T5 debacle

[Scapula Memory]

[Ian]

Re: T5 debacle

I thought it was a problem with the baggage handling system - so is it actually a staffing problem?

I gather that first weeks at most new high-tech airports is prone to problems like this. The new airports in Bangkok, Denver, and Hong Kong are said to have had big problems initially. I've been to all three and they were great experiences compared to Heathrow (Terminals 1, 2 and 3).

Ian

[steverh]

Re: T5 debacle

What a nightmare - I'm glad that

(1) I'm not flying anywhere soon, and
(2) I do most of my work from home...

Hope it's better tomorrow!

[Ian]

Re: T5 debacle

What a nightmare - I'm glad that

(1) I'm not flying anywhere soon, and
(2) I do most of my work from home...

Hope it's better tomorrow!

I do fly a lot (on average one return trip to Europe by air per month, plus one or two long haul (three this year for definite by July actually).

But the office is 3 minutes by car or about a 20 minute walk.

Ian

[shenstone]

Re: T5 debacle

John

I am Soooo Glad not to be one of your Staff/Customers just at present.

Do drop us an unofficial update as/when/if it gets better

On the plus side you should be able to get some cracking "people" shots ... all those angry/sad/annoyed/irate etc. etc... looks

Let me guess you're not allowed to take a camera to work ?

Regards
Andy

[E-P1 fan]

Re: T5 debacle

Fly the Flag - limply

[Scapula Memory]

Re: T5 debacle

Well the update is that today was more of the same but with less flights due cancellations but the ongoing problems of clearing up yesterdays mess. I really do feel sorry for anyone flying in or out of 5 at the moment.

I was trying to find a safe and diplomatic way of describing the problems and issues but not so sure I can do this! Suffice to say the news articles are pretty accurate.

T5 however is a togs dream. I would dearly love to walk around the entire place and take pictures there is so much to capture, land side offers some fantastic building and people pictures and night photographers would be in their element when you see the whole place lit up in the evening. Airside is even better, the off limit areas could supply shed loads of opportunities. The sheer scale of everything is quite staggering. (including the bag mountain) You might very well get away taking snaps with a point and shoot but I think a DSLR on a tripod might get you in a spot of bother. Mind you the big Canons and Nikons were out in force yesterday from the press, bet they had a good time.

I wonder though if this is a British thing? Are we really this crap at everything we do. Think of the wobbly Millennium bridge, Wembley stadium, the Dome, the Diana memorial and countless more.....what will happen at the Olympics?

[Ellie]

Re: T5 debacle

.....what will happen at the Olympics?

I think they're a bit worried the builders will go back home and build a European games stadium instead

[Bill Gordon]

Re: T5 debacle

I hope that they get this problem solved because I am flying in on May 8th!!

[Ian]

Re: T5 debacle

I hope that they get this problem solved because I am flying in on May 8th!!

Looks like I will beat you to it as I'm booked on a BA flight to Nice next Wednesday to attend the Sony World Photography Awards...

My info doesn't mention terminals, but my understanding is that all BA European destinations are served by T5.

Shouldn't be a problem as the service seems to be running smoothly now, but I certainly won't be checking any baggage!

Ian

PS Am I right in thinking that one small suitcase (for the overhead locker) and one small bag (laptop size) are now allowed as carry-on?

[j.baker]

Re: T5 debacle

Ian,

I have just found this on the BA website.

The UK Department for Transport has given approval to a number of UK airports to remove the one-bag restriction on hand baggage. As a result British Airways has re-introduced its two-piece hand baggage allowance for passengers departing from the following airports:

London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London City
Aberdeen
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Jersey from 1 April 2008
Manchester
Newcastle

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagcabin/public/en_gb

Good luck.

[Scapula Memory]

Re: T5 debacle

Looks like I will beat you to it as I'm booked on a BA flight to Nice next Wednesday to attend the Sony World Photography Awards...

My info doesn't mention terminals, but my understanding is that all BA European destinations are served by T5.

Shouldn't be a problem as the service seems to be running smoothly now, but I certainly won't be checking any baggage!

Ian

PS Am I right in thinking that one small suitcase (for the overhead locker) and one small bag (laptop size) are now allowed as carry-on?

Not sure about the on board baggage rules Ian but your NCE flight is from Terminal 1. BA have left a small amount of shorthaul in T1. I can check this for you a day before if you like.

T5 has settled down a bit and the baggage system is being "worked on" and is far more reliable than what it was on day 1. Flight switch 2 is the next big challenge, that happens in June and looks like it could be a slow phase in from T4. Bill, I think you can safely check a bag in, May is looking OK.

[Ian]

Re: T5 debacle

Thanks guys. I should get confirmation from Sony's organisers early next week.

I have a large camera case from ThinkTank Photo (called Airport Addicted) and I always thought it was too big for carry-on since the tightened restrictions, but I have measured it and it's inside the measurements on the BA site (one standard-sized bag - maximum size of the bag must not exceed 56x45x25cm (22x17.5x9.85in) (including wheels, pockets and handles) )

I'll be bringing this tomorrow to the meet in Wales, though only for packaging convenience. I have a much lighter Kata rucksack for walk about.

Ian

[emirpprime]

Re: T5 debacle

Just spotted this thread, and also just been told I've got to fly BA to Hamburg this Sunday for a couple of days business... from terminal 5...
Hand-luggage only! Hopefully it will all go smoothly.

On the 1 or more bags of hand-luggage, yes the security has been relaxed so you can, IF the airline chooses. Basically all the budgets AFAIK have stuck to it, and the regular/premium ones let you take two.

On the original point of the thread, I hope things have got better for you at work Scapula!

All the best,
Phil

[Scapula Memory]

Re: T5 debacle

On the original point of the thread, I hope things have got better for you at work Scapula!

All the best,
Phil

Thanks Phil, it has got a lot better but I wish there was an OS map for this place