Processing time at Heathrow
 

How early do we need to be at Heathrow for a Sunday 3pm flight back to the states?<BR><BR>2,3 or 4 hours?<BR><BR>Anyone there in the last few weeks?<BR><BR>Thanks for the responce.<BR><BR>edkchicago

Two hours. We were at Heathrow about 3 before our flight and were not allowed to check in that early. (British Airways to LA). Check with your airline tho to be on the safe side. Lots of shopping and places to eat at Heathrow tho, so even if you are too early you can kill time easily (and early is better then late).

While in London last month I was told to check-in 3hrs prior to departure by the airline (British Airways). Since 9/11 most international flights suggests 3hrs prior to departure. I'm flying again in 3 weeks to London with Virgin Atlantic and I received the same request. After you check-in you can have lunch do some shopping Heathrow has one of the best Duty Free shopping in my opinion.

Each airline has its own requirements - but 3 hours is about the norm. It partially depends on which terminal, time of day, etc. <BR><BR>Plan on 3 hours minimum but check w/ the airline.<BR><BR>Afret check in there is security screening, VAT desk, shopping - lots to fill the time.

Hi,<BR><BR>You can check in at Paddington from 6am onwards.This way you can get your luggage checked in get your boarding passes and can go to the lounge at Heathrow without havibg to queue up at Heathrow check in which can be long. You could also explore london in the mornnig fre of any luggage and get to the airport lounge say 1-1:30pm at the latest , through security and look at the various shops in the lounge.<BR><BR>Regards<BR><BR>Gregory

I was just there last Sunday for a British Airways 2 pm flight, and check-in and screening were really quick. I got there not quite two hours ahead of time and was through with both after about a half hour (this was a nonstop flight London to Wash DC).

We live in the Usa and London and fly back and forth a lot - I did it last a week ago (BA London to Baltimore) We allow 2 hrs and find it ample - in fact, BA has been asking its passengers not to arrive earlier - 2 hrs should give you ample time to check in, clear security and have about 30 min for shopping - of you want more ( terminal 4 shops are great) allow 2 and a half.