Arriving at Heathrow



General Information

All terminals have an array of shops, restaurants, café and play areas for kids. Many of Heathrow's eateries offer a selection of restaurants that produce 15-minute menus – a guarantee that your food will ready within 15 minutes of ordering.
You should arrive three hours before scheduled departure.
Visitors from non-European Union countries can reclaim the sales tax (VAT) on purchases from a number of British retailers.
To claim, first purchase goods from any merchant displaying the Tax Free Shopping sign. You'll be given a tax refund form by the retailer – keep it along with your receipt.
When you get to the airport, take your receipt and form to the Travelex counter or the Customs desk (located before and after security). Please ensure the form is completed before arrival and ensure you have the items with you for inspection. Anything large and bulky (including clothing) will need to be presented before check-in. High-value items including watches, cameras and smartphones must be presented after security control.
It may be possible for the refund to be paid in cash but this will depend on the retailer where the goods were purchased.

CHECK IN POINTS & INFORMATION

After you finish the VAT, you will find large screens to guide you with all the trip information and the check in desks.
You can find check-in on:
- Terminal 2: Top floor
- Terminal 3: Ground floor (departures building)
- Terminal 4: First floor
- Terminal 5: Top floor
You'll find your check-in zone listed on the information screens near the departure entrance (the zones themselves are marked by illuminated yellow cubes).
You can also use online check-in to select seats and print boarding passes before you get to the airport. When you arrive, just drop your baggage at the bag-drop kiosk and you're ready.
At check-in or bag drop-off, save time, have your tickets and passport ready, and ensure your hand baggage contains only valuables and items you will need during the journey. Once your hold luggage is checked in and your boarding card has been issued you should proceed to security control.

IMPORTANT TIPS

Liquids, aerosols and gels in containers over 100ml are not allowed in hand baggage unless you are carrying duty free, sealed, in a tamper-evident security bag, liquid medicines or special dietary products, such as baby food. Liquids not allowed in hand baggage should be placed in your hold luggage.
Check complete guide and latest updates about security measures at the Heathrow airport on
www.heathrow.com/more/help-with-this-website/faqs/security-and-baggage
Heathrow has Christian Chaplains for Anglican, Catholic and Free Church denominations, and faith representatives from the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths. To get in touch call +44 (0) 20 8745 4261, or email at chapel@heathrow.com.
Heathrow staff called Ambassadors are airport experts, and they're equipped with the latest mobile technology to help them answer your questions fast.