Request assistance at Heathrow

Before you leave home

Under European legislation, your airline is responsible when you are on board the aircraft. Heathrow is responsible for providing special assistance at the airport. Therefore, please book all assistance through your airline (your airline’s website will contain details of how to do this). Heathrow Airport cannot book additional assistance.

• Please inform your airline, tour operator or travel agent of your particular requirement at the time of booking, or at least 48 hours before your travel. Try to give as much notice as possible so we can make the arrangements. If you haven't booked we will do our best to assist you, but will always give priority to passengers who have booked in advance.
• Your assistance requirement will be passed to one of our service providers (Omniserv for Terminal 2, Terminal 3 & Terminal 4 and Wilson James for Terminal 5).
  
• You should also inform your airline, tour operator or travel agent if you intend to take your own mobility device (such as a wheelchair or scooter).

Assistance is available for all age groups, including young travellers.

Airline telephone numbers

You should have received check-in instructions with your booking. If you can't find them, your airline or travel agent will be able to help. However, as a general guide you should plan to arrive at the airport:

• Long-haul and El Al: three hours before scheduled departure
• UK and European flights: two hours before scheduled departure.

When you get to the airport you'll always find help in the following areas:

Car parks, stations and terminal forecourt

Assistance help points for all those travelling with a disability or mobility difficulties are located in various locations, including; terminal forecourts, car parks and both Heathrow Express and London Underground stations. Please use a help point to request assistance to the terminal building. Alternatively please call the assistance team directly on 020 8757 2700 (for Terminal 2, 3 & 4) or 020 8283 6415 (for Terminal 5) to arrange for support from your vehicle or drop off location.

Inside the terminal

There are special assistance areas within the terminals located at the following areas:

• Terminal 2: before security Departures Level, behind Zone C (near Security)
• Terminal 2: after security: adjacent to children's play area and B-gates
• Terminal 3: before security: First floor, above Check-in Zones A and B
• Terminal 3: after security: Additional seating area, behind World Duty Free
• Terminal 4: before security: Check-in Zone B, next to Excess Baggage
• Terminal 4: after security: Serenity Lounge, left of Costa Coffee
• Terminal 5: before security: Check-in Zone G and Zone A
• Terminal 5: after security: The Lichfield Suite opposite Gate A21

Visit our maps page

More help points

Please use our interactive map to find help point locations in and around our terminals.

View help points across Heathrow

Guide dogs

Guide dogs can only travel if they are registered with the Pet Travel Scheme and your airline and holiday destination. More information about travelling with pets is available at www.defra.gov.uk.

Q: Do I need any additional documentation?

A: Not at all, just have your passport and ticket or boarding pass at hand.

Q: I don't have an impairment but would like help

A: You could try our Airport Meet and Assist service. Call +44 (0)20 8745 6011 to find out more. If you just need help with luggage, porters are available on the same number.

Heathrow Airport Limited

The Compass Centre,
Nelson Road, Hounslow
Middlesex, TW6 2GW

Telephone information service (24 hours): +44 344 335 1000

You can leave feedback here or follow us on Twitter @HeathrowAirport

Email: passengersupport@heathrow.com

Omniserv & Wilson James, our service providers, will ensure that the assistance you require is made available. Assistance can be provided from your arrival at the airport through to your airline lounge (if eligible) and then on to your departing aircraft. You will be met on your return from your aircraft and be accompanied to your waiting friends and relatives or to your onward transport. All assistance is provided free of charge.

Service level agreements

We are committed to providing the highest level of service in a timely manner.

View our service level agreements (PDF format)