Not sure what you went through but for me in Heathrow they had some security guy check my ticket and ask me some questions before I got to the check in counter with my bags. Then the guy at the counter basically asked me the same questions. I was lucky because I was traveling on the company I work for in business class and they gave me a pass to the Admiral's Club to wait in. Then, when it was time to go to the gate, they had another security guy ask you questions and go through yet another metal detector. Then, you were in the secure area and stayed there until they boarded the plane.

I flew direct to Raleigh. First stop was a long line to the customs agent. Then you had to collect your bags in the customs area and take them to another conveyor. Drop them on that conveyor and head to a different part of the airport outside of the customs area to pick them up. Took a long time but kind of made sense to me.

Coming into Heathrow from Poland, they immediately put you into a secure area until you boarded. Upon arriving in Heathrow, I just picked up my bags and baisically walked through customs. I was surprised how easy it was to enter England.