Heathrow security - As tough as they say?

You won't be going through security at Heathrow until your return flight. I haven't found it any tougher than anywhere else, really. Obey the 3-1-1 liquids rule, make sure you're not carrying anything on the "forbidden" list in your carryon bag, and cooperate with their requests, and you'll be fine. The last time I went through security at Heathrow (May 2007) the guy even joked with me about carrying Krisy Kreme donuts through (I had spent the night at the airport and KK was the first place open in the morning where I could get breakfast).

I've probably had more secondary checks at Heathrow than any other airport, but really it is the same procedure as here in the States. I've been pulled aside coming through the terminal or had to go through another check in the gate area. I've had to turn on my mobile or laptop. Sometimes the agents will pat you down (female agents pat down women travellers).

To be fair, I've probably travelled through Heathrow several dozen times in the last 10 years. Most of the time it is pretty routine.

The airport with the most toughest security is Frankfurt. At Heathrow when you return home on your return flight you will have to pass through two security checks: one general check after you pass through immigration, and another at the gate where they may hand search your carry-ons and/or do a full body search.

Hi Sherrie, My wife and I have travelled through Heathrow security each summer for the past several years. We have never had a problem. You will have greater problems here in the States than almost anywhere in the world. We did experience a strip search departing Ethiopia once. That was different. Just ask my wife. LOL Enjoy your trip.

The biggest issue I've encountered at Heathrow is that they tend to be very strict about not allowing carrying-on luggage beyond a certain size. Otherwise, security is tight - but it is efficiently run. Oh, and I've had some long lines at Heathrow's customs....especially when several planes get off at once.

"I've had some long lines at Heathrow's customs....especially when several planes get off at once."

I think this is a good example of the saying "two nations divided by a single language"

If you ask a Brit how long the queues/lines are at customs they will look puzzled because unless you have something to declare it is not an issue for us. The delays are usually at Passport Control/Immigration. The "customs" bit, after baggage claim, is for most people a quick stroll through the Green Channel into the Arrivals Hall.

Having said that, because of television and films most people understand American English so it's not really a problem. We do however, have a giggle at the term "fanny pack"!

long lines. and wait times.

Ironically the worst experience I've had was comnig back home at LOS ANGELES! The guy kept asking me 100's of questions, scanning my husbands passport 3 times, and asking us if we were US Citizens (duh.. you have my passport).

I've never had a tough time in Europe. Just be calm, polite, answer their questins, and no.. don't joke about bombs or terrorist.

Ive never had a problem. Maybe they "profile" and I dont fit the criteria??

Sherrie, I've never had a problem or delay of any sort at Heathrow. Touch wood, the process has always gone very quickly for me.

Linda, I won't even wear a "fanny pack" here for fear of getting used to saying it out loud.

Sherrie,

The only problem we encountered when we landed at Heathrow was that I didn't have my cousin's address of where we were staying at in London. I had all the addresses of all the B&B's we were staying at through the rest of our trip through Europe. They were not going to allow us to pass through until I came up with an address of where we were staying. The customs agent was really nice, helped me figure out how to use my phone to call my cousin's international cell number. I'm sure not all custom agents were as nice. He was even kind enoguh to pass along a warning to us about my cousins' neighborhood to watch ourselves.

Safe and Happy Travels to you!