Terminal 3.

[elansprint72]

[stuny]

Pete -

Somehow the tilt (which I think adds to this image) makes me think of the film Airplane in the scene in which the 747 taxis through the windows of the terminal. Very nice geometry, depth, angle and resulting tension.

[Speenth]

Looks like a 60's sci-fi film-set! The skewed framing adds to the impression that Dan Dare is just lifting off from Planet X.

Sadly, the reality is more mundane - 'a national embarrassment', as the British Government itself has described Heathrow. Its not just the old buildings and intense overcrowding. It's not even the filthy state of the place or the obsession with profit before service that bothers me. Its the oafish arrogance of its rude and crude employees. As they herd us like cattle they demonstrate all that's so unlikeable about the modern British. What a showcase for a country that once prided itself on its manners.

In October I made my last connection through Heathrow. I saw people so badly treated I was truly shocked. As we shuffled throught the massive queues one Japanese lady, who spoke no English, was reduced to tears by a brutal officer who rudely ordered her to make her three bags (including purse) into one. She did not understand, so he shouted louder. When she could not achieve the magic trick he shouted at her full in the face. Not a soul did anything else but stare. I took her remaining stuff and put it in my bag until we were airside. Despite this open breach of the most fundamental security rule, braindead bully boy was satisfied and wandered off to lambast another poor soul.

My travel between Vienna and the US is now direct or via Copenhagen, Schiphol or Frankfurt and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Most everybody I know is now doing the same - despite the extra cost.

[elansprint72]

Actually this is Terminal 3 at Manchester where the vast majority of the employees seem to have been on a good manners course.
Gatwick is another matter, lots of "security" folks in a uniform which consists of a yellow t-shirt and any kind of trousers they care to wear; shouting and braying at the weary travellers. Perhaps it's a London thing? Their security procedures change from day to day, sometimes they order you to take your shoes off once, twice or not at all, sometimes only ladies, sometimes only men; I've been told to remove a belt with a plastic buckle but told not to remove one with a large metal one.

Thanks for commenting.

[stuny]

Pete -

Careful about large, metal belt buckles. I heard one U.S. standup comic comment that there is an inverse relationship between intelligence and belt buckle size.

[Speenth]

Originally Posted by elansprint72

Actually this is Terminal 3 at Manchester where the vast majority of the employees seem to have been on a good manners course.
Gatwick is another matter, lots of "security" folks in a uniform which consists of a yellow t-shirt and any kind of trousers they care to wear; shouting and braying at the weary travellers. Perhaps it's a London thing? Their security procedures change from day to day, sometimes they order you to take your shoes off once, twice or not at all, sometimes only ladies, sometimes only men; I've been told to remove a belt with a plastic buckle but told not to remove one with a large metal one.

Thanks for commenting.

Hi' Pete,

I think you're right - its a London thing ... or is it maybe a BAA thing?

In Birmingham and Belfast (despite the latter's tough security) my experience has always been just fine. I've never used Manchester Airport, but if its as dynamic and exciting as the born-again city it serves it should be a pleasure indeed.

Steve'

[roguewave]

Pete, out of control! Very cool pic.