Archive for November, 2010
Heathrow Airport Always Accommodating The Largest Aircraft
In the UK the largest and busiest airport is London’s Heathrow; even in the world it is considered to be the third busiest and in terms of international passengers the busiest. Because of the numbers of international passengers travelling through the site is a place where it is possible to see people of nearly every nationality in the world. Understandably companies have not missed the profit making opportunities of such a cultural melting pot taking advantage by building shops car hire desks restaurants and cafes within the terminals.
As with the majority of airports in the UK Heathrow can trace its first use to the military. Unlike many sites however Heathrow was being used during the First World War as an airbase that predominantly tested new developments on a variety of aircraft. At this stage the majority of the civilian aviation needs of the capital were catered for at the Croydon site. Now Croydon is a small and unused airfield during the twenties and thirties however it was one of if not the major UK airport. After the Second World War however Croydon lost its position of primacy and instead the Heathrow site took the number one position. Heathrow was heavily developed during the war years and hence once the conflict was over was more suited to the large planes that had been developed.
Heathrow has always been at the forefront of catering for the largest civilian planes in existence. During the fifties the Queen laid the first slabs of the new runway built to cater for the new jet planes that would so rapidly change the aviation industry. A new runway meant that a new terminal had to be built to accommodate larger passenger numbers. At this stage however most designers believed that air travel would be reserved for the wealthy subsequently no provisions were made for car parking as it was believed that most passengers would be chauffeured to the airport. Today however it is different car parks at Heathrow are massive and the large number of hire car companies proves that air travel is now the pursuit of the masses.
The seventies saw further development of Heathrow once again the runways were extended to accommodate the huge Boeing 747s that were now traversing the world. In addition however the terminal was further developed with covered runways and docking legs in order for passengers to have a stress free transition from terminal to plane. Also during this period Heathrow improved its transport links to the centre of London. A station was built that connected directly to the London Underground while additionally an overhead rail link that pulls into Paddington Station was also built.
With the introduction of the new gargantuan Airbus A380 Heathrow has once again been at the forefront of accommodating the largest passenger planes. Part of this accommodation has meant an expansion of the terminals and docking ports. As well as this however recently the site has seen a fifth terminal being added; this terminal will purely service the aircraft flying for British Airways. Naturally this new terminal will contain all of the shops restaurants and car hire desks that come as standard in the modern airport.
Current estimates place the average annual passenger numbers at around the seventy million mark. This is approximately double the number of any other airport in the UK. Understandably the airports position of primacy is somewhat assured. However the airport executives will have to remain up to date on aircraft developments in order to cater for the largest and most modern aircraft.
About the writer: Air travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into how car hire Heathrow airport services have been instrumental in the site’s development.
Great Tips To Avoid Lost Luggage
If you have been lucky enough to not have the airlines lose your luggage yet there is a good chance you will in the future. In 2006 lost and mishandled bags were at an all time high as continued restrictions on carryon bags and the reduction of baggage personnel resulted in 8 out of every 1000 bags being lost source Department of Transportation. We have all either experienced for ourselves the nightmare of losing luggage or heard the horror stories. Here are some suggestions to help minimize the chances of your bag becoming lost.
1.Label your luggage on the outside. Make sure you have both the identification card that came with the luggage filled out and an additional luggage tag on one of handles.
2.Label your luggage on the inside. Fill out an index card with your information and tape it on top of the inside of the bag or try a permanent iron on identification label. Include a copy of your itinerary on top as well so you can be reunited with your bag while travelling.
3.Take a picture of your luggage. Take a photo of your bag with your digital camera or phone and save it. Also print out a copy for your carryon bag so you can give it to airline personnel should your luggage become lost.
4.Add a distinguishing feature. Add bright tape ribbons or a bright strap to your bag. These may come off in transit to avoid this try a permanent ironon luggage tag.
5.Remove old tags. Overlooking past destination tags could confuse baggage handlers and send your bag to the wrong location.
6.Check in early. Checking in late may prevent your bags from reaching the plane before the luggage is loaded for departure.
7.Proceed to Baggage Claim. Make sure you are waiting for your bags at the luggage carousel so you can make sure no one else intentionally or unintentionally takes your bag.
8.Be Prepared. Pack a day or two of clothes in your carryon along with medication and other necessities should your bags be lost. That gives you some essentials until you get your luggage.
9.Split up packed items. If checking more than one bag split up different belongings into different bags so if one bag is lost items can be used from the luggage that is not lost.
About the writer: Megan Cassidy is the owner of Zippy Tags LLC a provider of unique luggage tags and bag identification products. Visit her website www.zippytags.com and receive FREE SHIPPING on all orders. Contact her via email at meganzippytags.com.
Most visitors to London worry that it is an expensive city. There is absolutely no doubt hotels in London can cost a bomb and you would probably be spending a large amount of your holiday budget on the hotels itself. However, fortunately, there are so many free things to do in London.
London Museum Hopping
Most of London’s major museums are free for visitors. Amongst visitors, the Museum of London is popular as visitors can learn about the city’s history from the Roman Times. The Geffrye Museum and Victoria & Albert in South Kensington are other popular museums.
Art Galleries
Most art galleries are not only free for visitors but also open till late. The Tate Modern on Southbank houses some of the finest contemporary artworks in the world. The Tate Britain displays work of British artists from the 16th century. Other galleries include the National Portrait Gallery on Trafalgar Square, National Gallery and the Wallace Collection, just off Oxford Street.
Street Market
London is well known for its street markets. The popular ones include Camden Market, Portobello Market, Greenwich Market, Old Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane Market, Columbia Flower Market, Borough Market and Brick Lane Market.
Window Shopping
London is heaven for shopaholics. However, if you don’t intend to spend money on shopping, you may always enjoy window shopping. The Covent Garden, King’s Road, Oxford Circus, Bond’s Street and Charing Cross Road are popular haunts for shoppers.
Parks and Gardens
For those who would like to appreciate nature, visit Queen Mary’s Rose Garden in Regent’s Park or St. James Park. Other parks include Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Changing of the Guard
A visit to London remains incomplete if you do not see the military tradition. The Queen’s Guard in London changes inside the Buckingham Palace everyday in the summer and every alternate day during winter.
Walk Around the South Bank or Trafalgar Square
Walk around the South Bank to see many of London’s landmarks including the London Eye and Tate Modern. The Trafalgar Square is another tourist attraction that is visited by almost all tourists.
Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Abbey and the Cathedral does not charge people who would like to worship inside the Abbey. However, a small admission fee is charged for visitors to cover operational costs.
Free Music and Street Performers
Enjoy free music at many locations in London. The Southbank Center has free music events. The Free Foyer at National Theatre also offers many free music events. The West Piazza of Covent Garden has many street performers to entertain passer-bys. Most performers are licensed and have passed an audition to perform on the streets here. The Southbank is also popular for seeing some excellent street performer acts.