Jaunted

Construction continues, but it sounds like the final bits and pieces are being wrapped up at London-Heathrow’s special new terminal in place just for this year’s summer games. The makeshift terminal is about the size of three Olympic swimming pools, and what it lacks in amenities it makes up for with efficiencies. It’s designed to be utilized for only about the three days following the closing ceremonies on August 12, as the thought is that around 10,000 athletes and their 37,900 checked bags will head through this terminal instead of the usual options.

The new temp terminal is pretty much just used for check-in and security, as no flights will technically be departing from this piece of the airport. Athletes will end up being bussed over to their departure gates when they’re finally ready to head out of town. Airport officials are planning to whisk participants through the new terminal in like 30 minutes tops, as they really want everyone to leave London with positive memories and experiences and not on a sour note thanks to airport hassles.

The folks at the airport are spending around £20 million on preparations for the games, so you know they’re taking it pretty seriously. Obviously there will a push to utilize other airports as well, and to even encourage charter flights in and out of some of the city’s smaller and less busy tarmacs.

It sounds like organizers are prepared for success when it comes to airport infrastructure, but we do think they missed one key component. What about the exclusive and swanky airport lounge for all the gold medal winners?

[Photo: fsse8info]