We recommend that you allow the following minimum connection times: 1 hour for connections within the same Heathrow terminal. 1 hour 30 minutes for connections that require travel between terminals at Heathrow.
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.
Unfortunately, due to the situation with Covid-19, we are currently unable to offer our Fast Track service. We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to assisting you in the future.
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.
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.
The peak times at London Heathrow Airport is from 10 AM to 1 PM, and 5 PM to 8 PM. Since London Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the UK, you'll find it jam-packed with passengers 24/7.
If you are eligible to use an e-Passport gate then we recommend that you do so. E-Passport gates are automated, where a passport reader and camera, rather than a border officer, will verify your identity and check your passport. Once the check is made successfully, the gate opens automatically for you to walk through.
Most (but again, not all) airports connect international terminals airside. When you're connecting from an international flight to a domestic one, you'll always have to exit and reenter security as you'll need to go through customs and immigration (unless you have gone through preclearance aboard, which is rare).
UK and Ireland flights connecting to internationalFollow 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.
Customs and immigration are usually required at the connecting airport for international flights. You don't always have to for domestic flights. In most cases, passengers on layover flights must clear customs and immigration at the first point of entry.