Special assistance: in the terminal
Facilities for the hard of hearing, blind and partially sighted
Induction loops are found in various locations throughout the airport (look for signs showing the 'sympathetic ear' symbol). Payphones and credit card telephones are available in all parts of the airport and are adapted for hearing aids. There are also text payphones in the arrivals area of each terminal, after exiting Customs.
Guide and hearing dogs are the only dogs allowed in the terminal buildings. The airport's directional signs are black on yellow, providing optimum contrast to assist all users.
Reserved seating areas
Reserved seating areas, identified by the use of special needs pictograms, are located in all terminals within the general seating areas. They aim to have the following features:
- Low-level flight information screens.
- An induction loop.
- Arms on both sides of seats.
- Space for wheelchair users.
Security checks
The safety and security of our passengers is our number one priority. All passengers must pass through security control before they enter the departure lounges. Wheelchair users will inevitably activate the archway metal detector, and security personnel are obliged to hand search passengers who activate the alarms: therefore chair and passenger will be searched. You can ask to be searched in private, away from the main security control area if you prefer.
Toilets
Most toilet blocks include a unisex accessible toilet nearby. Occasionally the accessible toilet is located inside the men's and ladies' toilets. Parents travelling with children of the opposite sex are welcome to use the unisex accessible toilets.
For further enquiries about special needs assistance at Heathrow Airport please call 0844 335 1801 (UK only). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call the Heathrow minicom service on +44 (0)20 8745 7950.
