Airport Trolleys

[KARL]

I recently entered the UK from abroad at a well known airport. At the baggage collection carousels there were no trolleys - not one in the entire hall. On the way out of the terminal, after customs, I don't recall seeing any trolleys either. Does anyone know if this is becoming the norm at UK airports, that they are a trolley free zone ? I wrote to the airport concerned but have yet to receive a response.

[Buenchico]

You should be able to find trolleys at Stansted
https://www.stanstedairport.com/help/special-assistance/arriving-at-the-airport/
Heathrow
https://www.heathrow.com/airport-guide/terminal-facilities-and-services/trolleys#
Gatwick
https://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/passenger-services/trolleys/
and, indeed, at all other major UK airports:
https://www.aph.com/community/holidays/how-much-to-use-a-luggage-trolley-at-uk-airports-revealed/

[IJKLM]

I frequently pass through both Gatwick and Heathrow (2-4 times per month).
Although I only ever use carry-on baggage, there do usually seem to be trolleys available.

It may be that if you arrived after a number of large aircraft have landed, people have taken trolleys and then left them at the car park, or rail station, and that has depleted the supply in the arrivals hall until they are collected up again from the car parks etc.

Not really sure why an airport would want to deplete the supply of trolleys – though many airports seem to charge for them. I guess that is to encourage users to return them to a storage facility, to reduce the costs for the airport to collect them up.

[KARL]

There were none anywhere and the airport was not particularly busy at the time. I asked staff (not ones working there but passing through the area) and they seemed completely mystified. I have never before gone through this or any other airport in the UK and not had the choice of a single trolley. I had a very tight ground connection to make (barely made it, seconds to spare) or otherwise I would have gone checking better, carrying 15kg on my shoulder. No answer from the airport suggests they have no excuse to offer (and maybe see no reason for one).

[KARL]

Chris, this was at a major traffic non-London, "free trolleys" airport on your/the list. I'm going through it again soon and it will be possible to check better that time - must remember to.

[237SJ]

Sometimes there are stacks of trolleys which have been left landside. Maybe they hadn't been brought back into the arrivals hall where they were needed when you passed through

[rockyracoon]

If the trolley collectors are anything like at our Tesco, you’ll wait ages. They’re lazy gits.

[237SJ]

At least you don't have to pay for them like you do in some airports around the world.

[KARL]

237, a non-existent free trolley is better than a usable one you pay for ? That's like saying a free NHS which doesn't treat you is better than another service where you get treated but perhaps have to make a token payment - I know which I would choose, given the option.

[237SJ]

I wouldn't know. I have wheels on my bags

[KARL]

I have had a reply from the airport in question. They acknowledge that there were no trolleys available. The explanation given is that at the time a number of aircraft were off schedule, either early or late, and that the trolley management team were busy airside driving buses.

I find the explanation less than believable because I simply do not believe that the airport (many millions of passengers annually) depends on qualified bus drivers for shunting trolleys around within the terminal. I also don't believe that people employed as qualified bus drivers would deign to handle trolleys as part of their job, at least not in the UK.

[ummmm]

Surprised at that. I see people with trolleys whenever I'm at an airport.

Like 237 I have wheels on my suitcase so never need one. Although that wouldn't matter if you're away with young children.

[Maydup]

I believe them Karl; I dont necessary agree with them, but my experience of using Stansted for example, is not good. Far too few facilities and staff for the number of flights and people now; congestion, confusion and low levels of service all round.

Those qualified bus drivers as you described them, are probably called Operatives, and they will be looking after the luggage, the transfer of people, trolleys, buggies and all sorts.

[1ozzy]

If that happened to me I'd be devastated to the point I'd buy a bag with wheels.

What is happening in the modern world?