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 bit, the unique contents of the terminal have been removed and sold off via public auction. Anything that could be removed from the terminal and sold off was, from directional signage to (used) recycling bins. They had even repurposed air-conditioning vents into bespoke desks.
If you are interested, there are photos of every single item individually.
Along with a mixture of aviation memorabilia, there were some truly bizarre items there that would only be sought after by extreme enthusiasts. Things like ‘nothing to declare’ customs doorways, gate lounge chairs, and even bathroom signs.
The auctioneer explained that anything of potential value that could be removed and sold, was.
It was really fascinating to see the range of items for sale, and it brought back some very fond memories of travels I have had, and airlines that no longer operate. While there were fewer than 100 people physically in the room to participate in the auction, we were told there were around 3,500 bidders watching the auction online.
The auction staff (both those handling registration and the auctioneers) were welcoming, and seemed very excited to be running such a unique event. The bidding cards were cutely labelled as ‘boarding passes.’
Of most interest from the buyers were the large analogue terminal clocks, each of which sold for several thousand pounds.
The iconic ‘Terminal 1’ outdoor signage was possibly the highest priced item at over £6,500 (I did not stay for all 300 lots). The auctioneer asked the winning bidder in the room where this iconic item was headed, but her lips were sealed.
I had my eye on a couple of items, particularly the illuminated ‘Gate’ signs, but I seriously underestimated the interest from anonymous bidders online. While nothing had a reserve price, the items I was interested in bidding for unfortunately went for 10 times the price I was willing to pay for them.
There was VAT and a ‘buyers premium’ payable on all items, so almost 40% was added to the final hammer price. Why anyone would want to pay around $1,500 for a used recycling bin is lost on me!
I would much rather spend that money buying miles to redeem for a premium flight somewhere!
While the auction was interesting to attend, it was slow going given how many bids there were for each item. After 2 hours they had not even made their way through one third of the items.
Realising we couldn’t really afford anything there anyway, we headed off, and noticed a sign on the way out for the hotel’s viewing deck.
We headed upstairs to a huge outdoor terrace, and this was easily the best part of the day. It was a spectacularly sunny London day and the viewing deck was perfectly positioned — facing the runway where all Heathrow-bound planes were landing that day, every 30 seconds like clockwork.
Enjoying a cold beer in the sun with all manner of planes constantly landing right in front of us was heaven, and I could have stayed there all day. I’m not a hardcore #avgeek but managed to catch several A380s from British Airways (as well as their 747s), Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad, as well as some of the less frequent visitors to Heathrow, like Air New Zealand’s once-daily 777 and Air Serbia’s A319.
Bottom line
This was a really enjoyable day out, both for the uniqueness of the auction items (and the amount some people are willing to pay for them!) and the fantastic viewing deck at the Thistle Hotel.
If you have a few hours to kill landside at Terminal 5 and it is a nice day, you can take the driverless pod cars to the car park from Terminal 5, which is right next door to the Thistle Hotel. The staff are perfectly happy to let people plane spot all day, provided you buy the occasional drink or snack from the bar.
If you ever have the chance to attend an auction like this I would highly recommend it. I understand there will be future Heathrow Terminal One auctions, as they continue to strip the building.
Did any of you guys buy anything, in person or online?
Thanks James!!
Yeah, it is very long indeed!.
I agree with you regarding the Galleries First since I have already been there.
Cheers!
@ 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...
@ 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!
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...
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
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
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.
@jamanlb
Of course he looks hot; he's been out in the sun drinking beer and plane watching for hours.
'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.
700 quid for a dust bin!? WTF
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.
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.
Good article
Great post James. Now as Nate wrote, don’t be disruptive eh.
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.
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.
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.
OK, but how cute does James look!
Not to mention, James is pretty hot in his AVgeek glory!
So refreshing to have a permanent UK/AUS writer to inject a bit of variety and non-USA perspective into this blog!
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.
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...
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.
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).
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)
...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.
Who bought the urinals? How much for? People are crazy
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...
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 ; )