I studied abroad in Cambridge and spent my 20s in the UK, so I’ve traveled through Heathrow at least a dozen times and generally had good experiences. It’s currently ranked 22nd in Skytrax’s 2025 list of the world’s top airports, which is a major accolade in the aviation industry.
However, as one of the busiest airports globally, Heathrow can be quite chaotic. One notable issue I faced was during the self-service bag drop. Although it’s a time-saver, my luggage was flagged for being one pound overweight. A staff member mentioned that the scales are very sensitive and suggested rearranging my items—a small hassle, but something to keep in mind for chronic overpackers like me.
Afterward, the staff directed me to either the north or south security zone. I chose the north, only to be turned away because it had unexpectedly closed, resulting in a rush of passengers heading to the south zone.
The security line was delayed further due to confusion around Heathrow’s strict liquid policies for carry-ons. Many travelers struggled to organize their bottles into plastic bags, causing additional holdups as bags were flagged over stray items.
If you’re heading to Heathrow anytime soon, be extra cautious with your luggage and liquids, and allow yourself plenty of time for potential delays. This will help you avoid the stress of rushing to your gate!