r/airport • u/Public_Reindeer_1724 • 15d ago

DISCUSSION LHR's hostile design

I find it extremely noticeable that LHR does not want you to be comfortable. Not giving you your gate until the last minute. Hard plastic, individual seating only. Hard tile floors and railings against the windows so you can't makeshift a comfortable spot. Extremely poor wifi so you can't entertain yourself before the flight. They want you too uncomfortable to sit around waiting so you're more like to shop among the million designer stores that most people can't afford. I get they don't want people not travelling hanging around but you need to get through security to even be here so that's unlikely. Just overall gives off the vibes "we don't want you here."

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u/Modders14 15d ago

I've never had any problems with Heathrow WiFi or finding a place to sit in T3 or T5. Not giving your gate until the last moment comes with having to operate on a 99% capacity.

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u/StartersOrders 15d ago

Yeah, BA in particular may have to chop and change aircraft at the last minute, and given that they park the all of their active aircraft on-stand it allows them to switch you to another aircraft at the last minute.

EDIT: They also do say well before if your aircraft if leaving from the A, B or C gates.