Before you fly

It depends on your status.

• First, Club World, Club Europe and Executive Club Gold, Silver and Bronze Members: From 05:00 on the day of departure.
• World Traveller Plus, World Traveller and Euro Traveller: From 3 hours before your flight departure, but not before the earliest opening time of 05:00.

Overnight Bag Drop is available if you are travelling on a flight departing before 10:00. You can then check bags in between 16:00 – 21:30 the evening before.

See your airline website for advice and allow longer if you need to check in hold luggage. Two hours should still be fine unless there are any issues on the day. There are conformance limits for scanning boarding passes prior to security, typically 35 minutes before scheduled departure. Note that if your flight is delayed this may still apply to the ORIGINAL departure time.

Yes if they are on the same booking. You will need their passports and any travel documents as well as your own.

Yes, the drop off charge is currently £6. Pay online before or after you drop off, noting the charge is for a single trip. Failure to do so results in a penalty of £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days. For payment details and rules see: Heathrow drop off charge Payment must be made by midnight the following day to avoid a penalty.

Gates are only shown on display boards around 40 minutes before departure. Be careful if using 3rd party sources in advance as gates often change.

No, passengers only go through Border Control on arrival at Heathrow. On departure your airline will check your passport and visa if applicable.