From US through Heathrow to London.
1. Do we have to go through customs at Heathrow Airport?
2. Do we have to reclaim our luggage and then re-check it ?
3. What is Passport control and do we have to do that?
4. Do we have to go through security again or just go to the next connecting gate?
Headed on our honeymoon and flights and days and arrangements have been changed multiple times at much expense and now through London and a much later arrival - we lose the whole first day!
Helpful info here ---- https://www.heathrow.com/connecting-flights
Assuming you have a single ticket it pretty much is just the march from one gate to the next with a trip through security screening in between.
If you are connecting through to Paris via London
1) No.
2) If it's on one ticket, then your luggage should automatically be transferred to your Paris flight. Make sure the tag the airine puts on in the USA says CDG or ORY depending on which airport you are going to in Paris.
3) Many Americans have the bad habit of calling both immigration and customs.....customs. It's a mistake They are two different things. Customs is for your goods, your luggage. Immigration/Passport Control is where they check your passport. You won't do that in London. That will be done in Paris.
Normally, when you arrive at your destination you get off the plane and go straight to Immigration/Passport Control. After you clear that, you are directed to the baggage claim area. After baggage claim, you go through customs. (Usually just a walk through.) Then you enter the main terminal area and can leave the airport.
4) All transfer passengers go through security again at Heathrow.
Follow the link Joe gave above and it will give you step by step instructions.
Are you by chance on British Air? Just wondering. See the link shared above. When you get off the plane, follow the herd. You will see signs for transfers or transiting - You definitely will have to go through security again and take a tram to another terminal if it's BA.
It's easy. The longest part of it all will be standing in line through security.
Be aware that the security screening agents at Heathrow are very strict, and humorless. Make sure you empty your water bottle, clean out your pockets, etc. before you go through.
The oddest thing about security at Heathrow is ... you have already been vetted at your departure airport and have not been to any insecure area after stepping off the plane. So WTH?
Thank You for all your help. It has all been most helpful. I downloaded the link and I think we are ready to take on Heathrow!!
