Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory – welcome to Heathrow Terminal 5

Once again, I’m sat at luggage claim at Heathrow Terminal 5 after another performance that snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Yes. British Airways and Heathrow have failed again at the last hurdle – at their home base.

Our aircraft landed nice and early at 10:01 and made good progress to the terminal building.

At 10:05, we stopped on a taxiway. We didn’t move for the best part of 40 minutes as it seems there was an issue with the departing aircraft and the jetty. We eventually started moving again, finally reaching the gate at 10:50.

As British Airways are reducing the passenger flow off aircraft, I didn’t make it off the aircraft until 10:59.

We then come to UK Border, where the reliance on automated clearing has reduced the people-power down to bare-bones, with only two agents clearing people into the UK. 

And they love to take their time if your passport is on the fritz.

I was hoping that the bags would be delivered at this point by the time I arrived at baggage claim. You’ll be unsurprised that not even the first bags had made it off the plane. 

By the time I got out of the secured area and into the public area, nearly 1 and a half hours had elapsed. 

I’m filing that under “not impressed”. 

Whilst I understand operational difficulties happen and that some days things don’t work out, I’ve had more than my fair share of long waits and operational issues with BA and Heathrow Airport. 

And if I’m getting my fair share – I dread to think what other people are getting when they are travelling. It’s certainly not a good first impression when arriving in the United Kingdom – that’s for sure. 

.

Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, featuring in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.

Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!

Also remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world