I follow the Europe forum on Fodor's website. It's interesting seeing what different members of the traveling public are wondering about. This morning, I read this question posted by a forum member who will be returning this summer from a trip to Paris and London.
The very day he returns to Atlanta from Heathrow on a 12:50 p.m. flight, a friend he hasn't seen for years will be flying into Heathrow, arriving from New York at 10:10 a.m. He asks about "ideas for a meeting spot.... it just seems like a fun chance to say hello, have a hug and a coffee." He then wonders if it's even possible. And that's the question!
As anyone who has ever traversed Heathrow will surely know, it's a nice idea ... but virtually impossible. Here's what I wrote:
Most likely impossible. In the best case scenario:
(1) Your friend arrives at the same terminal from which you depart.
(2) Your friend would have exactly 40 minutes to accomplish all of the following.
a) Ensure that his flight arrives on time (hah!)
b) Makes it off the plane first; have you noticed how long it takes for all the pax on a jumbo jet to get off the plane?
c) Runs all the way to immigration, weaving his way through crowds.
d) Doesn't have to wait in line for immigration where, typically, you can wait for 30 - 60 minutes.
e) Has carry on luggage so he doesn't need to wait for his bag.
f) Gets from the United (?) arrival area to the the Delta check in area without losing time, again in a busy, confusing airport, where...
g) You should already be in the check-in line by 10:50 a.m., and...
Was I overly harsh or pessimistic? Or just realistic.h) He actually finds you in one of many long lines in a crowded terminal.In the unlikely event he can accomplish the above in 40 minutes, there would be time for a hug. A cup of coffee? Never.
No comments:
Post a Comment