Fly Safe at Christmas

As we welcome you back to the airport over Christmas, on your way to reunite with friends and family for perhaps the first time this year, we want you to remain as safe as possible.

We’re expecting the airport to be busier than it has been recently, and need your help in following guidelines to keep it running safely and smoothly.  

Due to the airport environment, there are points in the passenger journey where social distancing is not always possible. That is why face coverings are mandatory at all times in the airport, unless you are exempt from wearing one – to reduce the risk of transmission. Please bring your own face covering from home, otherwise you will not be permitted to enter the terminals.  

During busy periods you could be required to queue outside the terminal buildings, in order to facilitate at least 1 metre social distancing in indoor spaces. We advise you to wear warm clothing on the day of travel and to use a trolley for your luggage – this can also help with establishing distance. 

As has been the case so far this year, only those travelling are permitted to enter the terminal buildings, unless you are helping someone who needs assistance. This is to ensure both colleagues and passengers can maintain a safe distance from others and can safely navigate the terminals. 

We have enhanced cleaning measures in place, including implementing a specialist cleaning team, who ensure all key touchpoints have been coated in an antibacterial formula and all areas of the airport are regularly disinfected. You’ll see our dedicated marshals, recognisable by their pink tabards, who are responsible for ensuring both passengers and colleagues correctly wear face coverings and observe social distancing when possible. 

Our safety measures have been recognised by the Airports Council International, accrediting that our airport facilities remain safe and the precautions we are taking will help reduce any risk to your health. 

Things you can do to help:

• Please check the entry requirements of your destination at least three days before you travel, complete the entry form for each country you are visiting and book any COVID-19 tests required in advance
• Please bring and wear your own face covering, otherwise you will not be permitted to enter the terminal
• Wear warm clothes on the day of travel in case you are required to queue outside the terminal buildings
• Please observe at least 1 metre social distancing whenever you can. We have signs and floor stickers to help you keep your distance and recommend the length of a baggage trolley to help with maintaining a good distance
• To avoid additional queuing, please arrive no earlier than two hours before a short-haul flight, and three hours for long-haul journeys, unless explicitly advised otherwise by your airline
• Be considerate to other passengers and colleagues when deciding whether to use a lift or enclosed space and observe seat blockers to enable distance between passenger groups within the airport
• Regularly use the hand washing and sanitising facilities available throughout the airport
• When returning to the UK, please complete your Passenger Locator Form before departing to avoid being delayed on arrival into the country
• Download the Heathrow App for up to the minute information about your airport visit

Liz Hegarty, Heathrow Director of Services

To find out more information ahead of your visit to Heathrow, please go to Heathrow.com/flysafe