Please note! the following Airport Check-in information may vary depending on the Airline you are flying with and the Airport or Country you are departing from. Please check your flight check-in procedure direct with your Travel Agent or Airline.

Airport check-in is the process whereby passengers are accepted by an airline at the airport prior to travel. The airline check-in's main function is to accept luggage for the aircraft's cargo hold. The airline check-in process may also include the verification of documents, including passport, visa, electronic travel authorisation and passenger identification plus the issue of boarding passes.

Online check-in is the process in which passengers confirm their presence on a flight via the Internet and are usually able to print or download their own boarding passes.
Important: Please check with your airline or travel agent for the correct check-in procedure and the check-in options available for your reservation, flight and departure airport.

Always be aware of the latest airport check-in time for your flight. This is usually printed on your itinerary, booking confirmation printout or e-ticket. Remember that the check-in time is the latest time for getting to the check-in desk not for joining the back of the queue. If you miss the check-in deadline, your place on the flight may go to someone on the waiting list and you will have very little or no claim against the airline. With many airlines you can check in for your flight online before you set off for the airport. Always read the check in and security procedure for each airline you fly with as they may have different procedures.

• If you cannot reserve a seat prior to check-in you may be able to request a particular seat with the airline at the time of booking, but the airline may not guarantee to provide it to you. So whether you have already requested a seat or not, the earlier you check in for your flight the more likely you are in being allocated the seat you want.
• At the check-in desk or baggage drop off point you will be asked questions about your luggage. These are security checks and you should answer the questions carefully.
• Security procedures at airport check-in can often change at short notice, they can take longer than you think and at times be complex, check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions relating to what you can and cannot pack in your checked luggage and the restrictions for the bags you take onboard with you.
• Remember, give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, arriving slightly early for check-in will be a lot less stressful for you and your party.

Express check-in's are self-service, touch screen kiosks in the terminal, enabling you to skip queues and check-in and print your boarding card yourself. Some airlines and airports do not offer express check-in services so please check with your airline or online travel agent at the time of booking.

You will find your departure gate number when you get to the departure lounge. Your departure gate will be listed on the flight information screens next to your destination and flight number. Some airports make announcements (but most airports do not) so always keep an eye on the information screens. Some airports operate notifications via a smartphone app.

Transfer times between London city centre and Heathrow Airport LHR.
Please note: Journey Times can vary depending on transport conditions and maintenance, always check in advance and direct with the transport company you intend to use for any possible delays.

• Taxi: Can take 40 to 60 minutes (in average traffic conditions).
• Heathrow Express train: 15 minutes between Paddington and Terminal 2 or 3, a few minutes more for Terminal 4 or 5.
• Heathrow Connect train: 25 minutes between Paddington and Terminal 2 or 3, a few minutes more for Terminal 4 or 5.
• London Underground: From Terminal 2 or 3 it’s less than an hour to Green Park on the Piccadilly Line.
• National Express coach: 50 to 55 minutes from the central bus station.

What to consider when Changing flights:

If your flight itinerary includes a change of aircraft, then the minimum flight connection time is very important. The connection time between flights will usually depend on your route, airline and whether you need to collect your baggage, change terminals or check-in for your connecting flight. It's recommended you confirm the minimum connection times and exact procedures with your travel agent or airline at the time of booking.

In general, it's best to be aware and allow plenty of 'extra time' if you need to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, then check-in and clear security for your next outbound departure.

Should I ware comfortable clothing: The longer your flight the more important it is you pay attention to the clothes you wear. Comfort is very important, loose clothing is key, make sure nothing squeezes or scratches during a long flight. The aircraft air conditioning is always on so take some extra comfy socks and a jumper as you may feel cold at some point.

After you have checked in for your flight and you have been issued with a boarding card, proceed to Security and Passport control. Keep your passport and boarding card handy, you may have to show them several times before you board the aircraft.

Please remember that although all airports must adhere to relevant aviation security requirements, security procedures may vary from airport to airport.

To start make sure to have your passport / ID and boarding pass ready for inspection. If you’re planning on using a digital copy of your boarding pass make sure you have offline access to it.

The restrictions around the carrying of Liquids can change at short notice and will vary from country to country, some countries may have reduced liquid restrictions, please check with your airline for the latest restrictions that apply to your flights.

If under 100ml and in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag, passengers are permitted to take liquids, gels and pastes through security (there are exemptions to these restrictions if traveling with a baby and for medical resons). Please note - if you wish to bring your own containers that hold 100ml or less the container must have printed on it the measurement that the container can hold. Containers that do not have measurements on them will not normally be allowed through security, handwritten measurements or stickers are not acceptable.

The main security checkpoints are usually located before you reach the departure lounge, at these checkpoints you and your hand luggage will be checked. You will be required to pass your hand luggage through an x-ray machine where it will be inspected for dangerous goods.

You will be asked to walk through a security gate and or you may be required to be screened using security (body) scanning equipment, you may also be frisked, these checks are to protect everyone. Once you have passed theses checks you will not be allowed back into the main terminal building.

Once through security you will arrive in the departure lounge. Remember that most airports do not announce flight departures over the public address system. Always look for, and keep an eye on, the flight indicator screens. The indicator screens will tell you when and which gate to go to. Remember, it is your responsibility to get to the gate on time.

Due to lengthy security checks at some airports you may experience long waiting times to clear security check points, especially during the main holiday season.

Tip: Always prepare to arrive early for your airport check-in, especially during popular travel times and during the main holiday season.