough on offer in Heathrow’s shop to help you kill an hour or two even if you aren’t normally all that much of a fan of going shopping.

Go to Sleep

You probably won’t want to sleep in the public waiting areas but with the number of good quality hotels from AirportHotels.com, you won’t have to. If you have an early flight it can be a huge relief to have a bed to sleep in for a few hours. There are some great, affordable options around here, and staying at one of these Heathrow hotels could set you up perfectly for the trip. Don’t forget that you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before strolling over to check in, which is a real luxury before any flight. By going online to do a search you will find that the likes of Park Inn Heathrow will give you a great place to stay before your flight without costing you a lot of money.

Have a Tasty Meal

There is also an impressively wide range of restaurants in the airport. If you fear being left to choose between a soggy sandwich and a greasy burger then you are in for a pleasant surprise. Stone-baked pizzas, quality seafood, oriental noodles, and classy pastries are all waiting for you in Heathrow if you arrive feeling peckish and want a snack or prefer to enjoy a big meal before you fly.

Get a Drink

One thing you won’t be short of options for is coffee. Some of the biggest and most popular coffee house chains in the country are present here, as well as some smaller, independent offerings. If you feel like getting ready for the flight with something a bit stronger then you can get hold of this easily in Heathrow as well.

Do Some Research on Your Destination

If you don’t want to eat, drink or shop you can still keep yourself busy while you are in Heathrow Airport. For example, you could hook up to the airport’s Wi-Fi free for 45 minutes. This could let you do some research on your destination before you head off, although you could also go for the old-fashioned approach and settle down in a comfortable seat with a travel guidebook.

Essential Information

Here is some essential information about Heathrow Airport:

• IATA code: LHR
• Location: West London, United Kingdom
• Number of terminals: 4 (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5)
• Main airlines: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines
• Runways: 2
• Passenger traffic (pre-pandemic): Over 80 million passengers per year
• Ground transportation options: Underground (Piccadilly line), trains, buses, taxis, and private car hire
• Parking options: Short-term and long-term parking available on site
• Facilities: Shops, restaurants, lounges, duty-free, currency exchange, and more
• COVID-19 measures: Heathrow Airport has implemented a range of measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and staff during the pandemic, including increased cleaning and sanitization, mandatory mask wearing, and social distancing protocols.