Hi-
We decided to fly to London on a nonstop flight from the US on British Airways, but instead of staying in London we booked a flight leaving later (the same day we arrive) from Heathrow to Fiumicino Airport in Rome. Both flights leave from Terminal 5. Do we need to go through border control and back through security or can we just stay in Terminal 5 (follow the signs for connecting gates) . When writing this it seems like a silly question. But, the flights are not connecting flights although they are on the same airline.
Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1084 posts
https://www.heathrow.com/connecting-flights
A connecting flight is when you book one ticket and have multiple flights, arriving on one flight and leaving on another from the same airport.
Useful to know:
Heathrow has four terminals. Your connecting flight may depart from a different terminal than the one you arrived at.
Follow the purple signs in the terminal. They’ll guide you through the connections journey.
All connecting passengers must go through security checks at Heathrow, and the 100ml rule still applies when connecting.
Most passengers won’t need to collect baggage - it will be transferred directly by your airline. Check with your airline if you’re not sure.
You're not technically a connecting passenger if you've booked two separate flights. You'll need to pass immigration, collect your baggage then go through check-in, bag drop and security again.
Posted by
OP
Oregon
13 posts
Thank you! perfect. It is not a connecting flight so we will do exactly what you indicated-
You're not technically a connecting passenger if you've booked two separate flights. You'll need to pass immigration, collect your baggage then go through check-in, bag drop and security again.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5853 posts
Are you checking luggage?
If you are checking luggage you will need to go through immigration, pick up your bag, walk through customs, check your bag, and then go through security.
If you are not checking a bag AND you have your boarding pass for your flight to Rome (on your phone is ok), you can follow the flight connections. You will go through a security screening but not immigration or customs.
Posted by
Freedonia
16312 posts
Listen to Laura.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17470 posts
Yes, Laura gives you the correct advice. IF (and only if) you have carry-on only, and have your boarding pass in hand, you can use the “Flight Connections” path, even with separate tickets.
Apparently you have confirmed that both flights (arrival from the US and departure to Rome) use Terminal 5. You will still have to go through security after you de-plane to reach the main departure area in Terminal 5 A. If your plane from the US arrives at T5 B or C, the purple “Flight Connections” signed will take you to the underground train that connects the terminals. Just make sure you follow the path for Terminal 5 departures.
How much time did you allow between the 2 flights?
Posted by
OP
Oregon
13 posts
Time- We arrive at noon and leave at 4:15pm (16:15). I think this is enough time. We have carry on luggage. Arrive and depart terminal 5 unless the terminal/gates are changed. We will have our boarding passes on our phones. Expect to be a little rummy... 10 hour red-eye flight.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2297 posts
And make sure your liquids are all in a quart-sized clear plastic bag. They do supply the at the security entrance but you probably don’t want to be fussing about. TSA in the US can be more lax than security in terminal 5. Fruit can be an issue as well - I thought I could bring a piece through and it had to be pitched.
Posted by
Washington State
371 posts
Thank you for this information! I will be arriving at Terminal 3, connecting to a flight leaving from Terminal 5…both flights on British Airways, but on separate tickets because of a BA promotion. I’ll be carrying on only, so I appreciate having a better idea what I’ll be looking at, especially when my connection time might be a concern. The security at Heathrow is often interesting!