London Heathrow (LHR) is one of the world's busiest international airports. There are now five terminals at this huge London airport.
Terminal 3 is used for long-haul, European and Domestic flights. You can check which terminal you need here.
Check-in is located on the ground floor at the front of the building and departures is above check-in on the first floor.
I have used Terminal 3 a lot and have put together these tips to help with your onward journey.
Terminal 3 is used for long-haul, European and Domestic flights. You can check which terminal you need here.
Check-in is located on the ground floor at the front of the building and departures is above check-in on the first floor.
I have used Terminal 3 a lot and have put together these tips to help with your onward journey.
1. Check-in Time
Security checks are understandably high at such a major airport so allow plenty of time to check-in. You are advised to arrive at least 3 hours before your departure time for long-haul flights but you may need longer as my last two flights took 1 hour and 1.5 hours just to get boarding cards. (This is before you go upstairs and do the passport and security checks.)- Check-in times are:
- International flights - check in 3 hours prior to departure
- European flights - check in 2 hours prior to departure
- Domestic flights - check in 1 hour prior to departure
2. VAT Export Refund
You must present your goods and the refund form to UK Customs at the airport before checking in your hold baggage. The queue can be long and I've seen visitors regularly take over an hour here so allow plenty of extra time. Of course, this can be worth it is you've saved a few hundred dollars in VAT.There's more information on the HM Revenue & Customs web site:
UK Visitors VAT Refunds.
3. Terminal Improvements
Terminal 3 is undergoing some long-term improvements so you may have to take a longer route to reach the check-in desks. In summer 2007, passengers had to go outside and follow a narrow path around the edge of the building which meant we got wet if it was raining! Improvements and maintenance are all for the better but can be somewhat inconvenient in the meantime. And it can mean things take longer so allow extra time.4. No Shops Near Check-In Desks
There are no shops on the ground floor near the check-in desks so take a bottle of water with you, or buy one from the vending machines on route from the tube and train stations. As I've said above, you may have a long wait here. Remember though, you will need to finish all drinks before you go through Security Control upstairs.5. Hand Luggage
You can only take one piece of hand luggage on board and this includes a ladies purse/handbag. See BAA Heathrow web site for more details: Hand Baggage Restrictions.6. Use a Waist Bag
Waist Bag / fanny pack (US) / bum bag (UK): whatever you call them, they are the traveler's friend. You can fit all your essentials: travel documents, passport, money, etc. and everything's safer than in a handbag. But best of all, it doesn't seem to ever count as hand baggage so it's a great way to be able to carry just a bit more!7. Transfer Times to Departure Lounge
London Heathrow is huge so allow time for walking between important places.- Walking time from the tube station to the check-in desks: 15 mins+
- Check-in desks to Security Control (passenger only area): 10 mins
- Passport control 1: 5 mins+
- Bag scans: 15 mins+
- Passport control 2: 5 mins
You are then in the departure lounge so can start duty free shopping and buy food and drink that can be taken on board most flights.
8. Security Scans
You can save time when you reach the front of the long, winding queue to have your bags scans by placing- your one piece of hand luggage in a tray,
- your liquids (in a transparent bag) in another smaller tray,
- your keys, cell phone, and small change in a separate small tray,
- your laptop computer in another tray,
- and then your coat in another tray.
9. Time to Get to Boarding Gate
Check the screens for your flight's boarding time and check the time needed to get to your departure gate. It is suggested it can take up to 40 minutes to get to some of the furthest gates. Boarding tends to start about 45 minutes before the departure time and it can easily take this long to board hundreds of passengers so don't leave it till the last minute. Airlines pay huge fines if they miss their departure slot as the airport is so busy therefore if you are late they may put out an announcement depending on the time left, or they will have to leave without you.10. Queue at Boarding Gate
Yes this is England and we sure now how to queue, don't we? You will have to wait in line to have your boarding card checked to enter the gate lounge, then (hopefully)after a short wait you will queue for the last time to board the plane.Now you've made it safely on board, see these tips for surviving long haul flights.
