What’s bigger than 25 football pitches, speaks 38 languages and is named after a queen? No, it’s not a bad joke, it’s the UK’s biggest airport’s second terminal.
Heathrow’s new terminal, Terminal 2, welcomed its first passengers this week. A United Airlines flight from Chicago touched down just before 6am on Wednesday, June 4. By the end of October all 25 airlines – Aegean to Virgin Atlantic Little Red – will have switched, offering flights to 51 destinations around the world.
Queen Elizabeth opened Terminal 2 in 1955. By the time of its closure in 2009, the Europa Building was handling 8 million passengers a year. Approximately 20 million passengers are expected to file through the Queen’s Terminal each year.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will officially open T2: the Queen’s Terminal on June 23. Here’s nine compelling reasons why you must make it your destination airport:
1. There’s beer. From a brewery that’s just 8.3 miles from Heathrow!
Fuller’s first air-side pub has opened at Heathrow Terminal 2. It’s called, surprise, surprise, London’s Pride. And the signature lager is called … Wingman. It’s a light, golden beer, fruity and, em, malty and hoppy.
The pub also serves a Full English breakfast that includes Sandridge farm bacon from pigs that have been reared on the spelt, hops and grain used in the brewing of London Pride.
2. The world’s first Personal Shopping lounge is there – and it’s FREE
If your holiday wardrobe is looking a little jaded or you can’t find the bag you didn’t unpack from your last holiday this might be the answer. Accredited stylists are offering individually tailored sessions free of charge and – crucially, for the bargain minded – regardless of ticket type.
Book your spot 48 hours in advance of travel. Here’s the booking form.
3. John Lewis has its very first airport shop there
Taking up 3,600 sq ft of the terminal, the largest space allocated to a fashion-led brand at Queen’s Terminal, John Lewis has selected the very best of its offerings across its home, fashion, gifting and seasonal ranges.
Alongside own-brand products there’ll be designer collaborations and exclusives. Stellar brands such as Orla Kiely, Charbonnel et Walker, Hackett and Barbour will be on sale.
John Lewis is marking its 150th anniversary this year and has dipped into its archives to create must-have commemorative items with that reassuring JL stamp of quality.
4. There’s more than 2,000 sq metres of World Duty Free
World Duty Free is the store that sells all those holiday essentials. Your cosmetics and confectionary, your fragrances and fashion items and your spirits and souvenirs, skincare and sunglasses. There’s a dedicated Concierge Desk that’ll ensure customers can access advice and guidance from expert staff.
More than 25 beauty brands are on the WDF shelves such as Chanel, Dior, Lancome, Estee Lauder and Marc Jacobs. There are “travel exclusive” products that you won’t find in your local Boots either.
5. There are COMPLIMENTARY “express” beauty treatments
Accessed in World Duty Free, these free treatments – there are more than 100 to choose from – encompass new make-up looks, skin consultations and mini-facials.
Hand massages from brands such as Jo Malone will send harrassed flyers on their way, smelling of, say, Tuberose Angelica or something equally delicious.
6. And shopping at the airport is cheaper than on the High Street
The discounts are deep, at least 20 per cent. Here’s the customs info so you won’t get stung. There’s a free Shop & Collect service so you can buy before you fly and then pick up when you arrive back in the UK.
And if you sign up to World Duty Free’s newsletter you’ll receive a £5 voucher to spend in-store (on a £75 purchase) with every email. They’re on Facebook and Twitter too.
7. Thomas Pink has turned travel guru (but will still make you a shirt)
At Thomas Pink there’s an interactive touch-screen hub where customers can explore a city guide with TP’s recommendations for accommodation, food, drink and cultural must-sees.
The touchscreen version of Thomas Pink’s Made-to-Order service will take customers through a step-by-step guide to select the cut, collar, cuff and fabric options of a shirt that will be tailormade.
You could get your shirt monogrammed too and sent to you within 10 working days.
8. Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant has the first wood-burning oven in an airport
The menu at The Perfectionists’ Café will celebrate some of the UK’s favourite dishes (pizzas cooked in that wood-burning oven, fish and chips, ice cream frozen with liquid nitrogen) and embrace the eccentricity of Great British invention.
It was inspired by the “In Search of Perfection”, the TV series based on Heston’s years of research and development work.
The design evokes the glamour of flying in the Jet Age. And while you might want to linger for hours over your meal, there’s a 15-minute menu and some on-board picnic options to go.
9. There are airlines there too! And lovely lounges that you can laze in.
So you saw a good deal on a flight, pounced on it and the savings are just burning a hole in your pocket. This is where you might like to upgrade yourself for a couple of hours in an airline lounge.
Plaza Premium Lounge is the only independent lounge and Plaza Premium Lounge’s first independent airport lounge in Europe. It’ll open in July, 5am to 11pm daily, and cost £38 per person for two hours.
For that you can use the shower facilities, have a meal (Champagne and sparkling wine cost extra), work or surf on high speed Wi-Fi or at internet workstations, watch some TV or read international newspapers and magazines. Fifteen-minute spa treatments cost £25 and 30-minute treatments are £45.
There are five “airline” lounges: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.
The Star Alliance: Terminal 2 will be home to 23 Star Alliance member airlines, as well as Aer Lingus, Virgin Little Red and Germanwings.
Bonus reason: Slipstream. It’s a piece of art the size of a jumbo jet
Soon to be one of the UK’s most viewed artworks, Slipstream by Richard Wilson is a massive piece of art that captures the essence of air travel. It’s 70 metres long (the longest permanent sculpture in Europe) and weighs 77 tonnes and is supported by four roof columns.
Another bonus reason: More free stuff
There’s free Wi-Fi for 90 minutes and free attended play areas for kids
Yet another bonus reason: Speed!
All restaurants have 15-minute menus and on-board picnic options.
