In October we will be transferring in Heathrow from AA to BA on into Munich. This is about a three hour layover. All of our previous trips to Europe have been direct flights and I was wondering what the procedure at Heathrow (and same at Gatwick on return)for allowing us out of the gate/lounge areas. Are we restricted to one area of the airport since we are just transferring or will we be able to leave if we want?

I went through Heathrow this past summer and Gatwick the summer before and have always been allowed out, although only three hours doesn't sound like you'll really be heading any where other than your terminal, which I've always had to do.

I agree with the above. You will most likely have to transfer terminals at Heathrow and there's nothing to see around Gatwick. There's a really good book store in Heathrow--enjoy that instead. <BR>

Be grateful you don't transfer from Heathrow to Gatwick to make your connection! You are required to wait in a long line for the privilege of taking a one-hour bus ride; sequestered all the while, because you are an international passenger. Lovely. <BR> <BR>Then the center engine in my DC-10 failed over the Atlantic, followed by an emergency landing at Kennedy. Nice trip, that one. Got to see Times Square again, though. <BR> <BR>Hope your luck is better. I really enjoyed the shopping within Heathrow during an earlier layover that didn't involve the bus trip to Gatwick.

Curt we just spent 5 hours in Heathrow. You can shop or have a meal or a drink. We were in terminals 1 & 4 and found terminal 4 to have more stores and restaurants than terminal 1. There were enough diversions to make the time pass by fast. <BR>

Sunday a week ago we used up three hours at Gatwick finding the right terminal and standing in lines. If you are lucky enough to have some extra time there are some nice shops there, including Harrods.