I am coming in to Heathrow from the states to Terminal 5 and my mother is coming in to Terminal 3 at about the same time. I assume we will go through customs in our respective Terminals. What is the easiest way to meet up?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
If you plan on taking the Tube In to central London then the station at terminal 3 would make sense - Piccadilly Line trains originate at Terminal 5 and travel via Terminal 3.
Posted by
Calgary, Canada
37 posts
Hi t2a,
I agree with David that T3 makes sense.
I often meet people arriving at Heathrow, and I like to be comfortable when waiting.
In each of your Terminals (T3, T5) there is at least one coffee shop. I just go there and wait for as long as it takes. You and your mother could arrange the same thing.
One tip: although the airport is massive, the public part of the Arrivals level in the terminal is not huge. If you agree with each other not to leave the Arrivals level, you will find each other. I'm mentioning this in case Caffe Nero (my usual pick) is for some reason not available and you need a backup plan.
In the T3 Arrivals area this Caffe Nero is handy and large enough that you can usually get a seat.
http://maps.heathrow.com/index.php?zoom=14&area=62&lat=51.471617141716294&lng=-0.4574086809661416&utm_source=heathrow_main&utm_medium=retailer_instance_restaurant&utm_term=cafe_nero-t3-arrivals&utm_content=text&src=heathrow_main-retailer_instance_restaurant
Have a wonderful trip,
Jill
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5867 posts
Make sure you have a backup plan if someone's flight is significantly delayed.
Personally, when I am meeting up with someone, I prefer to meet at the hotel. The first to arrive can drop off their bag. Sometimes the room is ready and they will let you check in. If you leave the hotel, you can always leave a message at the front desk for the other party. There may be reasons you don't want to do this, but regardless, figure out your backup plan.