Terminal 5 Problems

Terminal 5 supposed to be the most advanced airport in the UK. We have Terminal 1,2,3 and 4 which are quite congester at the moment. The new Terminal 5 is supposed to ease the problem. However, things did not turn out quite well yesterday.

It was supposed to be the best day yesterday as the terminal started its operation the first day after it was officially opened by HM The Queen two weeks ago. British Airways which has command over the terminal stated that the terminal will be the best among the rest of Heathrow's overcrowded airports. Oh well, we will have to see about it.

Yesterday was the crucial day because it was the first day of operation. What did we get? Complains and nothing else. Luggages were either lost or delayed for hours and British Airways cancelled two thirds of their flights yesterday. Customers who did not have the opportunity to fly yesterday was forced to stay overnight around Heathrow where BA will contribute £100 per person towards the accomodation fee. Oh well, it was just chaos. At the end of the day, Terminal 5 was having problems with its security and also baggage systems. There were reports of angry customers but what can we do?

Officials handed out memo and statements to customers saying that the terminal is suffering from teething problems but in the eye of the customers, it is more than just teething problems. Chaos as they said. Oh dear...

I do understand that yesterday was just the first day of operation. I think, given the time and efford, the terminal will be alright. It is just that it takes time for them to settle down. Staff would need to be trained and practice more in dealing with customers. What a day.

As of 12 noon today, BA is set to cancel around 20 % of their flights today and they have customers from yesterday to deal with. Good luck to them!

Update:

31.03.2008: It is reported that flights are returning to normal but they have cancelled a handful of flights today as it is going through the fifth day of its opening to the public. Now, BA has to deal with 26000 of customer's luggage.

08.04.2008: After more than 10 days of the opening of the multi billion pounds terminal, BA is still having problems in sorting out passenger's baggage. No one is spare, not even Naomi Campbell's baggage where she lost her temper when something went wrong with her baggage and the issue was raised during BBC programme called Watchdog. Oh dear... BA has promised to compensate passenger's baggage but I am not sure whether they will even get a penny out of BA.