Recommend me stuff to do at LHR (London Heathrow Airport)

[gsethi]

I am flying next Thursday and have a ~7hr stay at LHR. Recommend me stuff to do. This will be my first time at LHR (so any veterans here can tell me what to watch for etc.)

the Flight is BA 286 from SFO -> LHR. It looks like my Arrival will be at Terminal 1 and my connection will be from Terminal 4 after ~7hr stop.

Atleast on the way back, my stop is only ~3 hours

I cannot leave LHR airport for any sightseeing trips b/c I will need to get a VISA and I dont have enough time to get one.

 

[ranmaniac]

I never had to wait that long, but there's plenty of eating places, and duty-free shopping in the International area.

I found a site that has plenty of details.

http://www.heathrowairport.com...d921ca4b12871120103a0/

 

[2Xtreme21]

Don't pass through security until you have to. They have a lot more stuff before you pass it... but do give yourself some time in the duty free shops. They're very extensive.

Trust me-- I'd rather have been in your situation than in mine last month. Stuck 8 hours in Charles DeGaulle... talk about a boring, SHITTY airport.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: ranmaniac
I never had to wait that long, but there's plenty of eating places, and duty-free shopping in the International area.

I found a site that has plenty of details.

http://www.heathrowairport.com...d921ca4b12871120103a0/

Thanks...for duty free shopping, I will have to make sure that my carry-on bag is empty. Transit through UK only allows one carry-on bag and my laptop bag must fit inside this carry-on bag

 

[IronWing]

Keep a notebook. See how many different religions/ethnic groups/nations are represented.

 

[2Xtreme21]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: ranmaniac
I never had to wait that long, but there's plenty of eating places, and duty-free shopping in the International area.

I found a site that has plenty of details.

http://www.heathrowairport.com...d921ca4b12871120103a0/

Thanks...for duty free shopping, I will have to make sure that my carry-on bag is empty. Transit through UK only allows one carry-on bag and my laptop bag must fit inside this carry-on bag

Negative. Once you pass through security, anything you buy duty free can be brought on in its bag without a penalty. BUT, be aware-- if you're transiting to anywhere in the EU, you will be charged tax on the stuff you buy in the duty free store. It was explained to me by one of the workers that it's like traveling between states as there is free movement of goods between the states of the EU.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: 2Xtreme21

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: ranmaniac
I never had to wait that long, but there's plenty of eating places, and duty-free shopping in the International area.

I found a site that has plenty of details.

http://www.heathrowairport.com...d921ca4b12871120103a0/

Thanks...for duty free shopping, I will have to make sure that my carry-on bag is empty. Transit through UK only allows one carry-on bag and my laptop bag must fit inside this carry-on bag

Negative. Once you pass through security, anything you buy duty free can be brought on in its bag without a penalty. BUT, be aware-- if you're transiting to anywhere in the EU, you will be charged tax on the stuff you buy in the duty free store. It was explained to me by one of the workers that it's like traveling between states as there is free movement of goods between the states of the EU.

Thanks...also looks like I can take some rest in one of the lounges for ~20 pounds. Anyone knows how expensive it is to eat/dine at the airport ?

I am thinking about spending ~2 hours at Terminal 1 (Arrival terminal) and the rest at Terminal 4 (departure terminal). Terminal 4 also seems to have better views, so will most probably eat there.

My flight will arrive at LHR at ~2pm and connection leaves at ~9pm, so I will need to eat atleast one meal at the airport.

Do I need to carry some local currency or will USD be accepted everywhere or will I need to exchange them for Pounds at the airport ?

Sorry, but its my first time travelling internationally in about 10yrs.

 

[pyonir]

I had a nice morning/afternoon of 7.5 hours at Heathrow. You know what i did? Sat in a chair with all my luggage listening to music and read a book. Once i checked my bags, walked around a bit...then sat next to the gate.

 

[intogamer]

mingle with the British chicks?

 

[illusion88]

Get drunk at the bar?
Eat some airport food.
Attempt to have dirty bathroom sex with someone

 

[KeithTalent]

If you have some extra cash you can usually get entrance to one of the executive lounges where there is always a tonne of good food, large TVs, and at the very least a relaxing place to hang out for a few hours.

We did this last December when we had a 5 hour layover at Heathrow on our way to Vienna. The BA lounge was very nice and kept us entertained the entire time.

KT

 

[FrustratedUser]

Go to a bar and drink. That's what I did for 5 hours.

 

[sonambulo]

Burn your passport, get drunk and break the beer bottles over a security guard's face. 8 hours will go by real quick

In all seriousness, are you bringing a portable game or walkman? I'd just read and/or play games if I were you. DON'T get drunk, but you could put back one or two to catch a little buzz and just relax. Getting wasted at an airport is a bad idea.

 

[gsethi]

Thanks for the tips so far. I dont drink or smoke (so getting drunk is not an option )
KLM Lounge is available at 20 pounds (~$50 or so) but does provide free drinks and refreshments. Dont know if it is worth it.

I dont have any portable game/walkman but will have my laptop with me (D630 provides ~7-8 hours of battery life with 2 batteries).

 

[ElFenix]

check your bags and take the train into victoria

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
check your bags and take the train into victoria

you didnt read my original post fully, did you ?

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: gsethi
Thanks for the tips so far. I dont drink or smoke (so getting drunk is not an option )
KLM Lounge is available at 20 pounds (~$50 or so) but does provide free drinks and refreshments. Dont know if it is worth it.

I dont have any portable game/walkman but will have my laptop with me (D630 provides ~7-8 hours of battery life with 2 batteries).

get the wifi over there....nef on AT for hours!

 

[pyonir]

Originally posted by: gsethi
I dont have any portable game/walkman but will have my laptop with me (D630 provides ~7-8 hours of battery life with 2 batteries).

Get an ipod shuffle. Cheap and can hold a bunch of music. I had a discman when i was there...and only actually listened to like 3 different cd's as i was sitting there. Although, your laptop will provide you with a ton of music choices...assuming you have headphones.

 

[Glavinsolo]

Tap guys feet while in the bathroom stalls

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: ElFenix
check your bags and take the train into victoria

you didnt read my original post fully, did you ?

i don't think you're trying for that visa hard enough.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: gsethi
I am flying next Thursday and have a ~7hr stay at LHR. Recommend me stuff to do. This will be my first time at LHR (so any veterans here can tell me what to watch for etc.)

the Flight is BA 286 from SFO -> LHR. It looks like my Arrival will be at Terminal 1 and my connection will be from Terminal 4 after ~7hr stop.

Atleast on the way back, my stop is only ~3 hours

I cannot leave LHR airport for any sightseeing trips b/c I will need to get a VISA and I dont have enough time to get one.

goto the lounge and enjoy free food/alcohol/tv/internet/xbox

walk around the terminals, and find one that had those seated massages. get 30min.

goto the bar and get slushed. sober up 1hr b4 flight along w/the pilots. :Q

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: ElFenix
check your bags and take the train into victoria

you didnt read my original post fully, did you ?

i don't think you're trying for that visa hard enough.

The nearest UK embassy is in LA (i am in SF Bay Area). I would have to send in my passport to them and then wait for it to arrive back. There was just not enough time.

Also, the visa cost is ~44 pounds...probably not worth for ~5-6 hours. Would have definately tried if the stay was longer.

 

[RossMAN]

It's probably too late but I would have brought a Nintendo DS with a Mario game, that would keep me busy for hours. Or a few magazines.

How do you like your Dell Latitude D630 so far? I love mine

 

[MrMajestyk]

Spearmint Rhino have a Heathrow outlet.

Don't forget, Terminal 4 is the other side of the airport to 1,2, and 3. 20 min bus ride or 2 stops on the Tube/subway.

 

[josh0099]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: ranmaniac
I never had to wait that long, but there's plenty of eating places, and duty-free shopping in the International area.

I found a site that has plenty of details.

http://www.heathrowairport.com...d921ca4b12871120103a0/

Thanks...for duty free shopping, I will have to make sure that my carry-on bag is empty. Transit through UK only allows one carry-on bag and my laptop bag must fit inside this carry-on bag

you sure about that I traveled through the UK all the time in the fall of 05 and always carried a carry-on bag and a laptop bag...