T5, Take a Bow!
the lunatic fringe
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Everywhere
Age: 67
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Now that it does do its job properly, why is everyone saying it's so marvellous just because it works as per specs?
T5 was an opening disaster. It has largely been fixed, and runs mostly like clockwork. But it is still at LHR. And LHR is a "just in time" airport. If anything, anywhere on the ground, or air gets out of sync, all hell breaks loose. And that is all to do with lack of capacity, and a historical lack of investment in the infrastructure by the BAA.
Since T5 settled down, I can say in all honesty, that I usually depart on time, and normally get to stand on time. And for LHR that is a big thing.
It is worth pointing out that BA has beaten BMI ex LHR on parallel domestic routes for 10 weeks running at departure punctuality, and the 4th consecutive week it has beaten BMI ex LHR on parallel international routes.
Overall on departures, BA was 50% on time, and 80% within 15 minutes of departure time. With "ready to go" figures higher than that. 81% of T5 arrivals were within 15 minutes of schedule.
The baggage system is still fragile, the signage is bad, and the trains at peak times, inadequate. Security lines are too long, and too slow.
The place is far from perfect, but overall, it works exceedingly well.
Last edited by L337; 12th Aug 2009 at 14:13.
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Cumbria
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Largely pain free
Did the NCL - LHR - NCL route the other day and have to say the overall experience of T5 was good.
Needless to say, the sticking point is security and the transit through it, mostly due to lack of bodies manning the scanners and a large family group of numpties not quite getting the gist of what was expected of them. Very friendly staff both in the shops and airport ground staff help the overall experience.
Flight wise, we were 25 mins late departing NCL due to some late paperwork, but landed on time and has a pretty short taxi to stand.
The return leg pushed back 5 mins ear;y and we landed back at NCL 20 mins early.
Big well done to the CC on both flights for getting the service done in a much reduced time with such good humour.
Couldn't help wondering how many fellow prooners are travelling with me each time we go somewhere.
Needless to say, the sticking point is security and the transit through it, mostly due to lack of bodies manning the scanners and a large family group of numpties not quite getting the gist of what was expected of them. Very friendly staff both in the shops and airport ground staff help the overall experience.
Flight wise, we were 25 mins late departing NCL due to some late paperwork, but landed on time and has a pretty short taxi to stand.
The return leg pushed back 5 mins ear;y and we landed back at NCL 20 mins early.
Big well done to the CC on both flights for getting the service done in a much reduced time with such good humour.
Couldn't help wondering how many fellow prooners are travelling with me each time we go somewhere.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: EGCC
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About a fortnight ago travelled as SLF via T5 (connecting from a European flight to a long-haul flight) and vice-versa 6 days later. Can only say that T5 works. Security is a pain everywhere, but at T5 the queues are at least moving. All other facilities world class. Checked baggage transfer worked in both directions of travel
