Hearthrow's T2: bigger and better

THERE’S been a lot of
hype around the opening
of Heathrow’s T2 on June
4. It is expected to provide
passengers with a new and
improved travel experience,
with quicker and more
seamless connections.
SAA, a Star Alliance
member, will make T2 its
new home at the airport from
October 22.
Spokesperson, Tlali Tlali,
says the grouping together of
Star Alliance airlines in one
terminal will make it quicker
and easier for passengers to
catch connecting flights.
He says passengers will
also benefit from increased
innovation, comfort and
higher levels of service.
“Modern air travellers
expect a balance between
technology and personal
touch. Operating under one
roof allows member carriers
to share operational facilities
more efficiently, and makes
the best use of space and
services,” he says.
Tlali says business travellers
will find T2’s fast track routes
through security and selfscanning
of boarding cards
particularly helpful.
They can also make use
of free WiFi and smartphone
technology to guide them to
different parts of the terminal.
A new facility is a personal
shopping lounge where
passengers can browse, try,
and purchase a specially
curated selection of products
from a private consultation
suite. John Lewis is opening
its first-ever airport shop
and Heathrow is also be
welcoming Heston Blumenthal
and his team with the opening
of The Perfectionists’ Café,
which will celebrate some
of Britain’s favourite dishes,
says Julia Gillam, head of PR
communications for Heathrow.
Other well known eateries
include London’s Pride by
Fuller’s, the Caviar House
Seafood Bar and The
Gorgeous Kitchen.
T2 is easier to access than
before, with rail, tube and bus
connections accessed directly
from the terminal’s central
courtyard. Julia points out that
Heathrow Express connects
to Paddington station in 15
minutes, every 15 minutes.