Like many others based in the UK's regions, I have found an ingenious way of avoiding transfers and terminal changes at Heathrow: Fly via somewhere else. Apologies for any hint of flippancy, but I do realise that in some circumstances there are just no alternatives to a change of planes at Heathrow. However, I believe that with a bit of creative planning, there can be viable alternatives, both on price and convenience. Happy to make suggestions for any trip.