Heathrow Transit Passenger Guide

Connecting flights at a major hub requires precise timing and clear directions. Passengers remain airside or pass through immigration depending on routes. Professional assistance ensures smooth transfers between aircraft.

Connection Types Explained

Airside connections avoid border controls. Passengers stay within secure zones. Landside transfers require immigration clearance.

Flight minimum connection times vary. Domestic to domestic allows 45 minutes. International to international needs 75 minutes minimum.

Flight Information Displays

Screens show connecting gate numbers. Staff interpret codes and walking times. Colour coding indicates urgency levels.

Mobile apps push gate updates. Greeters activate notifications. Backup plans prepare for late inbound aircraft.

Airside Transit Process

Follow purple connection signs after disembarking. Staff meet at gate or designated zones. They carry hand luggage during transfers.

Security screening applies to certain routes. Liquids purchased airside travel freely. Staff prepare trays efficiently.

Lounge Access During Layovers

Transit passengers enter airline lounges with tickets. Day passes sell at independent facilities. Staff escort and manage entry requirements.

Shower suites refresh after long flights. Quiet rooms suit overnight connections. Workstations provide printing and charging.

Landside Connection Procedures

Immigration queues process quickly for transit visas. Staff prepare landing cards. Biometric gates speed eligible nationalities.

Baggage transfers handle automatically between airlines. Greeters confirm tagging. Manual collection required for some carriers.

Transport Between Terminals

Heathrow Express connects Terminals 2, 3, and 5. Journey takes four minutes between stations. Staff validate tickets and manage platforms.

Shuttle buses serve Terminal 4 routes. Timetables display at stops. Greeters calculate transfer windows.

Walking Transfer Options

Terminals 2 and 3 connect via pedestrian tunnels. Journey takes 10 minutes maximum. Staff carry bags and set pace.

Layover Activity Planning

Short connections prioritise gate proximity. Staff recommend closest coffee points. Longer layovers allow shopping exploration.

Art installations display throughout terminals. Greeters provide self-guided tour maps. Viewing decks watch aircraft movements.

Meal Options Airside

Restaurants serve international cuisine. Staff suggest quick-service for tight schedules. Allergy information displays clearly.

Picnic areas allow personal food consumption. Water fountains refill bottles. Staff locate nearest facilities.

Currency and Shopping

Duty-free purchases travel to final destination. Staff explain liquid rules per sector. VAT refunds process on exit.

Book stores stock bestsellers in multiple languages. Electronics outlets demonstrate products. Staff compare prices across terminals.

Overnight Connection Support

Transit hotels locate airside in Terminal 3. Staff book rooms and escort guests. Wake-up calls coordinate with flight times.

Sleeping pods rent by the hour. Greeters reserve in advance. Blankets and earplugs provide comfort.

Special Passenger Needs

Wheelchair transfers continue throughout connection. Staff push chairs between gates. Accessible lifts operate 24 hours.

Unaccompanied minors receive continuous supervision. Greeters liaise with airline teams. Play areas entertain during waits.

Medical Requirements

Medication carries in hand luggage with prescriptions. Staff store in cool bags if needed. Medical rooms treat minor issues.

Flight Delay Management

Reprotection desks activate during disruptions. Staff join queues and secure seats. Meal vouchers distribute automatically.

Hotel accommodation arranges for long delays. Greeters coordinate transport. Communication updates flow continuously.

Boarding Final Flight

Gate information confirms 45 minutes before departure. Staff calculate walking time. Priority boarding maintains for eligible passengers.

Cabin crew receive handover notes. Seat preferences confirm in advance. Special meals load per booking.

Meet and Greet Heathrow specialises in transit passenger support. Expert teams manage every connection detail professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a transit visa?

Requirements depend on nationality and route. Staff check in advance.

Can I leave the airport during layover?

Landside access requires entry clearance. Staff explain rules.

What if my bag misses connection?

Airlines deliver to final destination. Staff track progress.

Are showers free in lounges?

Premium facilities include complimentary access. Day passes extra.

How early do transit desks open?

Assistance available 24 hours daily.

Can I charge devices airside?

Sockets locate throughout seating areas. Staff direct.

What food options for vegetarians?

Menus display symbols clearly. Staff recommend dishes.

Do gates change often?

Updates announce instantly. Staff monitor screens.

Can children play during transit?

Designated areas supervise under 12s. Staff escort.

How do I find quiet zones?

Staff lead to library-style rooms. Noise-cancelling headphones available.

What currency for airside shops?

Multiple currencies accepted. Cards universal.

Can staff store luggage?

Lockers available in transit areas. Staff assist.

Do overnight flights have breakfast?

Lounges serve from 5am. Staff confirm times.

How accurate are connection times?

Official MCTs guarantee feasibility. Staff add buffers.

Can I smoke during transit?

No facilities airside since 2019. Patches sold.