How do you get through Heathrow fast?

Departures. Fast Track for departing flights is available to first and business class passengers in addition to top tier members of airline frequent flier programmes. Fast Track also welcomes American Express Centurion card holders.



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The fastest way to pass immigration quickly is to use the electronic gates wherever possible. I recently passed through Terminal 5 in less than two minutes this way. U.S. passport holders have been able to use U.K. ePassport gates at major U.K. airports including all London Heathrow terminals since 2019.

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Currently unavailable to book
We are currently unable to offer our Fast Track service to customers online. However, please do check with your airline if you are eligible to use the Fast Track departure service provided on behalf of our airline partners.

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At London's Heathrow Airport, Travelers Can Now Book Time Slots to Speed Through Security. The biggest airport in London will allow people to avoid long lines through security, but only if you make an appointment.

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Currently unavailable to book
We are currently unable to offer our Fast Track service to customers online. However, please do check with your airline if you are eligible to use the Fast Track departure service provided on behalf of our airline partners.

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How do I avoid immigration queues at Heathrow? Once the check is made successfully, the gate opens automatically for you to walk through. Using e-gates helps you to avoid the queues and get through passport control more quickly. A Passenger Ambassador is available to help should you need it.

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Everyone who boards an aircraft at Heathrow has to be security screened to UK government standards. Even if you've already been through security checks at another airport, we're obliged to screen you again before you fly from Heathrow.

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We recommend getting to the airport three hours before your flight if you're travelling internationally, or two hours if you're travelling domestically or to Europe.

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Fast Track is available for eligible customers. After clearing security, make your way to the departures level where you will find signs to A and B Gates. You must arrive at your gate at least 20 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time. After arriving at Terminal 5, follow the signs to Flight Connections.

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With services running every 15 minutes and with a journey time of approximately quarter of an hour, Heathrow Express is the quickest way to make your way into the capital after your flight.

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Use the eGates for quicker entry a national of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA.

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Overall, passengers usually have to re-clear security for connecting flights, though there may be some exceptions depending on the airport and flight itinerary. To make this process easier, checking with the airline or airport ahead of time is recommended.

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What is a good connection time? Travel advisers say there's a lot to take into account when booking connecting flights, but a general rule of thumb is 60-90 minutes between domestic flights and at least two to three hours for international itineraries.

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UK and Ireland flights connecting to international Follow signs to Baggage Reclaim – you will need to pass through Passport Control on your way, then go to check-in for your next flight. If you need to change terminals, you can take our free shuttle 24 hours a day. Note that in some cases, you may need a transit visa.

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You will need to go through passport control (and customs if applicable) and then check in again as normal for your connecting flight, so please ensure you have enough time.

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If you checked a bag, you'll have to collect it from baggage claim from the international flight. You'll need to clear customs and immigration.

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For British and European passengers, the “service level agreement” that Heathrow airport has with UK border force is for almost everyone –95 per cent of passengers – to be through passport control in 25 minutes. For other nationalities, the time is 45 minutes.

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Overall, it all depends on what type of traveller you are. If you can bear spending an extra few minutes in the queue, then it may not be worth the spend. But if you're travelling with small kids or on a tight turnaround, an Airport Fast Track pass might just save you a headache.

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Security shouldn't take more than 10 - 20 minutes but please do factor in time for unexpected events (delays in transport etc). Many long haul flights from T5 depart from B and now C gates in the satellite terminal buildings.

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