Not in LHR CH - what to do???

Ok, so there I'm going to be, checked in early at LHR, not in the CH [:(], so what do I do? There are several airports tucked away around the world that have wonderful little oasis's of peace and quiet if you can find them; try the unsign-posted upstairs cafe in Salzburg with its 360 degree panoramic views of the mountains, no pax and great food for example.

So, where are those magic hidden-away places in airports???[:?] (Particularly VA destination airports!).

T3 ha ha ha ... you could try the multi faith prayer room if you're feeling in need ...

[Nottingham Nick]

A great idea for a thread [y].

Anything that gets you away from the throng of the airport crowds while you are waiting, has to be a good idea.

I am struggling to help in T3 though. [?] It seems manic wherever you are, be it landside or airside.

Nick

[mcmbenjamin]

TGIF has breakfast for about GBP7. Always could shop or leave the mall area and walk around and plane spot

The best place if you want a laugh in T3 is the Flight Conx Centre.

There's always a good argument or slanging match to watch around there. And when there's no arguing, it's a relatively peaceful place.

In the past while waiting for flights out of T3 I have found 2 little areas that arent often very busy.
Up around Gate 14 where the pier ends it is really quiet as very few flights go from their and there are full length windows overlooking the runway. There used to be some seating too but I dont know if thats still there.
I have also waited up around gate 42 before, it is a bit of a trek but there is a large amount of seating in 'pens' to hold people waiting to board flights (A few VS flights go from up that end as well). I have always managed to find an empty one to sit and wait. There are a fair few cleaners power sockets on the floor round here as well in case you want to power a laptop )
I know they have been re-doing the layout of T£ airside, and I havent taken any VS flights in the last few months so these arrangements could have changed since. If you do find yourself out of luck you can always return to the T3 departures 'shopping mall' through a discrete security checkpoint to the left of the exit from the departure lounge.

Here is a map of T3 so you can tell what im on about....
http://www.v-flyer.com/lhrt3.asp?click=89

Originally posted by mcmbenjamin
TGIF has breakfast for about GBP7. Always could shop or leave the mall area and walk around and plane spot

Yeah - but that's not likely to be enough to keep anyone occupied for the increasing amount of time you're expected to hang about before a flight. Seems just being plain bored is the unfortunate answer....

Originally posted by anteo
In the past while waiting for flights out of T3 I have found 2 little areas that arent often very busy.
Up around Gate 14 where the pier ends it is really quiet as very few flights go from their and there are full length windows overlooking the runway. There used to be some seating too but I dont know if thats still there.

You're not allowed to wait in and around gate areas 13-22 unless your gate is open due to the mix of inbound and outbound passengers on that pier.

The BAA will rudely ask you to move and probably search you if you loiter.

The beds next the chapel at schipp Skipp Amsterdam airport. Nice place to get 30mins shut eye.

SYD has a great bar. If you go to the main Bar and go outside either up in the lift or the stairs. Great views of the runway. Our limo driver suggested it when he dropped us off.

BKG er not really anywhere to hide

HK never there long enough to do much waiting around. similary LAX and LAS

MCO I've said it before and I'll say it again McCoys at the Hyatt!

TPA - The Pool bar at the Marriott

At LAX we always check out the Rendezvous restauarant - its set away from the terminal in that funny looking space chip buiding and it doesnt seem to attract a crowd - maybe people cant be bothered to go over there .

IMHO its a really great place to chill out and have a beer before the fligth back - and you get a great view of the airport!!!