Connections FAQ

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Connections FAQ

Do I need to collect my baggage at Heathrow?

Your baggage may be through-checked to your final destination, but please confirm this with your airline as not all airlines offer this service. In the event that your baggage is not through-checked you must follow signs for arrivals and collect your cases from the baggage reclaim hall in arrivals and then check your bags in as normal for the second leg of your journey.

Where do I get my boarding card?

Usually you will have been issued with all necessary boarding cards at your original point of departure, however, if this is not the case please contact your airline.

What is my minimum connection time?

Minimum connection times vary depending on your route and your carrier. Please confirm this information with you airline.

How do I find my gate number?

When you reach your departure terminal check the flight information screens in the departure lounge and listen out for announcements relating to your flight. Gate numbers are displayed on these screens one hour before departure.

What should I do if my flight into Heathrow is delayed?

If you are delayed and are likely to miss your onward flight, go to your airline desk on arrival, where your airline representative will be able to advise you of your options.

Who can I ask for help?

For all general enquiries please contact your airline representative. Please note: there is BAA information desk in Terminal 3 who can also help with your enquiries.

What do I do if I am connecting to Gatwick Airport?

Passengers connecting to Gatwick must collect their baggage as this will not be through-checked. Whether you have hold baggage or not, please follow the signs for arrivals/baggage reclaim in the terminal of your arrival and then take the Speedlink coach connection to Gatwick.

Information on connecting to Gatwick or Stansted

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Please visit our Connections page for further information on changing planes at Heathrow Airport. The Connections map will help you prepare for your connecting route from one terminal to another, or take a look at the Connections grid.

What about liquids if I am connecting through Heathrow?

If you are arriving from the EU, you can fly with all liquids providing you have proof of purchase and the item was bought less than 24 hours previously. If you are arriving from outside of the EU all liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity. They must be placed in one transparent, re-sealable bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") in size, and fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be fastened closed.

If in doubt why not wait till you get to Heathrow and have cleared security. Once you have been security checked you will be able to shop at will in the final departure lounge. We have a fabulous choice of wines and spirits and all the latest fragrances – all at tax-free prices.

The exception is Australia. You cannot bring any liquids over 100ml into Australia. If you are transferring to another flight before you reach your final destination, particularly within the EU, store staff may need to place your purchases in a special sealed bag.

Please note if you are flying directly to the USA or Canada, you will be allowed to carry liquids. However, if you are transferring within the USA or Canada you will need to place your purchases over 100ml in your hold baggage, which all passengers have to pick up before transferring to their next flight. A few other countries may have introduced individual restrictions and our staff will be able to advise you on this.

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