Meet & Greet Parking at Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Meet and Greet – Airport Parking Specialists

We know a thing or two about airport parking and as one of the largest providers of off-site airport parking, you can rest assured, your car is in safe hands.

If you’re looking for the easiest and most convenient way to park your car at Heathrow airport, our Meet and Greet parking is ideal. Perfect if you’re on a tight schedule, have lots of luggage or would simply like to make your way to the departure lounge without the fuss of parking your car.

We offer this service at all five terminals, in and out at the same terminal, or perhaps different in and outbound terminals; either way, this is no problem.

Meet and Greet

Heathrow Meet and Greet Parking at the airport is convenient, and stress free. Ace Parking takes the hassle out of airport parking by meeting you at your designated terminal and parking your car for you in our nearby secure carpark, whilst you walk straight to the departure lounge. No fuss parking that is safe, reliable and designed to save you time.

Ace is a direct member of the British parking association (BPA) and AVPCA.

OUR Advice & Guides

Meet and Greet Parking Heathrow

Ace Meet and Greet Heathrow Parking is the cheapest, most convenient way to park at Heathrow. It allows you to drive straight to your departure terminal, meet our friendly insured staff, who will then safely whisk your car to our secure Heathrow Parking for you. When you land, your car will be waiting at arrivals so you can jump straight in and drive home…Simple.

How it works – 3 easy steps.

Departure

1. Drive straight to your departure terminal or on-airport hotel.
2. As arranged, a uniformed ACE/MMP representative at Heathrow terminal will meet you, conduct a quick check of your car, and then take your car to one of our super secure car parks.
3. Then, simply stroll into departures with only your luggage and yourself to worry about.

Return

1. Call us when you have collected your luggage
2. Meet your Ace representative at the approved meeting point to collect your car.

3. Your car will be ready and waiting for you to jump straight in, and drive home / onto your next destination

More Information

  • Our Meet and Greet parking at Heathrow is available 24/7 365 days of the year
  • Meet and Greet Heathrow available at all terminals
  • The service is supplied by Ace parking in association with Maple Manor Parking
  • Our team of uniformed drivers take care of your car, parking it in one of our secure car parks for the duration of your time away.
  • All car parks are safe, secure and fully monitored with secure lighting and security patrols 24/7
  • Collection and return of all cars is just a few steps from Arrivals, within the multi-storey car parks
  • Our drivers will have I.D, are trained, fully insured and we pride ourselves on our punctuality and customer service.
  • Car Cleaning available on Request
  • Our rates are affordable and when you compare our Meet and Greet parking at Heathrow to the cost of airport transfers or the risks of parking at the airport itself, we’re confident we provide the best value for money. See Why Park at Heathrow for more info
  • You can leave your car for as little as one day – we believe in treating our customers fairly and have a long list of satisfied clients who use our Meet and Greet every time they fly.
  • Our valet car parking for Heathrow is quick to book, easy to activate and gives you complete peace of mind while you’re away on holiday or business.
  • Ace Parking is approved by Trading Standards

Park Mark:

  • By choosing a Park Mark Safer Parking facility you will enjoy the following benefits (1) the car park has been inspected by a specially trained Police Officer (2) uses modern security systems such as alarms and/or CCTV (3) regularly visited and re-assessed for inspections to maintain the Park Mark award.

Frequently asked questions:

Distance to Airport:

  • You drive directly to your terminal. Cars are stored off-airport at secure car parks located close to Heathrow Airport, but you don’t have to go to / from them.
  • Transfers:
  • No transfers are required. Once your car is picked up you can proceed direct to check in / drive home.
  • Arrival Procedures:
  • Please call ACE Airport Parking on 01293 533 000, 20 minutes before arrival at your terminal destination to reconfirm and let us know you’re on time, early or late.
  • An ACE representative will meet you at the correct terminal.
  • Staff wearing Ace meet and greet staff uniform, will conduct a brief check of your car, collect your booking confirmation and take the keys, leaving you free to continue into the check in area of the terminal building. Your vehicle will be driven to a secure compound and stored until your return.

Departure Procedures:

  • On entering baggage re-claim and when you have collected ALL your luggage please call 01293 533 000 which will enable ACE Airport Parking to return your car to you when you arrive at the return pick up point.

Car Park Security:

  • Off Airport Parking are secured and monitored.  All our car parks have been awarded the highest level security award ‘Park Mark’.
  • Minimum Charge: 1 day at day rates
  • Minimum Stay: 1 day
  • Maximum Car Size: No mobile Homes, lorries, caravans or trailers are permitted.
  • Insurance: All our drivers are insured fully comprehensive to drive your vehicle. As most companies in the motor trade, we use road risk policy insurance cover.

Meeting Points / Directions:

Arrivals

TERMINAL 1 – ARRIVAL (Postcode for Terminal 1 TW6 1AP)

  • Follow the signs to Terminal 1 Short Stay Car Park 1 (entrance on the ground floor NOT Short Stay Car Park 1A upstairs). At the entrance barrier, take a ticket (please hand this to our driver).
  • Keep to your right and turn immediately left down to the lower ground floor.
  • Turn right and drive all the way to the end, bear left and park in one of the Off Airport Meet & Greet parking bays.
  • One of our uniformed chauffeurs will meet you at your car.

TERMINAL 2 – ARRIVAL (Postcode for Terminal 2: TW6 1EW)

  • After passing through the tunnels (Tunnel road) into Heathrow Airport, follow signs for Terminal 2 Short Stay Car Park. At the entrance barrier, take a ticket (please hand this to our driver).
  • Turn left and drive down to level 2, follow signs for Off Airport Meet and Greet.
  • Park in one of the Off Airport Meet & Greet parking bays.
  • One of our uniformed chauffeurs will meet you at your car.

TERMINAL 3 – ARRIVAL (Postcode for Terminal 3 TW6 1QG)

  • After passing through the tunnels (Tunnel road) into Heathrow Airport, follow signs for Terminal 3 Short Stay Car Park. At the entrance barrier, take a ticket (please hand this to our driver). Drive up to level 3 Park in one of the Off Airport Meet & Greet parking bays. One of our uniformed chauffeurs will meet you at your car.
  • Please look out for your chauffeur who will be wearing a Maple Manor Parking Hi-Visibility jacket and carrying ID.
  • Please note that your specified meet time is appointed. If you should arrive before or after this time this may result in a delay

TERMINAL 4 – ARRIVAL (Postcode for Terminal 4: TW6 3XA)

  • As you approached Heathrow Airport, follow signs for Terminal 4 Short Stay Car Park
  • At the entrance barrier, take a ticket (please hand this to our driver)
  • Drive up to level 2 and Park in one of the “Off Airport Meet and Greet” parking bays
  • One of our uniformed chauffeurs will meet you at your car.

TERMINAL 5 – ARRIVAL (Postcode for Terminal 5: TW6 2GA)

  • As you approach Heathrow Airport, follow signs for Terminal 5 Short Stay Car Park
  • Drive up the ramp, filter to the right and drive under the yellow height restriction
  • KEEP LEFT and follow the signs for the Short stay Level 4
  • Follow the Avis signs towards the third set of barriers, take a ticket (please hand this to our driver).
  • Follow “OFF AIRPORT” signs and park in the “OFF Airport Meet and Greet” parking bays.
  • One of our uniformed chauffeurs will meet you at your car.

Return

Please call our Dispatch Office as soon as you have collected your luggage. If you do not have any hold luggage, please call as soon as you have cleared passport control and follow the directions below to the meeting point at the relevant terminal.

TERMINAL 1 – RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

  • As you exit the ARRIVALS hall, turn left and follow signs for Short Stay Car Park 1.
  • Once inside the car park take the lift down to the ground floor.
  • Your vehicle will be returned to the Off Airport Meet & Greet parking bays.

TERMINAL 2 – RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

  • After leaving the Arrivals hall, follow signs for Short Stay Car park Take a lift up to level 2 (the first set of lifts do not stop on level 2).
  • Your vehicle will be returned to the Off Airport Meet & Greet parking bays.

TERMINAL 3 – RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

  • After leaving the Arrivals hall, follow signs for Short Stay Car park.
  • Your vehicle will be returned to the Off Airport Meet & Greet parking bays on level 3.

TERMINAL 4 – RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

  • After leaving the ARRIVALS HALL, follow signs for “Short Stay Car park”
  • Your vehicle will be returned to the “Off Airport Meet & Greet” parking bays on level 2

TERMINAL 5 – RETURN INSTRUCTIONS

  • After leaving the Arrivals hall, follow signs for “Short Stay Car park”
  • Your vehicle will be returned to the “Off Airport Meet & Greet” parking bays on level 4.

Cancellations

  • Cancellations made with at least 24 hrs notice are refunded in full. Within 24 hrs bookings are charged in full.

For more information or to book your Heathrow meet and greet car parking, call 01293 533 000 now and one of our team will be happy to help.

We wish you a pleasant trip and hope you will use us again.

ACE AIRPORT PARKING LTD

If you were wondering what makes meet and greet parking with Ace Parking Heathrow so essential, compared to normal airport parking, we’ve rounded up 10 reasons.

  • Meet & Greet is convenient – Step straight from your car into the terminal. We′ll make sure you start and end your trip with reliable collection and drop-off at your convenience.
  • Meet & Greet is cost-effective – None of your extra holiday money needs to be spent on transfers, busses, trains to and from the airport (That’s for your enjoyment when you get to your destination!)
  • Meet & Greet is safer – Our Heathrow valet parking location is a purposed parking facility that is permanently monitored to ensure complete security of all vehicles stored there. One of the other safety features of meet and greet Heathrow valet parking applies to the driver themselves – arriving late at night as a traveller alone, or with children, you don′t have to worry about navigating to your car buried deep in some dark corner of a basement car park. With our valet parking in Heathrow your car will be ready, waiting and warm / cool for you to get straight into and drive away
  • Meet & Greet is perfect for those less physically able – For those with disabled cars, or who need special assistance, Meet & Greet is vital. This is the most convenient way to travel in your own equipped car, and be picked up by it too.
  • Meet & Greet is better for families – Families come with more bags, and more little people. Lugging kids and luggage on public transport or on transfers can start your getaway negatively by causing unneeded stress. Simply drive the whole family to the airport, and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Meet & Greet is quicker – Got out of that meeting late? Stuck in traffic on the way? If you then have to park your car and get transfers, it’s pretty likely that you’re going to miss your flight. For those with little extra time on their hands, meet & greet is the only one for you.
  • Meet & Greet is warmer! – It’s a common story – get off the plane when you touch down in blustery Britain and you wish you hadn’t still got your flip flops and t-shirt on as it’s pouring with rain or snow. How good would it be to come out of the terminal and be met by your own, pre warmed vehicle ready to get home?
  • Meet & Greet is cheaper than you might think – Ace Parking is 2012’s parking website of the year, and our quick and easy quotes come with a price match guarantee. You won’t find cheaper, and if you do, we’ll match it!
  • Meet & Greet is fully insured – Our fully comprehensive insured drivers will take excellent care of your car, with a commitment to provide customers with a consistent, reliable and quality service whether travelling for business, pleasure long or short stays.
  • Meet & Greet is quick and easy to book – The whole process is quick, simple and straightforward – book online in 3 steps or make one call to activate your meet and greet Heathrow parking. On your departure day we′ll be there to collect your car from the drop-off point at your Terminal, and there again when you step out of the airport on your return.

Is parking your car at Heathrow the cheapest option?

Many might think that airport parking is the most expensive option when deciding how to get to Heathrow Airport and in some cases, that’s true. If you simply arrive at Heathrow and park without booking, in the Heathrow Airport Parking spaces on site, it could end up costing more than your break away!

However, not ALL Heathrow parking is expensive, and after working out all the additional costs for public transport, airport transfers or taxis; pre-booking your parking with Ace Parking could actually be the cheapest, and by far the easiest option.

There are many ways to get to Heathrow, below we’ll go through them all, and give you rough costing; so you can see just how much you could save yourself.

(All prices and suggestions are from central London, please be sure to add on your additional costs of travel if you live outside of London.)

Getting to Heathrow Airport by Train / Rail

The fastest link between London and Heathrow is the Heathrow Express. Running every 15 minutes from Paddington to Terminals 2 & 3 in just 15 minutes, with a few more minutes to terminals 4 & 5.

  • Trains run between 05:10 and 23:25 from Paddington, and between 05:03 and 23:58 from Heathrow.
  • Although efficient if you’re from London, it is quite pricey, especially for groups, or a family.
  • The standard-class single fare is £26.50 on board or £21.50 in advance. Returns are £40 on board or £35 in advance. (Tickets are available online, at the station or on the train)
  • Onward travel prices from Paddington will range massively depending where you are going in London, or the UK. London is famed for its underground tube network, and is somewhat well priced if you have an Oyster card. (Fares from £2-£3) Trains to the rest of London and the South and West of the UK are available from Paddington, but are often highly priced (when going outside London) especially if not pre-booked.

Heathrow Connect

  • Heathrow Connect’s is another train service from London, which takes around 30 minutes as it stops along the way at local west London stations.
  • Prices are from £10.10 and they run every 30 minutes
  • Again this may benefit a single traveller with no luggage, but for all other travellers, and if you are outside London, train fares can really add up.

Getting to Heathrow by Tube / London Underground

  • You can ride the tube from central London, on the Piccadilly line, all the way to Heathrow in around an hour.
  • Tickets are £5.70 to zone 1 central London one way, or you can get a travel card, giving unlimited travel in Zones 1 – 6, for £17 (Anytime) or £8.90 (off-peak).
  • We would strongly advise against getting the tube with lots of luggage, as they can get packed, and many stations have lots of stairs; not good to drag that 30kg suitcase up!

Getting to Heathrow Airport by Coach

  • Although the slowest option, there are two companies that run frequent coaches from London to Heathrow Airport.
  • National Express takes anything from 40 minutes – 1 hour. They can be busy, get stuck in traffic, but do have prices from around £10 one way, but only if you book in advance.
  • Also available from Shepards Bush is the Easybus from Easy Jet. They run regularly, and again can cost from £5 one way. Cheap if you live near the London departure and pick up points, but are they reliable in London traffic when you have to catch that flight? What’s more, lugging around all your baggage and children may create a whole lot of stress before you even get to the airport.

Taking a Taxi To Heathrow Airport

  • This will by far be the most expensive option, coming in at anything from £60/70 depending where you are going, and of course how much traffic there is. (We definitely wouldn’t want to be stuck in a black cab running on meter in standstill traffic in central London!)
  • They may be convenient, and there will be an abundance of them waiting just outside arrivals for you; it’s whether you are able to pay such a high price for that convenience.

Driving your car to Heathrow

  • We’d probably all agree that packing your suitcases and family / friends into your own car, and driving directly from your homes to the airport is probably the easiest and most convenient way to get to Heathrow. You’ll arrive together, excited, and ready for your trip ahead. However, many follow the myth that airport parking prices are the most expensive way to get to the airport.
  • We look at the airport parking below for you.

Heathrow’s Airport Parking

Onsite Heathrow airport long stay / business parking is approx. £26-£30 p/d:

  • Advantages – On site / some spaces could be near to the departure area / internal transfers
  • Disadvantages – More expensive / still have to transfer or walk in the darker hours to your car / hefty charges if flights delayed / handling children & luggage

Offsite airport parking (From £9 p/d ):

  • Car Park out of Heathrow Airport’s boundaries such as a surrounding hotel.
  • Advantages – Often cheaper than offsite
  • Disadvantages – Safety / Transfer time & cost to the airport / Baggage having to be hauled around / handling children & luggage

Then there’s us, Ace Meet & Greet  Valet airport parking.

  • Not only do we have a price match guarantee, so if you beat our price for the same service you get the parking free; but we’re approved by Heathrow Airport themselves as a certified Meet and Greet / Valet Parking Service at Heathrow.
  • No messing on public transport, no paying extortionate fees in taxis, no wondering around looking for your car in the dark car parks in the middle of the night.
  • Perfect for families, the elderly, those in need of special assistance, business travellers, school & sports groups. It’s the least stressful and easiest way to park at Heathrow and believe it or not, one of the cheapest ways too.

Heathrow is the UK’s largest and busiest airport. With over 86 airlines operating from its terminals, its serves 183 destinations and a massive 90 countries, making it the busiest in Europe and the 3rd busiest passenger airport in the World. It also sees and handles the most amounts of international passengers around the globe..

  • Situated 15 miles west of London, Heathrow Airport is easily accessible via road, rail, bus, coach and more. Just 30 minutes from central London, or main tourist attractions of the capital city, check our Getting to Heathrow Airport section for further information.
  • Heathrow Airport plays great host to each kind of traveller that passes through it. For the keen shoppers, there is an abundance of duty free shopping on offer, from fashion, to books, to travel accessories to electrical equipment, within each Terminal, mostly terminal 5. For the group holidays, try one of the many bars and start your holiday early, or refuel your family at a delicious Heathrow Airport restaurant or eatery.
  • For the business travellers & frequent flyers, Heathrow has many top notch airport lounges, to allow you to relax or work, as well as business services, and many hotels nearby too.
  • Just in London for a few days? You are able to store your luggage so you can hop to London in around 30 minutes. Please see the Getting To Heathrow section.

Heathrow Airport Services

Shopping and Leisure

With a huge selection of great shops, for you to purchase those last minute essentials or save on high street brands, all Heathrow’s Terminal’s provide you with some wonderful retail therapy, to truly get into the holiday spirit.

Great High Street Brands such as:

  • Gucci
  • Paul Smith
  • Harrods
  • Zara
  • Ted Baker
  • Tiffany and Co
  • Hamleys
  • Kath Kidston
  • Alexandra McQueen
  • Burberry
  • Cartier
  • Hugo Boss

All your beauty needs :

  • Boots
  • Jo Malone
  • Rituals
  • Chanel
  • Fortnum and Mason
  • MAC

Books, Magazines, Newspapers & More:

  • WHSmith / WHSmith Books

Travel essentials, electronics & souvenirs:

  • Dixons Travel
  • Glorious Britain
  • Harrods
  • Boots
  • Case
  • Glorious Britain

Money / Currency Exchange:

  • Travelex
  • Money Corp

Eating / Drinking 

  • Café Rouge
  • Café Nero
  • Gordon Ramsey
  • Leon
  • Yo Sushi
  • Wagamama
  • Costa Coffee
  • M&S Simply Food
  • EAT
  • Giraffe
  • Oriel French Restaurant and Bar
  • Pilots Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret A Manger
  • Rhubarb British Restaurant and Bar
  • Starbucks
  • Strada
  • The Crown Rivers (Wetherspoon)
  • The Five Tuns

A comprehensive guide to all shops and eateries available can be found here: http://www.Heathrowairport.com

Duty Free Shopping: From perfumes & cosmetics to giant Toblerone’s & tobacco, fine malt whiskeys to jewellery & watches – The duty free shops have it all, and what’s more – it’s tax free!

Customs & Allowances: Each country has its own customs rules, prohibited items, and allowances. Check out our Security at Heathrow section, and be sure to check on the official Heathrow Airport Website what they are before you buy, or fly.

Airport Lounges: For those wishing to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the terminals, the airport lounges on offer at Heathrow Airport are not to be missed.

  • Plaza Premium Lounges are in terminals 2 and 4 and Sky Team lounge is also available in Terminal 4 too.
  • The No1 lounges are available within terminal 3 and can be booked here: http://www.no1traveller.com/
  • Servisair Executive Lounges, can be booked following this link: https://www.executivelounges.com/en/
  • Your airline may also provide lounges for their customers, so contact them separately.

Special Assistance: London Heathrow endeavors to provide for all those travellers who are in need of a little extra help. Whether it’s getting around the terminals, disabled toilet facilities or specially designed, reserved seating available in check-in-areas, the airport has it all on offer.

There are also help points set up in all Terminals, which provide free special assistance getting to and from the car parks, baggage reclaim halls and for routes to terminals requiring long walking periods.

Valet Parking: Ace Parking’s valet car parking is also perfect for those who do not need the extra legwork of getting to and from their Heathrow Airport car parking. We’ll simply pick up your car from you, outside departures at the airport, and deliver it straight back to you upon your arrival back to the UK.

Luggage Storage:

  • This service is available from Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5
  • There is a charge of £10.00 per item per 24 hours (or part thereof). The luggage service is operated by the Excess Baggage Company details of which can be found here: http://www.left-baggage.co.uk/
  • For all calls telephone: +44 (0)20 8759 3344
  • All email enquiries to : [email protected]

They also provide other services including:

  • A selection of travel accessories
  • Baggage shipping and forwarding
  • UK luggage and baggage delivery
  • Baggage wrapping
  • Unaccompanied baggage
  • Please be aware however, that Heathrow Airport does not provide luggage lockers.

Heathrow Airport connects the most passengers to the rest of the world each year, from the UK. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, or a first timer, it can be the quickest and easiest way to get to that holiday of a lifetime, that swift city break, that European festival, or that business meeting which could make or break your career – IF it goes as planned, without any airport hitches. Many things can happen to hinder your trip that are out of your control such as delayed / cancelled flights, and other issues that, without proper preparation, could cause those all too common Airport Hassles.

Whether it’s organising documents, dealing with missed connections, incurring expensive airport parking charges or getting through security, this guide will provide you with top airport tips, to make your trip as stress-free as possible, so you can concentrate on what’s really important – getting to your destination.

Before you fly 

As the scouts say – be prepared. Here’s a check list of things to prepare before your trip

  • Check In online –available with most airlines for up to 4 hours before your flight
  • Check you have correct /adequate travel insurance
  • Visa’s – Use the www.fco.gov.uk official website to check visa / entry requirements as well as any weather / safety warnings.
  • Check www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk for any jabs / medication required for your destination
  • Nearest British embassy details – Keep these in case you encounter any issues whilst away
  • Familiarise yourself with your destination with travel sites such as www.tripadvisor.co.uk or a lonely planet, so you can make the most of your time there.
  • Pack smart & light – proper packing preparation, & checking bagging restrictions with your airline, will ensure you don’t get charged hefty amounts for oversized baggage
  • Check Airport Traffic with Apps like Live traffic Info from the Highway Agency to avoid traffic jams en route to the airport
  • Familiarise yourself with the language with smartphone Apps such as Lonely Planet Translators
  • Check your destinations currency, familiarise yourself with it, and check current conversions on www.xe.com

Airport Parking Heathrow

Frustrating, expensive, non-secure, too far from the airport? – All common airport parking hassles. Luckily this is something you will not experience at Heathrow Airport, with the marvellous meet & greet service from Ace Parking. It is a simple and efficient service in which a fully insured chauffeur driver will meet you at either Heathrow Terminal to collect your car from you at a pre-arranged time that′s determined by YOU.

  • Drive your own car directly to the airport
  • No need to find us
  • No need to drag cases / children on airport transfers
  • No solo travellers searching huge car parks in the dark hours
  • Get off the plane, walk out the airport & jump straight into your pre-warmed car
  • Completely safe & secure parking, that is monitored around the clock
  • Professional, well-mannered valets
  • Reliable 24/7 Service
  • Cheap Heathrow Airport Parking – Price match guarantee.

Organising Documents

  • Make copies of your documents & keep separately / with family in case something is lost.
  • Passport – make sure its valid, not damaged, and has any required visa’s to your destination
  • Visa’s – Use the www.fco.gov.uk official website to check visa requirements and any weather / safety warnings.
  • Itinerary – Check all personal / travel details correct.
  • Special needs – Be sure to arrange all special meals, extra legroom, wheelchairs.
  • Accumulate all your travel itineraries on sites like Tripit – ‘A handy all-in-one app that collates all your holiday and flight confirmation emails into one travel itinerary’

Travelling with children

  • Use Ace Parking’s Meet & Greet service for your Heathrow Airport Parking – so you can go straight into the airport, avoiding hauling suitcases & tired children onto airport transfers, or finding your car in the middle of the night
  • There are many travel solutions for children – try sites like Mini Social to find great products to keep your little ones entertained
  • Make sure any food / bottles are 100ml or less to get through airport security
  • Prepare your children for your holiday with some fun tasks like exploring maps, reading books, watching films on the history, animals, food & plant-life of the destination. Or to get them excited, have a countdown chart to the departure day.

Boredom

  • It is essential to arrive at the airport early to avoid any airport hassles that may come up, but when things run smoothly, you may have at least a couple of hours to kill.
  • Heathrow airport has a whole host of things to do, eateries and places to shop. You can find these in our Heathrow Airport Services section.
  • Give yourself something to do – be it working on your laptop, reading with a Kindle, a book / magazine, or a good old fashion pack of cards!

Missed / Delayed / Cancelled flights

  • Check the status of your flight before you leave for Heathrow Airport – This can be on the Heathrow airport website, or there are fab apps like Live traffic Info from the Highway Agency.
  • If you miss your flight, or it is cancelled – Search for a new one with the super Skyscanner app.
  • If your flight is delayed / cancelled – check with your airline for any food / hotel vouchers, and new flight bookings

Getting to the airport, Heathrow Terminals & navigating around Heathrow airport

  • You will find all directions, airport maps, airport services and more travel information for Heathrow Airport in our Getting to Heathrow section

Heathrow Security

  • Security at airports has tightened significantly since the events that took place on 9/11. If you haven’t flown since then, or you’re a first time flyer, it is essential that you are aware of airport security procedures, so you can sail through, and not cause unnecessary delays for yourself and /or your family. We have dedicated a whole page to security at airports, offering dos and don’ts and general security tips.

Security at Heathrow

Security at airports has tightened significantly since the events that took place on 9/11. If you haven’t flown since then, or you’re a first time flyer, it is essential that you are aware of airport security procedures, so you can sail through, and not cause unnecessary delays for yourself and /or your family. Please use this as a guide only, and check Heathrow Airports website for more information.

  • How much time?
  • Long-haul flights – check in 3 hours prior to departure
  • European flights – check in 2 hours prior to departure
  • Domestic flights – check in 90 minutes prior to departure

General Tips

  • Have your boarding card / documents ready for inspection
  • Understand the baggage restriction rules
  • Place all liquids, gels, creams and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear, re-sealable, plastic bag for security staff to x-ray separately
  • Be ready to take off your coat, shoes, belts and hats if asked
  • Take your laptop, tablet or any other large electrical items from your hand luggage for separate screening
  • Security are there to help you – be nice to staff and always follow procedures

Baggage restrictions / restricted items

  • Ensure you check with your airline, and with the airport, what their baggage regulations are. Failure to do so will only slow you down at security, whilst having any prohibited / restricted items confiscated, usually without return or compensation.

Hand baggage rules

  • Generally it is advised, by Heathrow Airport, to keep hand baggage at the minimum, and although it is important to check individual baggage rules with your airline / carrier, they do offer these general guidelines;
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to be screened at security. They cannot rush through this important point, just because you are running late.
  • One piece of hand luggage only, which generally should not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. You may or may not be allowed to carry a handbag also, please double check with your airline.
  • Place all liquids, gels, creams and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear, re-sealable, plastic bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) for security staff to x-ray separately.
  • Please check below, or on the Heathrow Airport website, for a full list of restricted, and fully prohibited items such as sharp items.

Hold baggage / Check In baggage rules

  • Heathrow advises & recommends that its passengers place most items in their hold baggage so that getting through security is quicker, and easier. You are also allowed to take many restricted items such as razors in your hold baggage, which is checked – in, that you are unable to take in your hand luggage. Please see lists of restricted / prohibited items below, whilst also checking with your airline.

Medicines

  • Please check allowances for medical equipment such as syringes for diabetes, and other medication you need to travel with. You may need to phone your airline carrier or airport to check, and may need to provide proof of the medical condition you have.
  • Always have your prescription / medical note with you
  • There is a 100ml maximum with medicines also, and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.
  • There’s no limit for powder or pills, but it is advised that you check with the airline, and get their approval.

Baby Food

  • Following the events of 9/11, there are now tight rules around the carrying of baby foods / liquids.
  • It is advised you only bring the amount that you need for the journey.
  • Powdered milk foods, and baby wipes are accepted
  • Any milk or food in liquid, gel or paste form may need to be tasted by yourself. This can sometimes be up to 50% of the contents.
  • Boots offer a great service, where you can pre-order, and collect baby milk from the departure lounge, to avoid an issue at security.

Restricted Items

Common restricted items include, but are not limited to;

  • Scissors
  • Razor blades
  • Knives with
  • Household cutlery
  • Party poppers
  • Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons)
  • Tools
  • Catapults/slingshots
  • Toy or replica guns (Inc. water pistols)
  • Sporting bats and clubs
  • Billiard, snooker or pool cues
  • Darts

Prohibited Items

Common prohibited items include, but are not limited to;

  • Flammable liquids and solids
  • Oxidisers – such as bleaching powders
  • Organic peroxides
  • Gas cylinders
  • Tear gas cylinders
  • Infectious substances – live virus materials
  • Wet car cell batteries
  • Instruments containing magnets
  • Instruments containing mercury
  • Magnetrons
  • Fireworks
  • Non-safety matches, fire-lighters, lighter fuel
  • Paints, thinners
  • Vehicle fuel system parts which have contained fuel.
  • Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weed killer
  • Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
  • Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper
  • Radioactive materials

Body Scanners

  • You may be required to be screened using body scanning equipment. These Body Scanners are there to provide you with an extra layer of security, and are completely safe to passengers.
  • They have been accepted by the Government and introduced to, not only Heathrow Airport, but most airports around the UK.
  • Please see Heathrow Airports full information of body scanners here – http://www.Heathrowairport.com/Documents/Bodyscan_leaflet.pdf

Passport control

  • Passport Control is the first step for all passengers upon arriving at Heathrow Airport, unless you have a connecting flight.
  • You must get into the correct queues for either:
  • European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British nationals and Swiss nationals – (If you hold an EU, EEA or Swiss passport)
  • Other nationalities – (Non EU/Non EEA passport holders)
  • Please have your passport ready on the page that bears the photograph
  • Please ensure that all Visa, and entry cards are filled out correctly
  • You will be met at the passport desk by a UK Border Agency officer, who will need to be shown your passport, and any other supporting travel documents.
  • Please remember that your passport must be within date, and must not expire during your visit.
  • If you are on an international connecting flight, you will not need to clear passport control / customs
  • If you are on an international to UK / IRE connecting flight, you will need to clear passport control / customs
  • Please visit the UK Border Agency Website, for full details and more information on entry requirements.
  • e-Passports
  • Heathrow has the facilities, within all Terminals, to accept the new chipped EU Passports. If you hold one of these chipped Passports, are 18 years old or over, you may use the e-passport gates where you simply scan your passport upon arrival.

Duty Free / Customs

Every passenger arriving in the UK has to clear Customs. Three general rules from Heathrow Airport are;

  • Never carry anything into the UK for somebody else
  • Never bring prohibited goods into the UK. If in doubt, ask at the Customs information point.
  • If you are unsure about your duty/tax free entitlement, go to the Customs information point.
  • There are three different channels at customs;
  • Red – For all passengers with goods to declare
  • Green – If your journey began in a country outside the EU, and you have nothing to declare. Your hold baggage will / may have a white tag.
  • Blue – If your journey started in an EU country, and you have nothing to declare. .
  • For more information please visit the HM Revenue & Customs website.

Customs allowances

  • Each country has different Duty Free Allowances. It is very important that you check what they are before flying, if you intend to bring back cigarettes, perfumes, alcohol and more – If you exceed the allowances outlined, customs officers have the right to confiscate items, without return or compensation, and you may even face a fine.
  • Heathrow Airports website has a great tool, which allows you to easily check your allowances for your particular country / destination – Please use it before you travel http://www.heathrowairport.com/shop,-eat,-relax-and-enjoy/customs-allowances
  • Know your rights.
  • There are many policies lay out by the airport, and your airline, but please be aware you do have your own rights as a traveller too. If you feel you have been violated in any way, visit the Civil Aviation Authority website who offer consumer protection information for the air passenger, whilst also offering full advice on your legal rights whilst flying.

Finally – Be nice to your airline staff at Heathrow Airport.

It is very easy to get frustrated at the airline, cabin, security and counter staff at the airport if things go wrong like cancelled flights. Please remember that all these airport staff are doing their jobs, and are there to help you, and are people just like you. In stressful airport situations, try and be as understanding as possible – This will not only help things get resolved, but the staff will notice, and appreciate your manner, and be far more willing to help. So be nice J

Getting to / Around Heathrow

There are numerous ways to get to Heathrow Airport. We by far favour driving, and parking with Ace, as you will see from our Why Park at Heathrow section. It’s the cheapest and most convenient for business travellers, the disabled, elderly, families and more. Please find below, all the info you need for getting to Heathrow, as well as getting around when you arrive.

By Car and Motorbike

Terminals 2 and 3 – The terminals are close together at the centre of the airport site. Exit the M4 (junction 4) or M25 (junction 15) and follow signs for Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3.

Postcodes for satellite navigation:

  • Terminal 2: TW6 1EW
  • Terminal 3: TW6 1QG

Terminal 4 – The terminal is in the southern part of the airport site and has a separate entrance. Exit the M25 at junction 14 and follow signs for Heathrow Terminal 4. If you’re coming from the M4, leave at junction 4b and follow the M25 south to junction 14.

Postcode for satellite navigation: TW6 3XA

Terminal 5 – The terminal is on the Western Perimeter Road and has its own separate access road, reached from junction 14 of the M25. If you’re coming from the M4, exit at junction 4b and follow the M25 south to junction 14.

Postcode for satellite navigation: TW6 2GA

Motorcyclists have the advantage of free parking at Heathrow Airport but must be parked in the assigned bays in the car parks. Bikes will be removed if not parked in the proper place.

Height and weight restriction – Terminal 4 and 5

Terminal 4 Departures

  • Weight limit: 3.5 tonnes
  • Maximum height: 2 metres (6ft 6in)
  • Maximum width: 2.1 metres (7ft)

Over-height and overweight vehicles should use Terminal 4 Business Parking for drop-off and pick-up (standard Short Stay rates apply up to six hours).

Terminal 5

Customers using Terminal 5 should use the Fast track / Overheight Vehicles entrance on the ground floor of the Short Stay Car Park 5. Please note that this area has a 0 – 2 hours minimum tariff charge of £10.00.

Petrol:

24 hr Petrol stations are available at both North and South Terminals

By Train

  • Although it can be an expensive option, The Heathrow Express is the fastest rail link between London and the Airport. There are fast non-stop trains running from London Paddington every 15 minutes. Taking approximately 1/4 hr during the week, and slightly longer at weekends. Book tickets at http://www.Heathrowexpress.com/
  • There is also Heathrow connect that takes 30 mins, or you can take the Piccadilly line on the tube / london underground also
  • For all rail enquiries and other services running nationwide check: www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Coach

  • Although it will take longer, is less reliable, and is much more of an effort, you can get to and from Heathrow Airport by coach from more than 350 UK towns and cities including Central London, Brighton, Birmingham, Oxford, Norwich and Cambridge.
  • National Express is the largest UK based coach company providing a frequent services to and from the airport, including Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, London and nearby Brighton.  Book in advance on www.nationalexpress.com for the lowest fares or call +44 (0)871 781 8181
  • easyBus provides a low cost service running from  Central London running directly to and from Shepherds Bush and the Airport terminals.

Hotels near the airport

  • There is a wide selection of places to rest your head near the airport including some within the terminal buildings. Some provide shuttle services, others requiring short travel by car or train.

Popular hotels near Heathrow

  • Arora Heathrow (4*)
  • Comfort Hotel Heathrow (3*)
  • Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow (3*)
  • Hilton Heathrow T5 (4*)
  • Holiday Inn Heathrow (4*)
  • Park Inn Heathrow (4*)
  • Premier Inn Heathrow (3*)
  • Renaissance Heathrow (4*)
  • Sheraton Heathrow (4*)
  • Thistle Hotel Heathrow (4*)

Terminals

Heathrow Airport has 4 terminals,  2, 3, 4 and 5. Terminal 1 has now closed.

You can easily check which terminal you need to fly from for your forthcoming flight, to make your time at the airport as hassle-free as possible. Simply use Heathrow Airports handy Terminal Checker.

Terminal shuttles

Heathrow offers fast, convenient transfers between the Airport’s four terminals. Terminals 2 and 3 are a short walk from each other. Terminals 4 and 5 are served by free trains and buses.

Terminal Services

Whether you’re arriving, departing, welcoming family or bidding farewell to friends, there are many services available before, and after, security at each Heathrow terminal. From airport lounges to lost property, Wi-Fi, printing and VAT refunds, as well as many food and drink outlets, book shops, duty free savings, currency exchange, souvenirs & more. Heathrow airport has everything you need to make you comfortable while you wait.

For further details, and specific shops within each terminal, use the store locater