All you need to know when flying from Heathrow

Heathrow is the UK’s busiest airport with two runways and over 200 aircraft stands! 86 different airlines fly from Heathrow to 193 destinations across 90 countries worldwide. What is even more astonishing is that there are on average over 1300 daily air transport movements.

Terminal’s at Heathrow

There are 5 terminals at Heathrow, terminal 2 is currently under reconstruction and reopens in 2014, while terminal 5 the main base now for British Airways was voted “The World’s best terminal in 2012”.

Before you arrive at Heathrow it is worth checking which terminal you will be flying from. If you do arrive at the wrong terminal all is not lost since terminals 1 and 3 are a short walk from each other and there are convenient transfers by free trains and buses between Heathrow Airport’s terminals 4 and 5.

Heathrow tube

Parking at Heathrow

If you are driving to the airport you will no doubt be looking to park your car while you are away. Heathrow is probably the most expensive airport in the UK when it comes to parking, but because it is the busiest you have the most options, in fact over 40 car parking products, whether it is on-airport, off-airport or the Meet and Greet Valet parking option. Competition is fierce so we suggest you compare quotes on an airport parking comparison website.

Generally the off-airport car parks will be the cheapest, look out for those with a Park Mark award as these have passes certain security measures, but allow some extra time to be transferred to the airport. The easiest option but most expensive is Meet and Greet, simply drive to the terminal short stay car park, drop your car off and it will be taken to a car park close to Heathrow while you are away. On-airport parking can be the fairly expensive but you can park within the airport boundaries and transfer quickly to your terminal.

Hotels at Heathrow

It can be stressful getting to the airport on time, especially if you have an early morning flight and want to avoid the motorway jams on the M25, M4 and M3. So another option can be to book an airport hotel at or close to Heathrow, some can even include a car parking package so you can leave your car on-site at the hotel or sometimes at a nearby secure car park. Most hotels at Heathrow are connected to the airport by the Heathrow Hoppa bus service so transferring to your terminal in the morning should be easy.

Again we would suggest you compare quotes and found airport-hotels.co.uk specialise in listing purely airport hotels with or without parking, they include all the quality hotel brands and some local hotels you may never have heard of.

Security and Baggage Restrictions at Heathrow

As with all airports you will be required to pass through security before reaching the departure lounge airside and finally your gate to board your plane. Here are a few handy tips and what to expect:-

  • Only two items of hand baggage may be taken through security control, and they must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in). A laptop counts as one piece of hand luggage.
  • Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less. They must be carried in a transparent bag measuring no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in).
  • You may be required to be screened using a full body scanner, failure when asked to do this will mean you will be refused entry and unable to fly.

There are many items that are not allowed through security and if you are in any doubt we suggest you check out the current list of prohibited items.

Retail Therapy at Heathrow

If you are like me then you try to get to the airport with some extra time to shop and with over 80 retail outlets across the terminals there is something for everyone, whether you simply want to exchange some travel money, buy something for the beach or stock up on some duty free perfume or spirits. Most shops at Heathrow are open between 05:30 – 22:00.

Eating at Heathrow

There is no shortage of eateries whether restaurants, café bars, bars or Barista’s. In fact there are over 40 outlets to choose from with something to suit all budgets. Most of the names you will recognise which include Carluccio’s, Café Rouge, Caffé Nero, Krispy Crème, Gordon Ramset Plane Food, M&S Simply Food, Pret a Manger and YO! Sushi to name a few.

Essential Information

Website www.heathrowairport.com

Heathrow Airport
Hounslow
Middlesex
TW6 2GW

  • Terminal 1: TW6 1AP
  • Terminal 3: TW6 1QG
  • Terminal 1: TW6 3XA
  • Terminal 3: TW6 2GA