- LHR Airport Overview
Located to the west of London, London Heathrow Airport LHR is the world’s busiest international airport and serves countless major and minor, domestic and international airlines to hundreds of locations worldwide. Up to Spring 2008 it had 4 terminals, 2 main runways, plus a crosswind runway. Although it still has some navigational problems because of its large size and huge amount of travelers, Heathrow is reasonably efficient and unarguably very successful.
To make Heathrow a truly outstanding airport, it has - in March 2008 - opened the brand-new and spectacular Terminal 5, using it as a springboard for its ambitious plans to upgrade and modernize London Heathrow Airport. Its extra capacity will help cut congestion. By relocating airlines at other terminals it will cut transfer times for millions of connecting passengers.
Next step: Replacing the aging Terminals 1 and 2 with a brand new Terminal "Heathrow East", while Terminals 3 and 4 will undergo extensively updates. This will mean a better journey for the 67 million passengers a year Heathrow is serving.
Terminal 5 is located at the western edge of the airport, close to the M25 highway and only 21 minutes from central London by the fastest rail link. British Airways is the only airline to operate from Terminal 5 for most of its flights (a few will use Terminal 3). Terminal 5 consists of three buildings – the main terminal plus two satellites, Terminals 5B and 5C, linked by an automated transit system. The stunning design features glass walls and roof.
It is expected that by 2012, most of Heathrow's passengers will be traveling through terminals not even open today.
- Baggage Carts / Skycap at London Heathrow LHR Airport
CARTS AND SKYCAP/PORTERS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Carts / Trolleys - Baggage trolleys are free and available in key areas around the terminal buildings. Arriving passengers will find plenty of trolleys in baggage reclaim, which can be taken to the car park, bus station or rail station access points. Trolleys are also available on the departures concourse; they cannot be taken through security control. Do not let children ride on the trolleys.
Porters - Uniformed Skycap porters are avilable on the terminal forecourts and in the baggage reclaim halls. The charge is £7 for a standard amount of baggage. You can also contact porters via telephone help points, which can be found on the forecourts and in Short Stay car parks, baggage reclaim halls, the underground station and the central bus station. For more information call +44 (0)20 8745 5727 or +44 (0)20 8745 6011.
- Baggage Claim at London Heathrow LHR Airport
There is a Baggage Claim are in each of the five Terminals at Heathrow Airport.
- Banking / ATM Services at London Heathrow LHR Airport
BANKING ATMS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Cash dispensers (ATMs) are located both before and after security control. Most cash dispensers will accept UK bank and building society cards (eg Link-affiliated) without surcharge. They also accept major credit cards.
- Currency Exchange at London Heathrow LHR Airport
CURRENCY EXCHANGE AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
For individual locations of American Express, ICE, Travelex, and Thomas Cook, refer to "Restaurants and Stores": Each Terminal's Shopping Establishment heading includes "Bureaux de Change--Currency Exchange" listed by terminal location.
Pre-order / Pick up at Airport - Get a favorable exchange rate, save time: No commission, over 50 currencies available. Pay by credit/debit card:
American Express
Get competitive rates which match major high street banks. No pre-payment is required. Available before and after security in Terminals 3 and 4.
ICE
Pre-payment required. You can change back any remaining cash commission-free – just bring your receipt. Available before and after security in Terminals 1 and 2.
Travelex
The Travelex price promise means if you find a better deal you will be refunded the difference. Branches in arrivals and departures, before and after security, at all Heathrow terminals.
Thomas Cook
Thomas Cook exchange all major currencies at great rates. There are nine sites at Terminal 5, in arrivals and departures, before and after security.
Commission-free home delivery Currency Express
Obtain commission-free currency directly to your door, with next working-day delivery and a 30-day money back guarantee.
- Business Services at London Heathrow LHR Airport
BUSINESS SERVICES AT HEATHROW AIRPORT: Heathrow is a foremost hub for global business travel and Heathrow is up to the task by offering the following services:
Business Lounges - to prepare for that all-important meeting, or relax and enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. Many lounges offer internet access, payphones and fax machines. Some also have meeting rooms, PCs and printers. Also for small or big groups, the larger airport hotels have conference facilities and meeting rooms for hire.
Meeting Rooms - reduce your travel time--hold your meeting at the airport! HEATHROW BUSINESS CENTER has more than 20 rooms equipped with up-to-date facilities. It also offers perks like showers and a 60-seat conference suite.
Internet Access - Use Heathrow's internet terminals or wireless broadband access for emails or surf the web. [See "Internet"]
Business parking - Use either Heathrow's Business Car Parks or consider its Valet Parking options. [See "Parking"]
For Airport / Airline Lounges - see "Guest Services"
- Emergency / Medical Services at London Heathrow LHR Airport
EMERGENCY INFORMATION FOR HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Emergency Treatment:
For emergency medical treatment, use any internal telephone and dial 222. The operator can make sure an ambulance is quickly sent to the right part of the airport. If you need help finding a telephone, ask a member of airport staff.
Health Centers:
Basic treatment is provided at the Heathrow Health Center on the ground floor of the Queens Building, between Terminals 1 and 2. It is staffed by qualified nurses. Open 7am-7pm. For further information call +44 (0)20 8745 7047.
Pharmacies:
"Boots the Chemist" has branches in all terminals at Heathrow, before and after security, where over-the-counter medicines and treatments can be obtained. The branches before security in Terminal 1 and Terminal 5 also dispense prescriptions – please call in advance on +44 (0)20 8897 2629 to check if your medication is available.
- Interfaith Chapel / Religious Options at London Heathrow LHR Airport
INTERFAITH CHAPEL AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Airport chaplains - Heathrow has Anglican, Catholic, Free Church, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh chaplains. All may be contacted via the airport information desks in the terminals.
Prayer rooms for all faiths are available at the following locations within the terminals:
--Terminal 2: In the departure lounge (after security control), near Gates 18 and 19.
--Terminal 3: One on the first floor of the arrivals building, and one in departures (after security control), near the Chez Gérard restaurant.
--Terminal 4: In the departures area, between security control and Gate 1.
--Terminal 5: One at the northern end of the check-in area; one near Gate 7 in departures; and one in Terminal 5B departures.
St George's Chapel is the airport's interdenominational chapel, located in the central area between Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The site includes a prayer room for all faiths. Location: Inner Ring West, Heathrow Airport, Hounslow TW6 1BP (below the old central control tower, opposite the entrance to the Terminal 2 short-stay car park). The chapel is below ground level and can be reached via stairs. Open: 7:30am-8pm.
Services: Anglican by arrangement. Catholic Mass daily at 12:30, Tuesdays at 19:00, and at 07:30, 12:30 and 1800 on holy days.
Multi-faith prayer room: Located above the main chapel, at street level, and usually open 7:30am-8pm. Christian Fellowship prayer service on Thursdays at 12:30. Muslim prayers on Fridays at 1pm. Sikh prayers on Tuesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 6pm.
Contact details: Telephone and fax +44 (0)20 8745 4261. Emergency telephone +44 (0)20 8745 7216. Email chapel-heathrow@baa.com.
- International Travelers at London Heathrow LHR Airport
INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT: Airport showers and private showers and massage service is available - see "Restrooms".
Arriving at Heathrow - Arrival areas at Heathrow are in the following locations:
--Terminal 1: Ground floor (international); first floor (UK and Ireland).
--Terminal 2: First floor (at the opposite end from departures).
--Terminal 3: Ground floor of the arrivals building.
--Terminal 4: Ground floor.
--Terminal 5: Ground level.
On leaving the aircraft, follow signs for arrivals to go through passport control, baggage reclaim and Customs.
Connecting Flight If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, follow the Flight Connections signs when you leave the aircraft.
Meeting at the airport - see "Guest Services"
In the arrivals hall - Need refreshments, travel essentials or a last-minute gift? It's all at the airport. See" Restaurants and Shops".
Car Rentals - see "Rental Cars"
Special needs - see "Persons with Disabilities".
See also information under "Currency Exchange", "Banking", "Mail Center", "Business Services", "Internet".
- Internet Access at London Heathrow LHR Airport
INTERNET ACCESS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Internet Terminals - for e-mails and to surf the web, using fixed internet kiosks and terminals, or plug in your laptop computer to use a wired broadband connection. Available in each terminal, operated by Spectrum Interactive Ltd. Payment can be made online by credit card, by voucher, or by coin (UK pound or Euro).
Wireless internet access - High-speed wireless internet access via your laptop computer or handheld device. Wireless hotspots in the terminals allow you to connect instantly and work or surf on the move. You have a choice of service providers.
What you need: A wireless compatible (Wi-fi 802.11b) device. Most laptops have this function built in and many others can be upgraded with a wireless networking card (you can even buy these at the airport).
How to connect: Turn on your wireless enabled device; launch your browser and navigate to any web page; when the connection is detected you'll see icons for different service providers - choose one; if you have an account with the service provider, log in. Or set up an account there and then. Payment can be made online.
Network providers:
(a) T-Mobile - Tel: +44 (0)845 412 2526
(b) BT Openzone - Tel: +44 (0)870 240 5745
(c) The Cloud Networks - Tel: +44 (0)870 900 9434
- Lost & Found at London Heathrow LHR Airport
LOST AND FOUND AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Heathrow's lost property office is operated by the Excess Baggage Company. There is a storage charge for items reclaimed.
The office is open from 8am-7pm, Mo-Sat, and 8am-4pm, Sun. Call +44 (0)20 8745 7727 or email: heathrow.lostproperty@excess-baggage.com.
Baggage handling and delivery at Heathrow is the responsibility of the airlines from the point of check-in to the point of collection.
If anything is left on an aircraft or an airline bus, you should contact your airline immediately.
- Mail Center / U.S. Post Office at London Heathrow LHR Airport
MAIL CENTER AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Mail Boxes and Stamps:
Mail boxes and coin-operated stamp machines are in each terminal, usually in both departures (after security) and arrivals. You can also buy stamps at branches of WH Smith in the terminals. Be aware that you cannot mail parcels using the mail boxes, and that anything you mail may be inspected by HM Customs.
Post Office
The airport post office is in on the first floor of Terminal 2 (before security), in the arrivals and departures concourse, opposite the information desk and next to Boots pharmacy. Open: 9am-5:30pm Mo-Sat; 9am-1pm Sun/holidays.
- Main Terminal / Concourses at London Heathrow LHR Airport
TERMINALS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT: There are five terminals - 1 through 5:
Terminal 1, 2 and 4 are close together at the center of the Airport site.
Terminal 4 is located in the southern part of the Airport site.
Terminal 5 is located on the western Perimeter Road with a separate access road. It consists of 3 buildings: the main terminal and two satellites 5B and 5C and is exclusively used by British Airways.
For driving directions, see "Parking" (at very end).
For inter-terminal connections, see "Shuttles".
- People With Special Needs / Persons With Disabilities at London Heathrow LHR Airport
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Planning Your Journey - BAA Heathrow has responsibility for providing assistance at the airport. Airlines must provide assistance when you are on board the aircraft. Below is a useful guide if you require assistance:
--If you have a disability and need assistance at the airport, you must inform your airline of your particular need at least 48 hours prior to departure of the flight. Give as much notice as possible for both the outbound and return journey, to assure that you receive the assistance you require. If no notification is made, all reasonable efforts to assist you will be made.
--There can be long distances within airports and assistance might be required.
--Besides informing the airline, you may wish to inform the special assistance provider at Heathrow Airport (contact details below).
--To receive assistance you must arrive at a designated point no later than two hours before the published flight departure time, or you must present yourself for check-in no later than one hour before the published departure time. Help points are located on terminal forecourts, short-stay car parks, in stations and in baggage reclaim halls. They can also be found on some routes within terminals where there are long distances.
--Contact details
Terminal 1, Mitie: +44 (0)20 8745 2165
Terminal 2, Mitie: +44 (0)20 8745 2195
Terminal 3, OCS: +44 (0)20 8745 2227
Terminal 4, Mitie: +44 (0)20 8745 2357
Terminal 5, OCS: +44 (0)20 3165 0285
Guide dogs - Assistance dogs can only travel if they are registered with The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and if allowed by your airline and holiday destination.
Parking at Heathrow
1. Short-stay car parks:
* All car park prices are displayed at car park entrances.
* Clearly signed blue/orange badge parking is available in all short-stay car parks located close to terminal access routes.
* Help points are located near these spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs.
* Disabled customers – wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage will be provided. Lift the green telephone and request assistance.
* If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine or by using a help point telephone and asking that the operator be contacted.
* You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, press the help button.
* For further information or pre-booking please contact the BAA information line on 0870 000 1000 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK). The Minitel number is +44 (0)121 410 5284.
2. Business/Long-stay car parks:
There are blue/orange badge spaces in business and long-stay parking close to bus stops or admin offices. We advise that you contact the appropriate car park in advance in order to arrange suitable arrangements for transfer to the terminals.
3. General parking information
--All the multistory car parks have a general height limit of 2 metres (6'9").
--Overheight vehicles up to 2.6 metres (8'9") may park on the roof of car park 4 (serving Terminal 4) and vehicles up to 2.4 metres (8') may park on the ground floor of car park 3 (serving Terminals 1, 2 and 3). Vehicles over this height need to park in business or long-stay car parks. Please call the BAA information line on 0870 000 1000 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (from outside the UK). The Minitel number is +44 (0)121 410 5284.
--Alternatively, you can use the West Ramp Coach Park system. For further information please call BAA ground operations on +44 (0)20 8745 4625.
Public Transportation - Heathrow Airport has excellent public transport connections for all passengers. The Heathrow Express service, London taxis and local bus operators all offer facilities for mobility-impaired passengers. (see "Ground Transportation")
The Heathrow Help Bus - a free wheelchair-accessible service to assist passengers with reduced mobility or who are heavily encumbered with luggage. The help bus operates between all terminals and the central bus station from 6am-11pm daily. Drivers are trained to provide assistance.
--To call the help bus please use the green help point telephone or the special help bus telephones located on each arrivals forecourt and at stand 6 in the central bus station. You can call the help bus direct from any public telephone on 020 8745 6261. Staff at the information desk will also be happy to call the bus for you.
--a limited number of help buses are available - allow additional time for your journey.
Help Points located on terminal forecourts, short-stay car parks, in stations and in baggage reclaim halls. They can also be found on some routes within terminals where there are long walking distances. Help points are green with a location map and two telephones – one for calling a Skycap porter and the other (generally green) for use by people with special needs who require assistance.
Assistance is free if you have special needs and you can request wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage in order to reach check-in. This assistance can also be pre-booked with the following service providers:
Terminal 1, Mitie: +44 (0)20 8745 2165
Terminal 2, Mitie: +44 (0)20 8745 2195
Terminal 3, OCS: +44 (0)20 8745 2227
Terminal 4, Mitie: +44 (0)20 8745 2357
Terminal 5, OCS: +44 (0)20 3165 0285
Disability Facilities within the Terminals
1. Facilities for the hard of hearing and the blind and partially sighted:
Induction loops are found in various locations throughout the airport, where signs showing the 'sympathetic ear' symbol will be displayed. Payphones and credit card telephones are available in all parts of the airport and are adapted for hearing aids. There are also text pay phones in the arrivals area of each terminal, after exiting customs.
2. Guide and hearing dogs are the only dogs allowed in the terminal buildings. The airport's directional signs are black on yellow providing optimum contrast to assist all users.
3. Reserved seating areas are identified by the use of special needs pictograms, are located in all terminals within the general seating areas. They aim to have the following features: Low-level flight information screens.; an induction loop; arms on both sides of seats; apace for wheelchair users.
4. Security checks - All passengers must pass through security control before they enter the departure lounges. Wheelchair users will inevitably activate the archway metal detector, and security personnel are obliged to hand-search passengers who activate the alarms: therefore chair and passenger will be searched. You can ask to be searched in private, away from the main security control area if you prefer.
5. Toilets - Most toilet blocks include a unisex accessible toilet nearby. Occasionally the accessible toilet is located inside the men's and ladies' toilets. Parents traveling with children of the opposite sex are welcome to use the unisex accessible toilets.
For further inquiries about special needs assistance at Heathrow Airport please call + 44 (0)870 000 0123. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please call the Heathrow minicom service on +44 (0)20 8745 7950.
Shopping - BAA Shop and Collect - BAA airports offer a Shopping Collection service for passengers traveling within the EU (excluding UK and Ireland flights to/from Heathrow). This allows you to buy before you fly, and collect on your return – saving you the trouble of carrying heavy or fragile goods to and from your holiday destination. Passengers with reduced mobility who require assistance with shopping should contact the special assistance desk on arrival to the terminal building. For further information on these services call the shopping information line on 0870 000 2121 (UK) or +44(0)121 410 5105 (outside the UK).
- Pets / Animals at London Heathrow LHR Airport
TRAVELING WITH PETS: - Airline policies regarding pets vary widely and it is highly recommended that you contact the airline prior to making a reservation. Here are some helpful tips for traveling with pets:
Tips for Traveling with Pets:
· First, contact your airline to find out the rules and regulations they have on pet travel.
· Do not tranquilize your pet, as the effects of tranquilizers on animals at higher altitudes can be unpredictable.
· The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set up rules and regulations for the transportation of live animals, and your pet is required to be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before traveling by air.
· Whenever possible, book a direct, nonstop flight and avoid holiday or weekend travel. Try to plan schedules that minimize temperature extremes.
· The kennel that you use must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and large enough for your pet to freely be able to stand, turn around and lie down.
· Get your pet comfortable with the kennel prior to flying; this reduces stress on your pet.
· Give your pet food and water within four hours before your flight. You will have to sign a certification of the time when you last offered food and water to your pet.
· Give yourself plenty of time for check-in so there is no rushing and everything is done properly
- Restrooms at London Heathrow LHR Airport
TOILETS AND SHOWERS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT:
Toilets - Toilets are provided throughout Heathrow Airport, in arrivals and departures, both before and after security. Most include a unisex, wheelchair-accessible toilet. Occasionally the accessible toilet is located inside the men's and ladies' toilets. Parents traveling with children of the opposite sex are welcome to use the unisex accessible toilets.
Showers - Showers are provided both before and after security in Terminal 4 – just look for the shower sign. Showers are also available in the Urban Retreat spa in Terminal 1 for a charge of £15, including towel, brush, soap and shampoo plus complimentary tea and coffee. You can also use the lounge's massage chairs. Urban Retreat offers a wide range of treatments including Indian head massages, facials and nail treatment. For more details call +44 (0)20 8745 6440.
- Security at London Heathrow LHR Airport
SECURITY at HEATHROW AIRPORT: (for both UK and US Security):
Hand baggage restrictions - If your airline allows it, you may take more than one item of hand baggage through security control. Cabin baggage must be no larger than: 56x45x25 cm or 22x17.7x10 inches, but check with your airline as some have different requirements. All items carried will be X-ray screened.
* You no longer need to remove your laptop from your bag at Heathrow Airport.
* Put all small items like keys, coins, mobile phones into your coat or hand baggage and place these in a tray.
* Place your hand baggage in the tray.
* If you have liquids in containers of 100ml or less, put them into a clear resealable bag and place them alongside other items in your tray.
* Pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened.
* Wheelchairs will be thoroughly searched.
To save time, place only valuables and items you need for the flight into your hand baggage.
Travelling with liquids – the 100ml rule - Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through security control as hand baggage. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics and toiletries.
The following restrictions apply to all liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols taken through security control:
• Liquid items may only be carried in containers holding up to 100ml.
• They must be carried separately in a single transparent, resealable plastic bag.
• The bag must be no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) and all items must fit inside so that it closes properly.
• At security control the bag must be placed separately on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Liquid items larger than 100ml should be packed in your hold luggage – otherwise they will be confiscated.
Exceptions to the 100ml rule can be made for baby food or milk. However, you should only carry what you need for the flight, and you may be asked to taste these items at security control.
Exceptions may also be made for medicines. However, you may be asked to taste any liquid medicines, or to provide evidence (such as a doctor's letter) that you need them for your journey.
Prohibited items - Sharp or pointed items must not be carried in hand baggage and will be confiscated at security control. This includes knives, razor blades, cutlery, tools, hiking poles, hypodermic needles (unless medical necessity can be proved), catapults, corkscrews, toy or replica guns, sporting bats or cues and darts.
Scissors with rounded blades are permitted. Scissors with pointed blades up to 3cm are also permitted.
Christmas crackers, party poppers, cigarette lighters and non-safety matches may not be carried in either cabin or hold baggage.
Passengers may carry a single lighter about their person. Any additional lighters discovered during security screening cannot be taken into the restricted zone.
Umbrellas - Large, golfing type umbrellas are not permitted as they exceed the baggage size set by the DfT. Folding or collapsible umbrellas that can fit within hand baggage can of course be carried. These items will be X-rayed.
SECURITY at U.S. AIRPORTS: For the latest Transportation Security Administration travel tips and prohibited items list click on http://www.tsa.gov/public/ or htttp://www.ifly.com/airport-security.
- Smoking at London Heathrow LHR Airport
SMOKING AT HEATHROW AIRPORT: Heathrow is a smoke-free airport, in line with British law on smoking in enclosed public spaces. However, you will be able to smoke in designated areas outside the terminal building.
Be aware that once you have passed through security control, you will not be able to smoke anywhere in the departure lounge.
If you are catching a connecting flight at Heathrow, please note that smoking is not permitted during the connection process. You will only be able to access the outdoor smoking areas by entering the UK (via passport control), and you will then have to pass through security control to return to the departure lounge.
- Telephones at London Heathrow LHR Airport
Public telephones can be found throughout each terminal at Heathrow. Payment can be made using cash or cards.
Wheelchair-accessible telephones and text phones for the hard of hearing are available – ask a member of airport staff if you need help finding one.
- Guest Services at London Heathrow LHR Airport
GUEST SERVICES AT HEATHROW AIRPORT: Listed below are: 1. Information desk locations and porter services for special needs; 2. Family services; 3. Airport Lounges; 4. Meeting at the Airport
1. An Information Desk is in each of the five Heathrow Passenger Terminals:
--Terminal 1: In the arrivals area, near the car hire desks and meeting point (open 6am-11pm).
--Terminal 2: In the main concourse on the first floor, near the payphones and meeting point (open 6am-11pm).
--Terminal 3: In the check-in area (ground floor, Zone D, open 7am-9:30pm); and in the arrivals area (ground floor, near the meeting point, open 5:30am-10:30pm).
--Terminal 4: In the arrivals area, near the taxi desk (open 5:30am-10:30pm)
--Terminal 5: The information zone is on the arrivals concourse, towards the north end of the building. Use the help terminals to find the information you need, or ask a BAA customer host if you need further assistance.
When the information desk is closed, use the courtesy telephone provided to get help 24 hours a day.
Help points / Help Stations:
Passenger help points are at key locations including terminal forecourts, car parks and baggage reclaim halls. Each help station has a map and an internal telephone which can be used to call a porter.
The porter service is free for travelers with special needs, elderly passengers and parents traveling alone with young children. Tips are not expected, or accepted, from these passengers.
2. Family Services - TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN: Available facilities and supplies you need at Heathrow, from baby changing rooms to pre-flight entertainment:
Baby changing Facilities
Baby change areas are in each terminal at Heathrow, both before and after security control – just look for signs with this symbol. Many are located alongside the toilet blocks.
Food and travel essentials
Child-friendly restaurants are easy to find at Heathrow. Most provide high chairs and children's menus. If your children like to watch the planes, a number of cafés and restaurants offer a window on the airport.
Baby Supplies
Boots, the pharmacy chain, supplies baby essentials including nappies, formula milk and baby wipes.
Entertainment
(a) You can pick up free coloring packs with crayons and a coloring book from the BAA information desk in the arrivals area.
(b) WH Smith stock a wide range of magazines, comics and puzzle books to keep children entertained in the departure lounge and in the air.
(c) Jetterz Kids Club Lounge - fully supervised, for 5 to 14-year-olds is located after security control in Terminal 3 departures. It has a TV, a DVD player, reading material, toys, games and computer games. Open 8am-7pm; the cost per child is £15.00 for the first two hours (add £10.00 for more than two hours). For more information call +44 (0)7767 368 600.
(d) KLM Holideck lounge at Terminal 4
For a small fee your children will have the run of two floors of this feature lounge – the Flight Deck, with views of the runway, and the Main Deck, offering complimentary refreshments, magazines, interactive toys and games for pre-school children.
(e) Play areas at Terminal 5
Three children's play areas are aimed at toddlers through seven-year-olds. They can be found in the following locations (all are in departures, after security control):
In the north-east corner, near Gate 07; at the southern end, by Gate 19; and in satellite Terminal 5B, behind the British Airways customer services desk.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR PARENTS:
Be prepared - Carry all your travel documents in one easily reached place, make sure your hand baggage meets security requirements before you leave home, work out whether you need to carry buggies or pack them in your hold baggage. Planning makes all the difference.
Time it right - When traveling with babies or young children, consider booking your flight to coincide with their sleeping routine.
Plan to take a rest - If you travel with a partner, consider booking seats apart so you can take turns sitting with the children.
Go door-to-door - Consider using a valet parking service. It doesn’t cost that much more, but saves you having to shepherd youngsters and baggage from car park to terminal.
Allow extra time - It will take longer to get around the airport if you're carrying, or walking with, young children.
The trick with toys - Bring them, but don't hand them all out at once – keep surprising children throughout the journey.
3. Airport Lounges - Book into one of Heathrow's lounges and you'll enjoy tranquility, complimentary drinks, snacks, newspapers and magazines. The following lounges are available after security control:
(a) Servisair Executive Lounge - Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 3 - enjoy service and hospitality for up to three hours before your flight with facilities including complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks; internet access, computer points, phone and fax; television and a selection of newspapers and magazines; and comfortable chairs in quiet surroundings. There is a charge for champagne, internet access, phones and faxes. This lounge is not available to passengers on UK and Ireland flights.
(b) KLM Holideck - Terminal 4 - With a dedicated business zone and three floors of entertainment for the family, the Holideck makes the perfect start to any journey.
At the main deck you find the family lounge with complimentary refreshments, newspapers, magazines and interactive toys for pre-school children. There is also an interactive zone with the latest PS2 and PSP games.
The enterprise deck is for age 16 and over and features a business area with wireless internet access, fax and phone connections; "Haven 2", a relaxing area to read or enjoy some peace and quiet; and "Bar Vela" where you can relax with a drink while watching Sky Sports or Bloomberg business news.
The upper deck for age 16 and over features a sports lounge with bar and widescreen tv; the "Haven" for quiet rest and relaxation; and offers complimentary papers and magazines.
The flight deck, high above the roof of Terminal 4 is a glazed observatory providing stunning panoramic views of the runways and airfield.
Located after security control, next to Gates 15/16, the KLM Holideck is open daily from 6:30am to 10pm. For further information call +44(0) 20 8750 9807 or book online.
Meeting at the Airport - Where to Meet - The official airport meeting points at Heathrow are marked with a square sign circle inside, a dot in the middle, with 4 arrows pointing at the dot this sign. Meeting points are in the arrivals areas of Terminals 1 through 4:
--Terminal 1: In the international arrivals area (ground floor), opposite the BAA information desk and next to the London Underground escalator.
--Terminal 2: Next to the BAA information desk on the first floor. The Costa coffee shop, also on the first floor, is a popular informal meeting point.
--Terminal 3: In the seated area in the arrivals hall (ground floor of the arrivals building).
--Terminal 4: Next to the BAA information desk in arrivals (ground floor).
--Terminal 5:The arrivals concourse is on the ground floor and exits on to the Interchange Plaza. To help you arrange your meeting place, the bridges and supporting pillars in the arrivals concourse are color-coded – just look up! From north to south, the pillars are colored purple, blue (for the rail station), green, orange and red.
Meeting someone from a flight:
Before you leave
If you're meeting someone at the airport, check if the flight by using the flight tracking at this site. For directions to Heathrow by car, train or bus - see "Parking: Directions to the Airport" or "Ground Transportation". Vehicles are not allowed to wait on the airport forecourts. If you're picking someone up by car you should use the Short Stay Car Parks.
At the airport
Information screens at the arrivals area display live flight status information. The status message would look like this: "Expected: The flight hasn't landed yet – you've time for coffee or a spot of shopping" or "Landed: Generally, allow 30 - 40 minutes after landing for passengers to clear passport control, baggage reclaim and Customs – longer at busy periods", or "Baggage in hall: Passengers should be in the arrivals area shortly".
MeetMe
MeetMe is a great new service for both passengers and meeters. The simple, sure and secure guaranteed meeting service works through easy to operate touch screen kiosks situated in the arrivals hall of all terminals. Heathrow is the world's first airport for MeetMe. There will be no searching for your driver, nor any need for hand-held signs.
Need to see information on another airport facility? Be sure to visit the iFly Airport Search page to select another airport and get details such as flight status and flight tracking, terminal maps, terminal services (food, bars, and shops), security wait times, weather, airport delays, destinations served and much more.