Heathrow (LHR) Arrivals and Departures
Arriving At Heathrow
Passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport will encounter different situations depending on what terminal their flight utilized. The arrival areas where family and friends can greet passengers for Terminal 1 is located on the ground floor for international flights and on the first floor for all domestic flights including Ireland. Arrival areas at Terminals 3, 4 and 5 are all located on the ground floor or level of the building with Terminal 3 utilizing a special arrivals building.
At the arrival area of each terminal are a number of services. In the arrival area serving international flights, a customs and immigration station allows arriving passengers. Passengers making flight connections to other destinations should find displays noting the gates and any other available information for the connecting flights. Passengers arriving at Heathrow as their final destination will find a baggage claim area as well as directions to taxi stands or other ground transportation services.
Some special services located in the arrival areas include car rentals and currency exchanges. The entire arrival areas is designed to provide the arriving passenger with the information and resources necessary to begin their London adventure.
Departing Heathrow
Passengers departing from Heathrow can check in at multiple locations at the airport. For convenience, passengers should always check in at the terminal their flight will depart. The check in area for passengers flying form Terminal 1 is located on the first floor, and the Terminal 3 check in area is located on the ground floor. Passengers flying from Terminal 4 will find the check in on the first floor while Terminal 5 passengers will have to climb to the top floor of the building.
Passengers are suggested to allow at least 90 minutes to clear security for domestic flights. Travelers on flights to other European destinations should allow at least 2 hours for security while passengers flying on El Al should allow at least 3 hours. During times of extra security and concern, allow extra time to move through the security process.
Heathrow Airport allows self and online check-in for passengers traveling on a limited number of airlines. This check in process can include baggage claim tickets and access to a drop off area. The check in process does not alleviate the need to process through the appropriate security at the airport.
The check in areas connect to the departure lounges. These areas allow the passengers to relax before boarding the aircraft. The gate lounge areas often include shops, snacks, and other conveniences for the traveler.