Originally Posted by
PAXboy
The number of remote stands is one of the biggest signs that there was not enough space to build the terminal to meet requirements.
I thought it was an indicator of how cash-strapped HAL is - aren't the "remote stands" largely the (built) stands for (unbuilt) T5C? Not that I'm particularly happy about the reported further delay to T5C to redesign it to include more A380-capable gates, now that BA has ordered some.
As for personal experiences:-
I was "severely irritated" last week by having to wait 30 seconds for someone to check my passport (flying to JNB) before I could go through security, but otherwise my progress from Tube to lounge was dictated only by the speed at which I was prepared to walk and punch buttons on a screen.
On the return this morning, a real irritation from our stand being occupied by another aircraft - presumably a late arrival from somewhere. That was about 10 minutes' waiting. And one IRIS machine out of order. Otherwise, same speed limitations on my journey, with the addition of a loo stop.