A connecting flight is when you travel on a single booking and change flights at the same airport before continuing your journey.
If you have booked separate tickets, you are not considered a connecting passenger. You will need to:
The information below applies only to passengers travelling on a connected itinerary.
Follow the purple signs
When you leave the aircraft, follow the purple Flight Connections signs. They will guide you through the airport.
Check your departure terminal
At the Flight Connections area, use the information screens to find your departure terminal. Please note that gate information is not shown on these screens.
Transfer to your next terminal
If your flight departs from a different terminal, follow the signs to the transfer service. This may include a short bus journey between terminals.
Go through security
All connecting passengers must pass through security before continuing their journey. If you are connecting to a domestic flight in the UK, you will also pass through UK immigration before security.
Relax before your flight
Once you have cleared security, head to the departure lounge. Flight information screens will display your gate closer to departure time.
The Heathrow app can help you plan your connection from start to finish. Add your flight details to:
Download the app before you travel for a smoother journey through the airport.
Heathrow has four terminals, and the route you take depends on where you arrive and where your next flight departs.
If your next flight departs from a different terminal, use the free transfer bus service. Buses run regularly throughout the day.
If you arrive and depart from the same terminal, you can usually walk to your next gate or use the free train where available.
Passengers connecting from an international flight to a UK domestic flight must complete additional immigration checks before security.
If you have booked separate tickets, you will need to:
Self-connecting passengers should allow extra time for these steps.
All connecting passengers must pass through security at Heathrow.
Large electronic devices and liquids of up to 2 litres can remain in your cabin bag when passing through connection security. Always follow instructions from airport colleagues, as requirements may vary.
If you do not have your boarding pass, you can usually proceed with your travel itinerary.
Most passengers travelling on a single booking do not need to collect their baggage during a connection. Your bags are usually transferred automatically and can be collected at your final destination.
If you are unsure, check with your airline before you travel.
If your incoming flight is delayed and you are concerned about making your connection, contact your airline. In some cases, airlines may rebook you onto a later flight before you land.
Airline assistance desks are available both before and after security.
Airlines only sell connecting itineraries that meet the airport's minimum connection time requirements. If your flight is on schedule and you have booked a valid connecting ticket, you should have enough time to make your next flight.
If your incoming flight is delayed, speak to your airline as soon as possible for assistance.
We recommend staying within the airport during your connection, even if you have a longer wait between flights.
If you have time before your next flight, Heathrow offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and lounges.
For a quieter place to relax, consider booking a seat in an airport lounge. Lounges offer comfortable seating, food and drink, and space to unwind before you travel.
You can also use foreign currency in several Heathrow shops and restaurants, so there is no need to exchange money if you are staying airside during your connection.
