We are flying to Frankfurt July 11 with a 2 1/2 hr layover in Heathrow. I have been reading about the chaos in European airports (6+ hr lines, missing connections, flight cancellations at the last minute, etc) which has made me very concerned. Any one experiencing these issues in Heathrow or have any good advice? Thank you!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7357 posts
We connected through Heathrow on the way home from South Africa a month ago, and it sounds like things have gotten haywire since then. But your trip is 3 weeks from now, and things might improve a lot in that time (or maybe not), but I wouldn’t lose any sleep over concerns at this point. Be sure that you have any luggage that you’re carrying ready for security as you transit through the airport, and that will minimize any delay regarding that part. The security personnel last month were the surliest I’d ever seen in Britain … still nowhere near as bad as the nasty TSA people in the U.S., but maybe the Heathrow security are having more bad days now than ever.
If you plan to grab a bite during your layover, plan ahead. The restaurants/pubs in Terminal 5 last month were really slow, with really long lines of people waiting and wanting to get in and get a table. Staffing seemed to be the biggest challenge, with minimal, overworked waitstaff - and maybe the kitchens were understaffed, too. A takeaway sandwich or wrap might be your quickest food option, even if it wouldn’t have been your first choice.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11179 posts
have any good advice?
If you are traveling on a single ticket, no need to panic.
What happened yesterday has virtually zero meaning for what might happen to you in mid July. My unscientific observation is that changing planes is less of a problem than the initial airport check-in and security process
I would make a list of what the alternate flights are should something go amiss and you do not make your planned connection. Make it easy/easier for the rep to find a workable solution
Happy travels
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4857 posts
First, are your flights on a single ticket? If so, you can stay airside, and just follow the purple flight connection signs. But I'd still hustle until you reach your departure area. If you are on separate tickets, then you definitely don't have enough time.
Heathrow has a really good website with good info on navigating connections.
Posted by
Freedonia
15003 posts
Go this website for instructions:
and it will give you instructions on what to do.
It's out of your hands right now. Just be flexible in case of changes.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thanks for all the helpful info. 😊 we are on a single ticket, flying from San Jose, CA, so I assume we will have to go through customs in Heathrow even though Frankfurt is our final destination? We plan to only take carry on bags.
Posted by
Freedonia
15003 posts
No, you do not have to go through customs at Heathrow is you are one ticket. You follow the flight connections signs.
Please use the link I posted to get step by step instructions.
What airlines are you flying?
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Flying British Air. Would we have to go through security line in Heathrow? Thanks for sharing the Heathrow connection app
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11179 posts
Would we have to go through security line in Heathrow?
Yes!
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2186 posts
I would recommend checking to see which terminal your second flight departs from. We arrived on our BA flight in Terminal 5 but departed from Terminal 3 for our second flight. Usually we arrive and depart from #5 so we were on autopilot and just followed our usual purple sign. We had to back-track and follow the purple sign for #3. We went downstairs where they checked boarding passes and then got on a bus for #3. We did security at #3 and they take security very seriously; make sure you follow directions about what needs to come out of any carry-on items.
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
All carry-on liquids, etc., must fit in a single 1-quart bag. The UK doesn't make an exception for medically-necessary liquids; all liquids must fit in one bag.
Posted by
Freedonia
15003 posts
It looks like both of your flights are at Terminal 5 at Heathrow. That will make life easier.
Another word on your liquids bag, Heathrow security does not like fancy 3-1-1 bags. Just a simple ziploc bag. They have them if there is a problem and they come with a handle.
Posted by
USA
55 posts
Hi, barblouttit,
Heathrow was crowded and understaffed when we came through on June 5 and again yesterday (June 19). You have a 2 1/2 hour layover, which is good. My advice is the same as others—all liquids in your carry-on luggage or purse go in ONE quart size ziploc. You will go through security at LHR before your connection, and they do not play around. DO NOT delay from your arrival gate to your connecting gate. Distances are sometimes longer than they seem.
I posted about this in a trip report just today.
Also—masks are an option, and most people opt not to wear them. Everyone is respectful of personal choice, so do what makes you comfortable.
It’s doable, but just be aware of your time!
Posted by
2324 posts
The Guardian is all over it:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/jun/20/easyjet-cut-flights-summer-holidays-london-gatwick