How early should I arrive to Heathrow before departure?
Heathrow website says that it's enough to arrive two hours before departure (European flights), but I have heard that the lines are often long so maybe three hours would be better? How early should I arrive to the airport?
To be specific, I have a 10 AM flight at September from terminal 3.
Best Answer
Check-in and luggage drop-off usually will be closed 45-90mins before departure, depends on airline policy. Time is enough to arrive the farthest gate before closed if everything is ok in custom and immigration check in busy hours.
Heathrow T3 has a small but lovely shopping mall in airside and there are also several wide-ranged restaurants which price is slightly more expensive than those in London. However, seats is limited in the waiting area in airside and they will announce the number of gate around 1.25-1.5 hours before departure.
Virgin and Delta counter are located on the left of landside and all other ailrines' counter located on the front. In Lanside there is a few number of restaurants but seats are sufficient on upper floor. Custom and immigration check is on upper floor too.
Please note that it takes 5-10mins from tube station / centre bus station to T3 unless you are travelling RailAir, which will drop you off in front of T3 directly.
Conclusion: It depends on you, and I will go there 2 hours before departure.
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How early should I get to Heathrow before flight?
Promoted Stories. Experienced Heathrow travellers may think three hours is a bit too long. And airlines suggest that two hours should be enough. Virgin Atlantic, based in Terminal 3, says: "We recommend that you arrive at least two hours before your flight is due to leave."How long does it take to get through Heathrow departure?
Realistically, is 1-1.5 hours before hand enough time at Heathrow.Should you arrive 2 hours before boarding or departure?
The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours before for international travel. If you're traveling during peak times like early morning or evening, or during holidays and other events, please plan accordingly and allow for extra time.How many hours in advance should I arrive at the airport UK?
For domestic (those flying to UK or Ireland) or European flights, you are generally expected to get to the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure. To be on the safe side, the best option would be arriving two hours before your flight.How Early Should You Arrive At The Airport?
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