Heathrow cuts space for shops to speed up the security queues

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Retail generates about half BAA's revenue. But critics say the space given over to shops means passengers are getting stuck at security checkpoint bottlenecks.

Following criticism from customers, politicians, regulators and airlines, BAA has decided to remove shops to make space for extra security lanes. Two stores in Terminal 3, one of the airport's most congested areas, will go to make room for two more lanes.

Floor space for some of the 30 other shops in the terminal will be reduced. Four stores will be transformed into food outlets. BAA said the changes would create 130 extra seats in Terminal 3, but would not say how many would be in restaurants or in public areas.

In Terminal 5, which opens in spring, a planned gastropub and spa will make way for six extra security checkpoints. BAA chief executive Stephen Nelson told the Guardian: "We are continually looking to balance the need to provide more security channels and seating areas with the needs of passengers who want to use shops."

Paul Charles, communications director at Virgin Atlantic, said: "Stripping out shops will make a big difference to the speed at which passengers get to departure gates."