I've used left luggage several times at Heathrow, and I have found them to be efficient and they look secure enough. I wouldn't leave real valuables (camera stuff) with them, but I leave everything else. You can lock your bag with small luggage locks (ADVISABLE!!!) for flights once you leave the US, too. For checked bags, you'll have to get those hardware-type plastic ties or (Better) the numbered plastic ones from Travelsmith or Magellans or a travel shop). I'd advise using those even if you are using a TSA approved lock. )Posted by ronlusk at May 10, 2005 09:34 AMAnyway, if you are flying Business, you can leave your bags at the Bus Class BA lounge, which is very secure. But be careful about how much time you actually have in London. You want to get back to the airport 2 hours before flight time, its pretty much an hour in/out from Heathrow, and you will have to clear customs and immigration both ways--add an extra hour for that. The lines to do this can be quite long, both ways. So you only have 3 hours MAXIMUM that you can spend in London...personally, I'd do this on the way back from Africa, but just to be safe and rested, I'd stay at Heathrow and relax on your trip to Joburg. (There's actually lots to do there...it's like a shopping mall, with decent restaurant options, even a place you can arrange a shower and a nap (for a fee).