London, England - Heathrow Airport

Heathrow airport is a famously unpleasant airport to transfer through. However, it is unavoidable for many.

From a wheelchair point of view the biggest problem is the distances between terminals and the crowds. The airport itself is reasonably well supplied with handicapped restrooms, ramps, elevators (lifts) and the other paraphernalia required for us wheelies to get around comfortably. In addition, the airport staff engaged in transferring wheelchair passengers are, as a rule, well trained and professional. There is just not enough of them and I have been left waiting over 45 minutes to be taken from an aircraft, or to be placed on a shuttle bus to the transfer passenger area. Here are some hints to make your life easier if you need to transfer or arrive and leave through Heathrow.

• Give yourself plenty of time. At least 2 hours for a transfer connection. Less and you will almost certainly miss your flight.
• Do your homework. Know which terminal you arrive at and which you leave from. Terminals 1 and 2 are reasonably close and you can wheel from one to the other (it's still along wheel). Terminal 3 is further and you may need a transfer bus - but see my note below.
• Terminal 4 is out on its own and you will always need a transfer bus or train.
• Terminal 5 (I have not been through it yet) is also on it's own and you will need a transfer bus or train. It's brand new so one hopes it is well thought out for wheelchair passengers but I have no personal experience of it.
• - If transferring from terminal 1 or 2 to 3 (or vice versa) I have found that it is often better to exit from airside, walk to the other terminal through the underground tunnels and go through security again! This means you are in control of your own destiny as opposed to sitting waiting for an air-side transfer bus with no idea when or if it will arrive. The staff are really over-worked and with the best will in the world, they are unable to efficiently transfer you from one place to another.
• There is an underground rail link between the terminals (free). Be very careful when using this, as it is very easy to take the wrong train and end up heading in for London! Baggage trolleys are not allowed on the trains, the the barriers to prevent this also prevent wheelchairs from going through. You need to find a staff member to open them for you. Near each barrier you will find an assistance booth with a button to press to talk to someone. It's a hassle but I have never been left more than a few minutes waiting to get through (frustrating though, when you can see your train pulling away from the platform as you wait!)
• The Hoppa hotel shuttle operates from all terminals except terminal 4.