Will I have to clear customs In Heathrow when traveling from US to Lisbon?
Will I go through customs at Heathrow when traveling from Dulles via Heathrow (airline change from United to TAP) to Lisbon?
Best Answer
Short answer - no, you won't have to clear customs
Long answer - that doesn't however mean it'll be as simple as changing between two domestic flights in the USA though...
Both United and TAP are part of Star Alliance. As such, you'll be able to check your luggage through between the two flights. Depending on the checkin agent, it may not be a 30 second job, but as long as you have the details of both flights to hand (including both PNR and e-ticket numbers), you'll be able to check your bags through to the final destination
When you arrive in Heathrow, with both airlines being Star Alliance, you'll land in Heathrow Terminal 2, the same terminal as departure. You'll follow the Purple Flight Connections signs, which'll take you to the main bit of the terminal (T2A). Here, you'll go through security, but not immigration, nor customs.
After clearing the transit / transfer security (normally quite quick, unless at a busy time), you'll then be in the main terminal area. If you don't have a boarding pass already, there are airline transit desks in the connections security area who can issue you with one. Once you have your boarding pass and are through security, check the monitors for where you flight goes from. Most, but not all short haul go from T2A, which is where you'll be. Most, but not all long haul go from T2B, which is a short escalator ride + walk + escalator ride away. Check the monitors, they'll tell you where to go!
For some reason, if it were a different airline combination not in star alliance, you might have to go through immigration and customs to get the bag to re-check. However, with both TAP and United being Star Alliance, you can check all the way through.
TL;DR - Immigration, no. Customs, no. Security, yes
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Do I have to go through customs at Heathrow?
If your baggage is checked through to your final destination, that's where you clear customs. If you're collecting your baggage and checking in to your next flight yourself, you need to pass through customs at Heathrow.How long should I allow to get through customs at Heathrow?
Re: How long does it take to get through customs at Heathrow? Allow between 30 minutes and 2 hours.Can you clear US customs in Heathrow?
There is no US pre-clearance from Heathrow - you'll need to do all formalities at Charlotte.Do you have to clear customs on a connecting flight?
Many wonder, \u201cdo I have to go through customs for a connecting flight?\u201d This is a common question amongst international travelers, and the answer is usually \u201cno.\u201d As long as you're not leaving the airport, your bags are checked through to your final destination and you have a boarding pass for your next flight, you won ...DON'T Do THIS at the UK Border! // Tips on UK Customs \u0026 Immigration for Visitors
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