London Heathrow.
London.
Bouncing in and out of Heathrow over the years it ranges from painless to ‘What on earth is going on’. Being well used to dispersing large volumes of passengers they have it down to a reasonable art. This time round, possibly on the back of a recent homegrown terrorist attack. Even getting on to an outbound flight from a terminal transfer took time and what I can only describe as more interest than I’m used to.
Comfort and something to read seems to be the watchword for air travel these days.
Once through the whole rigmarole and behind the security screen Its perfectly civil and whoever you travel with (its usually BA or Aer Lingus. As far as I’m concerned) they’re awfully nice. Helpful and competent in getting you on and off the plane. Air bridges seem to be the order of the day. So steps, stairs and outdoor windswept lifts are very much a last resort.
The last time i saw one was on an Irish airport almost 20 years ago, thankfully it wasn’t me using it.
Heathrow’s big if you’re going from terminal to terminal theres a bus shuttle and its wheelchair scooter friendly. As are the lifts. Welcome to the 21st century where you go straight in one side and wheel straight out the other when you get to your desired floor. No fancy reversing procedures over people who seem incapable of movement.
Everywhere’s very smooth and the loos and just about everywhere is readily accessible.
For London if you’re carrying kit and a wheelchair and need to be at the far side of the city. Forget the black taxis and whatever passes for an airport taxi.
We pre booked a people carrier which took two of us, bags and a large scooter. Door to door. Our driver was waiting for us at the exit, walked us to where the vehicle was loaded us up and hustled us across town. Of course public transport would have been cheaper but Pink Berry Cars have been doing this for years and know their way across the city.
Be advised, some mini cabs don’t. For a run from the hotel to the Victoria and Albert. We ended up having to navigate for him. And it wasn’t any less expensive than the Black cab we used on the way back to the hotel.
Streets most of London seems to be getting worked on, most have dropped kerbs to get you across roads and use the crossings. Don’t, like everywhere else assume you’ve right of way wait until the vehicles have stopped. Even bicycles and keep an extra eye out for them too. Both on cycle ways and pavements. Pedestrians bring their own many and varied difficulties. Treat it like street theatre and entertainment.
And race, religion, colour age or education is no guide to reasonable behaviour or pavement etiquette. (if there is such a thing).
ironside Travel 