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Connecting at London Heathrow

London Heathrow is a large airport so you will need to allow enough time to get to your flight, particularly if you are transferring between terminals.

What you need to know

  1. Which terminal is my flight departing from?
    You will find the information on your e-ticket itinerary or online using Manage My Booking. Alternatively follow the signs for Flight Connections and check the flight information screens to see which terminal your onward flight departs from.
    Go to Manage My Booking
  2. What happens if my flight departs from another terminal at London Heathrow?
    If your onward flight departs from another terminal please follow the signs for that terminal i.e. Terminal 3 or 5. You should then take the escalator down to coaches, which depart every few minutes to the other terminals.
  3. Do I need to pick up my bags or check in again?
    You do not have to pick up your bags if they have been labelled through to your onward flight destination and you have been given a boarding pass for your next flight. Simply follow the Flight Connections signs and make your way to the relevant terminal. However, if your baggage receipt shows the destination ‘LHR’, ‘LGW’ or ‘LON’ then you must collect your baggage at Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim before checking in for your next flight.
  4. What happens if I am transferring to a British Airways UK domestic flight from Terminal 5?
    You must pass through Flight Connections and clear immigration and security and be ready to fly at least 35 minutes before your onward flight's scheduled departure time. A digital photograph of all customers on UK domestic flights from London Heathrow Terminal 5 will be taken at airport security. When boarding the flight, the photograph will be checked. Once checks are complete, all photographs will be deleted.
  5. When should I be at the gate?
    You must be at your boarding gate at least 20 minutes before your onward flight’s scheduled departure time or you may not be accepted for travel.
  6. What should I do if I do not have a boarding pass?
    If you do not have a boarding pass for your connecting British Airways flight you will have to check in at London. Simply follow the Flight Connections signs and make your way to a Customer Service Desk where a member of British Airways staff will be able to assist you. If your flight is with another carrier please make your way to the correct terminal for your onward flight and see an airline representative.
  7. Do I have to clear security?
    If you are arriving into Heathrow on an international flight, you will need to clear Flight Connections and Security and be ready to fly 35 minutes before your onward flight's scheduled departure time.
  8. Who is eligible to use Fast Track Security?
    If you are travelling in First, Club World or Club Europe you can use the dedicated Fast Track Security channel.
  9. What British Airways lounges are available to me?
    Customers travelling in First, Club World, Club Europe and Gold and Silver Executive members can use the Galleries lounge facilities in Terminal 3 and Terminal 5.
  10. Where do I go if I need assistance?
    If you require assistance, your flight arrives late or you miss your onward flight connection, please see a member of the British Airways Customer Service team.
  11. Can I leave the airport?
    We strongly recommend that customers wishing to visit London between flights should allow a minimum of six hours connection time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the appropriate documents required to land in the UK. If you decide to leave the airport, you must return to the airport and pass through Security and be ready to fly at least 35 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time, to ensure that you are accepted for travel.