Hi. I am flying soon from the US to Heathrow, then onward to Sweden. I have been to Heathrow numerous times but usually have lots of time between flights and don't really pay attention to what lines etc. I am going through. According to my tickets, I fly into Terminal 5 and out of Terminal 5. My flight lands as 9:05am. After I deplane, what do I have to do (security, immigration, ????) to get to my next gate? I take carry on only luggage so will not have to pick up a bag. It has been a couple of years since I was there though and with tougher security etc., I was wondering about time etc. TIA
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
put your flight details on this guide and it will walk you through the process
Posted by
OP
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Thanks! Going to the link now!
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5467 posts
A little tip - if you happen to arrive at one of the satellite terminals (B or C) and you flight is departing from either of these (doesn't matter if it is a different one, only that it is not the main building A) then you can clear security at the satellite and not have to go all the way back to the main terminal to be mixed in with those checking in. The UK doesn't trust any other country's security.
This wrinkle is not well explained (maybe even at all) in the official transfer information although it is signed 'on the ground'.
Of course you will only know this when you arrive by checking where your arrival and departure gates are. They change from day to day so are not fully predictable. This may be why it isn't highlighted.
Posted by
Seattle
544 posts
Save time by using the elevators instead of the escalators. I learned this years back by watching a bunch of employees walk past the escalators and waiting for the lifts. Sure enough it's faster to take the lift even if you walk up while riding the escalators.
Posted by
OP
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
Good tips, thanks. I have never tried the lifts.....so I will give that a shot. I looked at a Heathrow map which showed Terminal 5, 5B and 5C. So if I am going in and out of 5B or 5C I can do security there and not go to 5. However, if I change buildings (5B to 5C for instance) I must go through security at 5? Okay, will definitely try to avoid longer security lines. I used the link above and it suggested 60 minutes would be enough time and I have much more than that, so we'll see. I normally try for a 3 hours time slot, but didn't quite get that on this leg.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5467 posts
They used to sign the lifts as being quicker than the escalators but maybe have in some areas realised that although true they are just ignored.
It can also be quicker to walk between the satellites than the shuttle train. This means going down an extra floor and although considered perfectly legitimate with signs, the
If you arrive at a satellite (B or C) and your plane leaves from a satellite (B or C) then you can clear security at the satellite and do not have to go back to the main building. If you arrive at or depart from an A gate then you have no option.