Overview:
Given the sprawling mess that is LHR, here's a first attempt at gathering information about it. Please chime in with yours, and I'll incorporate them as soon as I can.
The airport’s website: http://www.heathrowairport.com/
Arriving:
Formalities:
A landing card is required for non-EU, non-Norwegian (cheers, MovieMan ), and non-Swiss citizens. These should be handed out during your flight; if not, ask the cabin crew.
There should a fast track service for business class and first class passengers flying into T1, T3 and T4 on longhaul flights. You'll need the pink form from the cabin crew, and this will entitle you to a quicker passage through immigration compared to the non-EU and non-IRIS (see below) options. Note, however, that some airlines might not be happy for you to take this option if you have an EU passport. I remember a UA FA snatching the fast-track folder away from my hand after I returned the landing card.
Those who travel frequently to the UK can apply for IRIS, which takes a picture of your, yes, iris, so that you can bypass the usual immigration hassles. Applying in T3 was very painless for me, so I heartily recommend this option. IRIS, when it works, saves me time even compared to the EU/Swiss line.
Enrolment details here: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/app...ntopeningtimes .
Tips for those with IRIS clearance. (1) First, don't look into the viewfinder until you see the white light turn on (there will be three potential options, only one of which will turn on). (2) Put your eyes close to the screen then VERY SLOWLY move back. Really, just imagine yourself in a slow-motion world. Ignore the irritating voice message; just move back very slowly so that the machine can catch an image of your irises. The biggest mistake people make is to try to move back quickly to try to center their eyes on the two green dots on the screen. (3) The fastest way to get your iris scanned (IME) is to center your left eye on the correesponding green dot, and then move back slowly so that your right eventually hits the other green dot. (Alternatively, you can use your right eye as the anchor. Same process, though: move back slowly, keeping the anchor eye on the green dot, until the other eye aligns with the other green dot.)
Luggage reclaim: Do priority tags work?
In T3 with the quality airlines (SQ and CX), yes, they work. In all the other cases (IME), it's a roll of the dice.
Transport to Town tips: what’s the best way?
The cheapest way is to use the Underground, which is most convenient if your stop is on the Piccadilly line. (Thanks to jhm for reminding me of an option I use myself. ) This option isn't so convenient if you have heavy luggage and you have to change Tube lines.
The next cheapest and often the most convenient option is to take the Heathrow Express (HEX) into Paddington station, and then take a cab from there to your ultimate destination. This is particularly quick when you arrive at rush hours (0800-1000 and 1700-2000).
The downside to this is that taking the HEX requires a fairly long walk in the subterranean passages beneath LHR. If you have a lot of luggage, you might find that taking a cab (and spending £20-£30 more than with the HEX + cab option) is worth the hassle.
Are there any left luggage services? Where and how much?
Yes, see the website. In T3, it's to the left near where you exit the terminal towards the cab stand. £4 per item per 24 hours.
Departing:
Best way to get back to the airport from town: how much will it cost?
When I'm not laden with luggage, I prefer the cab + HEX option. It's around £40 from Central London. If with heavy luggage, I prefer the cab option, because it requires less huffing and puffing. Cost = £50-60 from Central London.
Which terminal? Who flies out from where?
Summary of key flights:
T1: BA, BD
T2: Most intra-Europe non-BA carriers (e.g., LH, LX, OS)
T3: Asian and North American carriers; SK; VS; BA (LHR-MIA)
T4: BA, QF, KL, SA
See the LHR website for more specifics.
Who has lounges here, and which one can I use?
Highlights:
T1 and T4: BA (for oneworld Sapphires and Emeralds); if you're Sapphire and you're in T4, use the Gate 1 Lounge (see tips below)
T3: *A = London Lounge (run by SK and AC) , SKL , UA; oneworld = CX , AA; KrisFlyer Elite Gold and PPS = VS CH
T2: formally, the LH lounges (note: non-Senator *G will get access only to the business side), but really the lounge situation in T2 is dire
Any immigration forms on departure?
No, but you'll be asked to show your passport after the first security check at T3.
Any airport tax to be paid on departure?
No, it's included in the ticket price.
Is there free internet around somewhere?
AFAIK, only in the lounges. If using SKL wireless, you will need to get the login details from the front desk. At the VS CH, the computer terminals are wireless laptops.
How strict are they with hand luggage here?
As of 7 January 2008, two pieces are allowed: one measuring at most 56 cm x 45 x 25, plus a 'personal item'. Weight isn't regulated by BAA, but it might be by your specific airline. There is no published definition for the size of the 'personal item', so be cautious of the fact that whether your item violates the definition will be within the discretion of the personnel watching the security area.
Security: Laptops out? Shoes off? Tips? Any No-Liquid restrictions?
As of 7 Jan 2008, laptops are no longer required to be taken out of bags. Jackets and coats must be removed, and technically, it's shoes off. I have, however, seen instances when this last requirement was waived.
Per EU regulations, carryon liquids and gels must be in containers no more than 100 ml, all of which must fit inside a closed, transparent, resealable plastic bag (itself no more than 1 liter/1 quart in volume).
Can I smoke in this airport? Where?
None after England banned smoking in enclosed areas.
Anything I should avoid?
Yes, transiting at LHR.
Other general tips
T1: If you're a oneworld Sapphire or Emerald, or travelling in Club Europe, Club World or First Class, use Zone R to check in. Much more civilized, and the security lines are shorter. If you're using the Terraces side of the BA lounge, the upstairs section (head towards the toilets and showers, and you'll see a staircase) is quieter and generally more relaxing.
T2: Arrive as close to your departure time as allowed. This terminal is the pits, and the lounge options suck.
T3: If travelling in Y, arrive to allow for the clueless passengers who hold up the security lines. The best lounge for *A is SQ's (I don't like the food selection at the London Lounge); the best lounge for oneworld is CX's; and the best lounge overall is the VS Clubhouse (accessible to SQ *G even when travelling SQ Y). Good shopping opportunities (I think the Gucci and Bally outlets are particularly good).
T4: If you're OW Sapphire, use BA's Gate 1 Lounge: hot food (mmm, bacon baguettes at breakfast) and window views of the tarmac. If you're OW Emerald, the BA First Class lounge isn't too bad outside the peak hours (early morning, late afternoon / early evening). The bacon sandwiches are larger, the menu selection isn't too shabby, and they often have some special dessert .
Connecting through LHR
Connecting through here:
Sorry, no experience there, thank God. But SQFAN shares his experiences here.
Basically, you follow the signs to the Flight Connection Centre for intra-terminal transfers. Navigating the line can take a VERY long time; it depends on the time of day. Consider yourself warned.
Overnighting at this airport:
Is it possible?
No. You'll have to book a room in the hotel close to the hotel. See this thread for advice.
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