Flight Connections FAQ | Answers to transit passengers' questions

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Connections FAQs

How do I connect at Heathrow?

The process for connecting at Heathrow depends on where you're flying from and where you're flying to. By using the ‘which terminal’ connections application and by confirming your inbound and outbound flight details, we will be able to create a personalised journey planner for you. If you do not know your flight number, please provide the location.

Where do I go when I land?

From the moment you enter the airport to the time you arrive in the departure lounge, signs marked Flight Connections lead the way and direct you to the correct terminal for your onward flight.

If you don't know which terminal you need, use the ‘which terminal’ application.You'll also find 'Which Terminal?' boards along your route at the airport, listing airlines and the terminals they fly from.

How do I find my gate number? 

When you reach your departure terminal, check the flight information screens in the departure lounge and listen for announcements relating to your flight. Gate numbers are displayed on these screens one hour before departure.

Do I need to collect my baggage at Heathrow? 

Your baggage may be through-checked to your final destination, but please confirm this with your airline as not all carriers offer this service. In the event that your baggage is not through-checked you must follow signs for arrivals and collect your cases from the baggage reclaim hall, then check your bags in as normal for the next leg of your journey.

Where do I get my boarding card?

New Flight Connections signUsually you will have been issued with all necessary boarding cards at your original point of departure, however, if this is not the case please contact your airline.


What should I do if my flight into Heathrow is delayed? 

If you are delayed and are likely to miss your onward flight, go to your airline desk on arrival.Your airline representative will be able to advise you of your options.

Who can I ask for help?

For all general enquiries please contact your airline representative or ask any member of staff at the airport. We have a dedictaed team of Flight Connections Advisors as well as Customer Service Hosts who will be more than happy to help you with your queries.

Where can I sleep overnight?

Don’t forget, there is nowhere to sleep in the airport. If your booking includes a stopover in a local hotel, then follow the signs to Arrivals – leave the airport via passport control, baggage reclaim and customs and then check in as normal the following day.

Please note it is a UK Border Agency requirement that all passengers entering the UK must present themselves to the passport desk at the first port of call. Therefore it is important that your passport/visa allows you entry into the UK. You can apply for a 24-hour visa on arrival. This is at the discretion of the UK Border Agency officer, who must be satisfied that you have a confirmed booking of onward travel within 24 hours.

If you need to find a place to stay, you can book an airport hotel with us.

What about liquids if I am connecting through Heathrow? 

If you are arriving from a country within the European Union (EU) you can fly with all liquids providing you have proof of purchase and the item was bought less than 24 hours previously. If you are arriving from outside the EU, all liquids must be in individual containers with a capacity not greater than 100ml. They must be placed in a single transparent, resealable bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in), and must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be fastened closed.

If in doubt, why not wait until you get to Heathrow and have cleared security. Once you have been security checked you will be able to shop at will in the final departure lounge. We have a fabulous choice of wines and spirits and all the latest fragrances – all at tax-free prices. The exception is Australia. You cannot bring any liquids over 100ml into Australia.

If you are transferring to another flight before you reach your final destination, particularly within the EU, store staff may need to place your purchases in a special sealed bag.

If you are flying directly to the USA or Canada, you will be allowed to carry liquids. However, if you are transferring within the USA or Canada you will need to place any purchases over 100ml in your hold baggage, which all passengers have to pick up before transferring to their next flight. A few other countries may have introduced individual restrictions – our staff will be able to advise you.

What is my minimum connection time?

Minimum connection times vary depending on your route and carrier. Please confirm this information with your airline.

What if I am connecting to another airport eg Gatwick Airport? 

Passengers connecting to Gatwick must collect their baggage as it will not be through-checked. Whether you have hold baggage or not, please follow the signs for arrivals/baggage reclaim in your arrival terminal, then use one of the available travel options to Gatwick.

Information about transport to Gatwick or Stansted

What baby facilities do you have at the airport?

Baby change facilities are in all terminals and any restaurant or cafe will happily heat a baby bottle for you, while most also provide high chairs and children’s menus.

What are you doing to make my journey better when I connect through Heathrow? 

We're making big improvements at Heathrow to give connecting passengers a better airport experience.

We are relocating alliance airlines within the same terminal so you will not need to change terminals. Also, finding your way from the landing gate to departure lounge will be made much simpler.You'll find key parts of the airport have been refurbished, and faster, better procedures have been introduced at security control.

And if you do need to transfer between terminals, you'll use new, improved bus connections, with a wait of no more than eight minutes.

Why do you need to take a picture of me when I connect on to a domestic flight?

New security measures are being introduced for passengers on domestic flights from Heathrow.

If you’re departing on a domestic flight, or transferring from an international to a domestic flight, you’ll be photographed before you pass through passport control.

We are required by the Government to introduce extra security measures to help safeguard the UK’s borders. Otherwise, it might be possible for an international connecting passenger to exchange travel documents with a domestic passenger and bypass border controls.

How does the process work? 

When you present your identification or boarding card at security you’ll be asked to face the camera to be photographed. When it's time to board, this photograph will be checked by security staff shortly before you get to your gate.

What will you do with my data?

Your photograph will be encrypted immediately to keep it secure, and will be destroyed within 24 hours of use, in accordance with the Data Protection Act. It will not be used for any other purpose. Data stored does not include your personal details.

Can I decline to supply my data?

These security measures are a Government requirement. Passengers who refuse to provide their data, or to validate it prior to boarding, will be denied entry and will not be able to board their flight.

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