Couple points that may seem contradictory:

I detest, loathe, despise, abhor….. (get my point?) LHR security both as a passenger and as operating crew. I’ve been through LHR many times as a passenger and as crew. They are truly evil and this is the only place that I do not even say hi or hello. They go out of their way to make the security checkpoint as unpleasant as possible. I have personally heard one agent say disappointedly to the next that she couldn’t believe that not one of my airlines’ crew was selected for additional screening. The entire Heathrow experience is tainted for me due the security staff. I can say that LHR is not the best airport in the world, but it’s certainly not the worst.

That said, when my family came to visit me, I paid full-fare on BA with a connection through LHR as they are probably my overall favorite airline in the world. I will pay more to travel on BA as a passenger even across the Atlantic where I can’t earn my AA frequent flyer miles on those segments. When I non-rev, they have always exceeded what I consider good hospitality. They have done their absolute best to not leave me behind.

BA is also holding the line against further erosion of this profession; I believe they should be rewarded with our business when possible.

Additionally,I’ve never had a bad time in London. As suggested earlier, a few hours out of the airport may be worth your while.

Regarding the other airlines mentioned:

You can expect good service from EK.

I haven’t flown South African in over 5 yrs, but I have flown approximately 10 sectors with them over the years and the onboard service was excellent.

I don’t expect great service from any of the US carriers. Not a swipe at them, they are just catering to the demand they have.



P.S. I haven’t checked any schedules.