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Comment by altero | Hacker News Reader

Heathrow airport sucks for everyone, not just `businessman`.

This is not 'decent thing' but PR stunt. Similar way when cat on tree is rescued by three fire cars and police squad.

Just try to travel with someone who has serious mental condition and does not have 'connections'. Nothing makes flight smoother than saying 'I will kill you' to an officer.

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A PR stunt that's been going on for 5 years and this is the first mention of it? Heathrow is generally a pretty miserable flying experience but you'd think that they'd be able to get it in the press a little sooner if it was just PR.

> Heathrow is generally a pretty miserable flying experience

Am I the only one who (so far!) hasn't had any issues with Heathrow? Every single time I've been it's gone smoothly and on time. Last time I went through there wasn't even a queue at passport control(!)

I just thought it better to speak up because otherwise there's a bias with only people who have complaints commenting :)

Good on them for doing this for this kid though. Definitely not just a PR stunt if it's been going on for 5 years...

Let me guess: usually travels alone with just cabin luggage. No children or friend who needs assistance. Most 'dangerous item' is laptop. Always has a return ticket. Never visited Belarus, Iraq or other 'dangerous' country. Does not work with chemicals or other 'dangerous' items which leaves traces.

Edit: Actually, I've decided I'd rather not share random details about myself with someone I don't know on the internet, but needless to say about 50% of your assumptions are incorrect.

And even if they weren't, I'm not arguing with nor excusing anyone else's experiences, just providing a counterpoint that not all experiences with Heathrow have been bad.

Sorry, that might sound sharper than I intended.

If it was only a PR stunt, don't you think they would have found a cuter story to tell?

Because UK airport security is usually very inflexible in such unusual cases (they provide great service for 'classic' disabilities such as wheelchair).

Also the fact they travel from Heathrow (most overcrowded and busiest airport in Europe) and not from Gatwick, Stansted or other friendlier airport.

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