Airports I've at least changed planes in

Well, I visited several years apart, one for extra-EU travel (Gatwick to the States, Continental, July 2000) and one for intra-EU travel (Heathrow to CDG Paris, British Midway, Jan 2005). I got to both by train, so that is doable for each, but I think Heathrow's on the regular tube and Gatwick is on a special train if I remember correctly. I guess it would depend on where you're coming from and where you're going to. Also, Heathrow seems to be under a lot of construction recently (end of Jan '05), so I think that's where we exited the gate and got on a bus for about 3 miles to take us to the actual airplane, which was a bit of a pain as it was cold, though thankfully not raining. But the bus was full.

Gatwick has regular trains and Heathrow is on the tube. Gatwick is warm porridge while Heathrow is spaghetti tossed with curry. If you want to people watch go to Heathrow. If you want to make your connection without hassles or having your gold bullion nicked then Gatwick is the place for you.

Little tip: if your flight is ever delayed (what are the odds!?) and your batteries have died find the airport chapel. It is always quiet, even if anyone else is there which they never are. It will have outlets for all of your gadgets, no need to share. If any place in the airport is air-conditioned it will be the chapel. Most importantly, there will be benches there to sleep on. Some might call them "pews" but those people don't worship at the altar of jet lag. Besides, who's to say that the Buddha won't appear to me in a drool stain.

"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."