Connecting flights

All connecting passengers must go through security again at Heathrow, and the 100ml rule still applies when connecting. This is because any passenger flying from a UK airport must comply with UK security checks. Make sure you allow enough time so you don't have to rush when catching your next flight. Check out our security guidelines. 

Unless you’re arriving on an international flight and connecting to a domestic flight, you won’t need to go through immigration. Passengers transferring from an international to a UK or Republic of Ireland flight will have a biometric image taken of their face. For more details, see Flying within the UK and Ireland.

Most passengers won’t need to collect baggage - it will be transferred directly by your airline. Speak to your airline to check if you’re not sure.

If you’ve booked two flights separately, you’ll most likely need to collect checked bags and check them back in for your next flight. If so, simply exit through Arrivals and check-in at Departures.

Your connection time depends on your route, airline and whether you need to pick up baggage or change terminals, so there's no single answer – you'll need to confirm this information with your airline.

If you booked one ticket with an airline or travel agent, your airline will generally quote a 'minimum connection time'. If your inbound flight arrives early or on time, you will have plenty of time to make your next flight. However, if your inbound flight is delayed and you can no longer make your next flight, please speak with your airline for rebooking options.

However, if you booked your flights separately, these minimum connection times don't apply. You should allow plenty of extra time to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, then check in and clear security for your outbound flight. These links may help:

When you land, you’ll see a departure board showing which terminal your onward flight is departing from. You can also find out by entering your flight details into our online terminal finder.  Gate information will only be displayed on departure boards once you’ve gone through security. 

Heathrow has four main terminal buildings and sub-buildings within those terminals, so your connecting journey will vary depending on where you arrive and depart from. Once you arrive at Heathrow, follow the purple ‘Flight Connection’ signs which will lead you to your next flight. Most connections are within the same building, however some passengers will need to change terminals. Here are the main ways to connect between flights:

• Connecting within the same terminal – You can go on foot or catch a free tram. 
• Connecting from one terminal to another – you can catch a free shuttle bus that operates every 10 minutes. 
• Connecting from international to domestic – you will need to go through biometrics before reaching security.  
• Self-connecting - treated as arrival and departure. You'll need to go through security, collect your baggage, and check back in again. The information on this page doesn’t apply to you. Visit our travelling between terminals page for more information on getting around the airport. 

As soon as you land, speak to an airline representative or member of Heathrow staff. They'll do whatever they can to help you catch your connecting flight, including telling you the quickest way to the gate.

If flight delays mean that you miss your onward flight, go to your airline desk when you arrive at Heathrow. Your airline representative will help you rebook onto the next available flight. Airline contact details can be found in our airline directory. You may also be able to amend your booking via your airline's app or website.

Most airlines will provide connecting passengers with all their boarding passes when they check in for the first flight of their trip.

If you don’t have a boarding pass for your next flight, you can pass through security with just your itinerary, although it may take a little longer. You can get your boarding pass at your airline desk or at one of the self-service machines. 

Even if you have a longwait between flights, we wouldn’t recommend leaving the airport.

If you do choose to leave the airport, you will have to pass through UK immigration, therefore needing the right to enter the UK (e.g. necessary visa/passport). If your airline is transferring your bag to the next flight, this won’t change if you leave the airport.

When you return for your flight, you will have to pass through security as a normal departing passenger so make sure you’re back at the airport in time – that's three hours before departure for long-haul and two hours for short-haul flights.

There is nowhere to sleep overnight in the terminal but there's a great choice of hotels nearby – if you haven't already arranged somewhere to stay you can book a hotel room with us.

If you're a connecting passenger from overseas you'll have to pass through UK border controls to get to your hotel, so please ensure you have any required visa to enter the UK. You can apply for a 24-hour visa when you arrive, but this is at the immigration officer's discretion – find out more at the Border Force website.