With all the new airlines Heathrow still has a certain buzz about it. However Gatwick has lost much of its magic and Stansted & Luton leaves me cold.
Luton may not be particulary special for anyone interested in Airliners but it remains a mecca for fans of Biz-Jets. It is also the only major London airport where you can still take decent photos from the perimeter fence......long may it last
And yes, LHR (& LGW) are shadows of their former selves
......I'd rather visit some of the European airports that actually still welcome enthusiasts/photographers (AMS/DUS/FRA/ZRH etc)