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.
Upwards of 1500 people trying to clear immigration and more flights arriving each minute. Best you can hope for is about 20 minutes, but with recent staffing issues as long as 5 hours. Can I transfer from London Heathrow Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 without going through immigration?
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.
Heathrow Airport's Terminal 4 is the base of operations for the remaining members of the SkyTeam alliance. These are China Eastern Airlines, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Saudia, TAROM and Vietnam Airlines. Meanwhile, oneworld's Malaysia Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and Qatar Airways are also present.
The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.
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.
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.
Many flights from the United States arrive at Heathrow between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. (local time) each day, so this is when you can expect long lines at immigration. Similarly, each Sunday from 5 p.m. onwards many Brits will be returning from weekends away so there will likely be long waits.
How long does customs usually take? On average, it takes travelers 17 minutes and 53 seconds to get through Immigration and Customs. This number will vary based on the airport you're traveling through, the time of year you're traveling, and the time of day you're arriving at the airport.
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.
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.