This is the easiest way to check in when you’re flying and also ensures that you are able to get the best seat available. You can do it from the comfort of your home, office or hotel from 24 hours before your departure. It also saves you time because, when you arrive at the terminal, you can pass straight on to Security. If you have more than hand luggage, you can drop it off at any of up to 96 Fast Bag Drops.

So from the moment you arrive to passing through Security, it should only take around ten minutes.†

To ensure we deliver the service you expect and avoid delays, you must pass through Check-in and Security and be ready to fly at least 35 minutes before your flight departs. If you miss this deadline, you will not be allowed on to your flight.

If you’re flying longhaul or taking a shorthaul flight to Moscow, St Petersburg, Tripoli or Kiev and you’ve checked in online or at a Check-in kiosk at the terminal, you will need to go to one of the passport and visa check desks before going to Security. This helps keep the flow of people through Security running smoothly as any problems will have been dealt with beforehand. If you have luggage for the hold, your passport and visa will be checked at a Fast Bag Drop or Customer Service Desk.

A digital photograph of all customers on UK Domestic flights from London Heathrow Terminal 5 will be taken at airport security. When boarding the flight, the photograph will be checked. Once checks are complete, all photographs will be deleted.

† Based on the average time it takes one passenger using a self service Check-in kiosk and checking in one bag at Fast Bag Drop on a normal operational day.