Please note! The following airport check-in information may vary depending on the airline you are flying with and the airport you are departing from. Please check your flight check-in options with your travel agent or airline.

What is Airport check-in? Airport check-in is the process whereby passengers are accepted by an airline at the airport before travel. The primary function of 'Flight Check-in' is to process luggage for the aircraft's hold, the 'verification' of documents, including passport and passenger identification, plus aircraft seat allocation and the issue of boarding passes.

What is Online check-in? Online check-in is the process in which passengers confirm their identity and presence on a flight via the Internet, with the ability to select seats and print or download boarding passes. Most airlines open online check-in at least 24 hours before departure, with some airlines opening several days prior. Always check your 'check-in' options - some airlines only accept airport check-in, and some are online only.

General Rules. Always be aware of the latest airport check-in time for your flight. This is usually printed on your itinerary, booking confirmation printout or e-ticket. Remember that the check-in time is the latest for getting to the check-in desk, not for joining the back of the queue. If you miss the check-in deadline, your place on the flight may be cancelled or go to someone on the waiting list, and you will have very little or no claim against the airline. With many airlines, you can check in for your flight online before you set off for the airport. Always read the check-in and security procedures for each airline you fly with, as they may differ.

• If you cannot reserve a seat before check-in, you may be able to request one with the airline at the time of booking; however, the airline may not guarantee to provide it to you. So whether or not you have requested a seat - the earlier you check in for your flight, the more likely you will be allocated the seat you want.
• When approaching the check-in desk or baggage drop-off point, you will be asked questions about your baggage. These are security checks, and you should answer the questions carefully.
• Security procedures at airport check-in can often change at short notice, they can take longer than you think and at times be complex; check with your airline or travel agent for restrictions relating to what you can and cannot pack in your checked luggage, including for the bags you take onboard with you.
• Remember, give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport; arriving slightly early for check-in will be less stressful for you and your party.

Checking Bags at the airport Bag Drop:

If you've already checked-in online and arrived at the airport to drop off your bags, go straight to your airline's 'bag drop-off point'.

• If you have checked-in online and travelling with hold baggage - most airlines now offer self-service bag drops. These are usually located next to the airport's check-in desks. Alternatively, use a staffed bag drop desk if available.
• First, print off your bag tags at a self-service tag kiosk (kiosks are located at the self-service Bag Drop desks). Attach the tags to your bags.
• Go to the self-service Bag Drop (desks with a conveyor belt). Place the tagged bag on the conveyor belt and scan the bag tag with the hand-held scanner. Leave your tagged baggage on the conveyor to enter the airport's baggage handling system.
• Keep your passenger bag tag receipts in a safe place.

Departure Gate Numbers:

You may be advised of your departure gate number during airport check-in. Often, you will only know the gate number when it's uploaded to the airport's 'Flight Information Display System (FIDS).

Departure gate numbers are seldom released in advance because many factors can affect gate allocations. Gate assignment is usually done just a few hours before flight departure - sometimes ATC will only decide on which gate to allocate when the inbound aircraft is on approach.

Gate numbers will be shown on airport display systems; located throughout the main terminal, departure lounge and departure gate seating areas. Gate numbers are typically released 45 minutes before departure - the number will be displayed next to the destination and flight number. Gate numbers can sometimes change - so keep checking the displays for the most up-to-date information.

Top Tips: Most airports do not make gate number announcements over their PA systems - so always check the departure screens. Some airports and airlines operate departure gate notifications via smartphone apps. When your flight has been allocated a gate number, go to the gate accordingly; remember, it's your responsibility to arrive at the gate - on time.

Transfer times between London city centre and Heathrow Airport LHR.
Please note: Journey Times can vary depending on transport conditions and maintenance; always check in advance and direct with the transport company you intend to use for any possible delays.

• Taxi: Can take 40 to 60 minutes (in average traffic conditions).
• Heathrow Express train: 15 minutes between Paddington and Terminal 2 or 3, a few minutes more for Terminal 4 or 5.
• Heathrow Connect train: 25 minutes between Paddington and Terminal 2 or 3, a few minutes more for Terminal 4 or 5.
• London Underground: From Terminals 2 and 3 - it’s less than an hour to Green Park on the Piccadilly Line.
• National Express coach: 50 to 55 minutes from the central bus station.

What to consider when booking flights with a change of aircraft?

If your flight includes a change of aircraft en route to your destination, knowing the minimum flight connection time (MCT) is essential. Minimum connection times are guidelines used by the airline industry as the shortest interval required to transfer passengers and baggage from one flight to a connecting flight. The MCT between flights will usually depend on your routing, airline and whether you need to collect your checked luggage, change terminals or check in a second time for your onward connecting flight.

Always check the minimum connection time and exact procedures (including what happens if you miss your flight) with your travel agent or airline. Make this check during the planning or when confirming your reservation.

In the majority of instances - using a connecting service will be straightforward. Your luggage will be checked through to your final destination; on arrival at the connecting airport, you make your way to your next departure gate (via a security checkpoint). If your onward flight is with the same airline - you'll probably depart from the same terminal.

Top Tips:

• Remember, minimum connection times do not guarantee that your connecting flight won't leave without you.
• Always know your rights if you miss your connection with your onward flight due to delays.
• Connecting flights often mean longer travelling times.
• Always allow plenty of 'extra time' - especially if you need to clear baggage reclaim and passport control, transfer between terminals, and check in and clear security for your next outbound departure.

The longer the flight, the more essential it is to choose the right clothes. Comfort is important, and loose clothing is the key to helping you feel more relaxed - make sure nothing squeezes or scratches during a long flight. The aircraft air conditioning is always on, so take some extra comfy socks and a jumper - you may feel the cold at some point. For great tips on how to fly 'stress-free', check out our travel blog here.

After checking in for your flight, and having been issued a boarding card, proceed to Security and Passport control. Keep your passport and boarding card handy; you may have to show them several times before you board the aircraft.

Airport Security.

Please note! Airport security procedures may vary from airport to airport.

Have your passport / ID and boarding pass ready for inspection if required. When using a digital copy of your boarding pass, check you have offline access to it.

Liquids: There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous - even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage - liquids include:

• All drinks (including water).
• Semi-liquid foods.
• Cosmetics and toiletries (including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss).
• Sprays (including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants).
• Pastes (including toothpaste, gels).
• Contact lens solution and any other solutions and items of similar consistency.

Passengers are permitted to take liquids in the following containers only.

• containers must hold no more than 100ml and must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
• contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed, the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top.
• you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person and you must show the bag at the airport security point.

Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions to these restrictions, they are: (1) for essential medical purposes. (2) for special dietary requirements. (3) baby food or baby milk.

The restrictions around carrying Liquids can change and may vary from country to country; some jurisdictions may have different restrictions to the above. Check the latest airport passenger security procedures with your airline or direct with the airport before travelling.

Countries outside the EU might have different rules on carrying liquids as a transit or transfer passenger. You should check these rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling.

The main security checkpoints are usually located before you reach the departure lounge. At these checkpoints, both you and your hand luggage will be checked. You will be asked to pass your hand luggage through an x-ray machine, which will check for dangerous goods.

You will be asked to walk through a security gate, and you may be screened using security (body) scanning equipment; you may also be frisked - these checks are to protect everyone. Once you have passed these checks, you will not be allowed back into the main terminal building.

Once through security, you arrive in the departure lounge. Remember that most airports do not announce flight departures over the public address system. Always look for, and keep an eye on, the flight information screens located throughout the departure lounge and gate areas. These displays will tell you when and which gate to go to. Remember, it is your responsibility to get to the gate on time.

Due to lengthy security checks at some airports, you may experience long wait times, especially during the busy holiday season.

Top Tip: Always prepare to arrive early for airport check-in and security, especially during peak travel times.