LHR
London Heathrow Airport
Practical guidelines for London Heathrow Airport — security, bags, and connections. Take the full checklist offline in the app.
Baggage
Baggage handling
Most long-haul carriers allow 23kg per checked bag in economy. Baggage carts require £2 coin (refundable). Lost baggage: report immediately at airline desk before leaving baggage hall.
boarding
Boarding process
Gates close 10 minutes before departure for domestic, 20 minutes for international. Priority boarding for families and premium passengers first.
Check-in
Check-in times
Counters open 3 hours before long-haul departure. Bag drop closes 60 minutes before departure. Online check-in recommended; bag drop kiosks available.
customs
UK Border Force
EU/EEA/Swiss nationals use eGates with biometric passports. Other nationals queue for manual inspection. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for visa-exempt visitors. Declare goods over personal allowance.
- Use the Heathrow app for live queue times
- eGates require chipped passport
facilities
Terminal amenities
Free Wi-Fi (Heathrow Wi-Fi). Lounges, hotels airside and landside. Multi-faith prayer rooms. Changing places facilities in Terminal 2 and 5.
local rules
UK airport regulations
Smoking only in designated outdoor areas landside. No smoking airside. Drone operation prohibited within airport perimeter. UK plug type G sockets available.
Security
UK aviation security
Heathrow enforces the UK Department for Transport 100ml liquid rule strictly. All liquids must be in a single transparent resealable bag. Large electronics and power banks must be removed and screened separately. Lithium batteries over 160Wh prohibited in checked baggage.
- Liquids bought airside are allowed on connecting flights within UK
- Laptop and tablet out of bag
- Empty water bottles can be refilled airside
transit
Airside transit
Transit passengers do not pass through UK immigration if remaining airside. Minimum connection time varies: 60 min same terminal, 90+ min terminal transfer via free transit train.
- Follow flight connections signage
- Heathrow Express not needed for terminal transfers
Fly prepared — on your phone
Full LHR profile, boarding-pass checklist, and AI coach offline.