FAQs: Filming, photography and recording
Search Heathrow
While millions of us enjoy flying every year there is a noisy downside for the people who live or work near to airports.
FAQs: Filming, photography and recording
How does the online permit system work?
Troubleshooting the online permit system
How much notice do I need to give?
How long does it take to get processed?
Can I change the permit once it has been approved/rejected?
Can I film/photograph/record airside?
Can I film/photograph/record on the airfield?
How can I make sure I get permission?
Where can I film/photograph/record planes taking off and landing?
In which areas are filming/photography/recording not permitted?
Can I film/photograph/record at check-in?
What is public liability insurance?
Do I need public liability insurance?
Who needs a permit?
Anyone wishing to film, photograph or record at the airport needs to apply for a permit.
Why do I need a permit?Heathrow is governed by byelaws which state that permission from BAA is necessary before filming, photography or recording can take place.
How do I apply for a permit?You apply online at www.heathrowairport.com/filming.
How does the online permit system work?1. Register your details online.
2. Fill in the form indicating:
Where you wish to film/photograph/record;
Time;
Date;
Crew size.
3. Agree to terms and conditions.
4. Confirm £5m public liability insurance.
5. Click 'submit'.
If appropriate, notice of the fee will be emailed to you and on receipt of this the permit will be emailed to you.
If there is no fee the permit will be emailed to you once approved.
You should then print the permit and keep it with you on the day. This acts as your proof of permission.
If your request is denied, an email notification will be sent to you.
Troubleshooting the online permit systemThe link doesn't work: Please try this alternative link to the site: http://www.baa.com/filmingpermit-enduser
Time and date format must be that shown below the boxes
Required fields: In addition to selecting where you wish to film/photograph/record you must input writing in the 'specifics' box below the tick box
Payment problems: If you encounter any problems when paying please take a screen shot of the error message (Alt + Print Scrn) and paste this into an email to heathrowmediacentre@baa.com
Generally a request must be made at least two working days in advance. Requests are usually processed in 1-2 working days.
How long does it take to get processed?Requests are usually processed in 1-2 working days. Generally a request must be made at least two working days in advance.
Can I modify my request?Prior to approval, requests can be modified by logging in and altering the required fields.
Can I change the permit once it has been approved/rejected?The permit cannot be altered once it has been approved or rejected. A new request must be made.
Will I be charged?Requests will be charged a service fee unless they are related to a current news issue or involve one of our business partners. The fee takes into account the number of people involved in the shoot and the time required on BAA property.
View location fees for commercial production filming
Equipment should be hand-held and battery-powered, with no cables trailing on floors, terminal forecourts or roads without prior agreement.
Broadcasters wishing to transmit live from the airport are required to provide details to the press office of their frequencies for any satellite uplinks, digital link-ups or radio mics that may be used.
Can I film/photograph/record airside?Permission is only granted in exceptional circumstances. Filming/photography/recording airside requires an escort and temporary passes must be arranged. You should apply online as normal at www.heathrowairport.com/filming
Special rates apply to airside filming.
View location fees for commercial production filming
Filming/photography/recording on the airfield is restricted and is not usually permitted. Any request that is made for this area should be put in writing to heathrowmediacentre@baa.com
Permission is not guaranteed. To ensure your request can be processed you should follow BAA's guidelines:
- Keep crew size to a minimum.
- Ensure timescales are not for an extended period of time – be precise.
- Ensure requests are made at least two working days in advance.
The best location is the Renaissance Hotel, located adjacent to the runway on the Bath Road. It has a media garden and can be contacted on:
Tel 020 8897 6363
Email marilou.nascimento@renaissancehotels.com
Filming, photography and recording are not permitted:
- Of BAA security screening controls (including boarding card inspection points)
- Of retail and catering outlets (without prior approval from BAA Retail)
- Of immigration controls (without prior approval from UK Home Office)
- In baggage reclaim halls or Customs channels (without prior approval from HM Customs)
- Of airline check-in areas or at departure gates (without prior approval from the relevant airline / ground handling company).
- Of members of the public or airport staff without their prior approval.
Written permission from the airline needs to be sent to heathrowmediacentre@baa.com
Parking is within the multi-storey car parks for each terminal. There are no special arrangements for general media parking.
What is public liability insurance?Public liability insurance covers the legal responsibilities of your production should your activities cause injury to a third party or damage to property. A minimum of £5 million is required for filming, photography or recording at Heathrow.
Do I need public liability insurance?Yes, a minimum of £5 million public liability insurance is required for filming, photography or recording at Heathrow.
What do the areas mean?Forecourt: This is the area outside the terminal entrance and includes the drop-off zone.
Arrivals: This is the public arrivals hall. Media are not permitted beyond the public area.
Departures: This is the interior of the departures hall and does not include the security departure gates. Also note that permission for the check-in area must be obtained from airlines and emailed to heathrowmediacentre@baa.com.
Other: You should indicate whether you wish to film airside or at check-in.
Airside: This refers to any area past security.
Airfield: This refers to the apron, runway, piers and stands. Filming/photography/recording on the airfield is restricted and is not usually permitted.
