Travel experts urge passengers to avoid Heathrow T5

Until British Airways sorts through its problems and technical glitches at its new Heathrow Terminal 5 location, many travel industry experts are advising that passengers consider avoiding this hub and finding alternate travel arrangements. A minority of BA passengers can breathe a sigh of relief, as roughly one in every ten British Airways flights will continue to depart from Terminal 4. While most BA short-haul European flights have now been transferred to T-5, long-haul transatlantic routes to and from the US and Canada still use the more functional T-4. Additionally, a very small number of regional, short-haul routes still depart from Terminal 1, much to displeasure of British Midland, BA’s largest Heathrow rival.

Yet those travelling from the UK to continental Europe would be wise to replace T-5 for London’s Gatwick Airport, where both full-service and low-cost, no-frills airlines offer regular service to all major European destinations. Additionally, Gatwick is relatively conveniently located, approximately 30 miles from Central London, with good shuttle and coach service to the capital. Stansted Airport is slightly further away—at a distance of around 34 miles—but it may be the top choice for travelers looking for the cheapest air tickets, as a large number of low-cost carriers operate from here. Luton, though smaller than Stansted and further away, is also a hub for discount travel. In most cases, these airports—with the exception of Gatwick, are ideal for travelers to and from the UK, but not for those looking for connections after a transatlantic flight, as this would require a lengthy and expensive transfer between these London area airports.

Some travel experts are also suggesting that passengers avoid London altogether, and fly from North America to Amsterdam or Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, as both of these are major hubs, offering a good choice of onward connections.