Terminal 1 is the busiest of London Heathrow's four terminals handling over 25 million passengers every year. That is more than any other European airport with the exception of Paris and Frankfurt.
The terminal handles mainly UK domestic and European flights plus some long haul services for El Al, South African Airways and Alliance.
At peak times Terminal 1 struggles with its workload and both Departures and Arrivals can be crowded. Extensive modernization has brought improvements (especially Airside) but the airport's owners are anxious to build Terminal 5 to relieve the congestion.
There is now more space and better seating at each end of the Departures level and the upper floor Arrivals area serving UK and Republic of Ireland arrivals improved. The Airside shopping mall in the International Departure lounge proves a pleasant shopping experience.
The layout of the check-in desks is still slightly confusing. It can take some time to find the correct airline desk, especially now that British Airways domestic check-in is located near the gate area beside Café One.
The terminal has an 'Underground' train station which also serves Terminals 2 and 3. The Heathrow Express rail link to London Paddington station provides a faster alternative to the London Underground system.
The best place Landside for food and drink is on the Departures level. Arrivals has a very limited choice. On the mezzanine floor catering outlets include restaurants, a pub and a fish and chip shop.
Terminal 1 is linked to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 by covered walkways. Moving walkways at Underground level take some of the strain, but not much.
There are two Short Stay car parks and frequent buses to and from the Long Stay and Business car parks.
The terminal is close to several airport hotels. A 'Hotel Hoppa' bus service links all Heathrow terminals with local hotels. Departures are every 15 minutes or so. There is a charge for this service.
 | If you are departing on an international flight go Airside as soon as possible. Life is a lot more comfortable there. |
