Last weekend I headed out to Heathrow, but for once did not head into a terminal. Instead I made my way to the nearby Thistle Hotel, where a very special event was taking place for any fans of aviation. Heathrow Terminal One ceased operations several years ago, and has remained vacant ever since. Bit by…
Continue reading: Attending The Heathrow Terminal 1 Auction
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I was at the auction but unlike you I waited for a while and then I made my move. I now own a gate sign and a customs sign too. It was a little too expensive but I have so many memories of the place that I was willing to pay for it. There's just a couple of things I've been thinking about is why hasn't Terminal 1 already been demolished? And I believe Terminal 3 is meant to be closed next year so if that's still happening (and it's probably not) Heathrow will need to hurry up and rebuild Terminal 1 very quickly. So when will that happen???!!!
@ Noah Bowie - can I ask how much you paid for those items? How long did the auction go?
I don't think Qantas would have opened their new lounge in Terminal 3 if it was still scheduled to close next year ; )
...those "pods" to the car park! It's a great "how to kill a few hours at Heathrow" tip for sure. Great way to get over to the Thistle, and other hotels like The Sheraton Heathrow, local people-watching at The White Horse, etc.
A great free plane spotting place at Heathrow involves getting the tube to Hatton Cross, crossing over the road and walking down the great south west road for a couple of hundred yards. If the planes are landing on the south runway, you'll have all sorts of planes flying overhead. You can check which runway is in use on the Heathrow website but they switch over at 3pm each day (it's likely that when this place is good for viewings, the Thistle hotel isn't)
A new "First Wing" (like the one at LHR T5) has just been announced for LHR T3 TODAY, so I really doubt it will be demolished any time soon.
What would be replaced with anyway ? It does not seem to be in the middle of any construction plan... (LHR 3rd Runway ? That's a hypothetic white elephant).
I was one of those anonymous online bidders. I walked away with a gate sign. I too was shocked by how much things went for. I think some restaurants, bars and night clubs may have their eye on specific items. There really was no pattern... except A few items which you would expect would draw interest. But yeah some big head scratchers. The only good news is the VAT tax is given back if I can get this thing out of the uk to the USA in the next 3 months. Guess I’m coming to London... rather pay for a trip then the tax.
wow, great story. Some of that stuff is pretty cool, but I agree that paying a lot for them wouldn't be for me either.
So refreshing to have a permanent UK/AUS writer to inject a bit of variety and non-USA perspective into this blog!
As many other commenters have noted- the italics and bolding in your posts are disruptive and unnecessary. Your writing is generally good, but these are glaring issues that change the fluidity of your posts and topics.
Great post, James.
I disagree with Nate about the use of italics and bolding. I don't think you're overdoing them. They're part of what I would call an "online style" that I'm getting used to.
I'm just going to come out and say it. How cute is James in those shorts (which he's clearly packing in!)
Love. This. Blog.
Good stuff James...you are a better story teller than Ben or Tiffany or any of the other guys here. Keep it up, as for EU-Based readers like me all those credit card posts have (sadly) 0 value for me.
Terminal 2 - Star Alliance - was built with a wall designed to be demolished. When T1 is gone, T2 will be expanded that way. T3 was redone some years ago.
'Irrational exuberance ' at play, as is often the case at an auction of items with some personal relevance /sentimental meaning. Pretty harmless so long as they can afford it. I'd draw the line at a (very) used urinal.
@jamanlb
Of course he looks hot; he's been out in the sun drinking beer and plane watching for hours.
Great post!
All I ask is that in the future you make a post here letting us know of future auctions. There are a TON of avgeeks here that would love to take part in these kinds of auctions.
Another good story James. Well done. From an Australian perspective did you see Jetstar have launched a new “ afterpay “ service to fly now pay later !
Maybe worth a blog for us aussies
Dear James,
First of all, great post like any other you do here. Actually have to tell you that I have got much more interested on reading your posts than any other's one (sorry Ben!).
You look and sound fantastic!
I have a question for you about the Thistle's terrace bar; maybe you can help me.
Specifically on the 7th June, I will have a 6 hours-layover at LHR.
I will arrive at 12:00 PM on Qatar to T4 (coming in from Jakarta where I live) and will depart at 6:50 PM on IB from T5, en route to South America (to visit my family there).
As QR Platinum and so Oneworld Emerald, and also flying Biz, I am entitled to go thru the First Wing and go straight to the Galleries First.
But your description of the Thistle's terrace got my attention.
Do you think that, after moving my butt and bag from T4 to T5, I can take the pods and go there for a couple of hours, have a drink and enjoy the big birds' view?
I ask you because reading on the hotel's website, it explains how to go from T5's pods' parking to the hotel, but at some point it says that in order to access you will be asked your name and booking number (which actually I will not have since I am not staying there), so to get an access code. Do you know anything about that?
And if it works and you happen to be around, it will be my pleasure to invite you with a glass of wine (or more than one, haha).
Cheers,
Alejandro
@ Alejandro - there's a very detailed description of the pod process at HeadForPoints here - https://www.headforpoints.com/2018/03/10/using-pods-to-get-from-thistle-heathrow-to-terminal-5/
It all depends on if it is a nice day. If it is, I would definitely recommend a few hours watching at the Thistle. It's quick to get to from T5. There's planes literally every 20 or 30 seconds so its non-stop entertainment. The Galleries First lounge at T5 you will have access to flying IB J as a OWE is okay, but not spectacular.
That is one LONG itinerary from Jakarta to South America!
Thanks James!!
Yeah, it is very long indeed!.
I agree with you regarding the Galleries First since I have already been there.
Cheers!