Important information

Online check-in

This is the easiest way to check in when you’re flying and also ensures that you are able to get the best seat available. You can do it from the comfort of your home, office or hotel from 24 hours before your departure. It also saves you time because, when you arrive at the terminal, you can pass straight on to Security. If you have more than hand luggage, you can drop it off at any of up to 96 Fast Bag Drops.

So from the moment you arrive to passing through Security, it should only take around ten minutes.†

Ready to fly

To ensure we deliver the service you expect and avoid delays, you must pass through Check-in and Security and be ready to fly at least 35 minutes before your flight departs. If you miss this deadline, you will not be allowed on to your flight.

Passport and visa check for customers with hand luggage only

If you’re flying longhaul or taking a shorthaul flight to Moscow, St Petersburg, Prague or Kiev and you’ve checked in online or at a Check-in kiosk at the terminal, you will need to go to one of the passport and visa check desks before going to Security. This helps keep the flow of people through Security running smoothly as any problems will have been dealt with beforehand. If you have luggage for the hold, your passport and visa will be checked at a Fast Bag Drop or Customer Service Desk.

UK domestic flight security checks

To allow both international and UK domestic customers at Terminal 5 to enjoy the wonderful array of shops and restaurants on the concourses, there is now a new biometric check for domestic customers. Quick and safe, your fingerprints will be scanned electronically at Security and then again as you board. After this, all records are deleted, so you don’t need to worry about them being kept on file.

Transferring through Terminal 5

You’ll be amazed at how smooth transferring through Terminal 5 is. With Flight Connections conveniently located in the heart of the terminal, close to the arrivals gates, it should only take you 20 minutes from stepping off the plane to getting through Flight Connections.

And if your connection is from one of the other Heathrow terminals, you’ll be able to get to your departure point easily by coach.

† Based on the average time it takes one passenger using a self service Check-in kiosk and checking in one bag at Fast Bag Drop on a normal operational day.