London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – Terminal Guide & Travel Tips
London, United Kingdom · LHR · Europe
Terminal Guide
| Terminal | Airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 (Queen's Terminal) | United,Air Canada,Lufthansa,Swiss,All Nippon (ANA),Turkish Airlines,Singapore Airlines,Star Alliance carriers | |
| Terminal 3 | Virgin Atlantic,Delta,American,Air France,Emirates (some),oneworld/SkyTeam carriers | |
| Terminal 4 | KLM,Malaysia Airlines,Korean Air,some SkyTeam | |
| Terminal 5 (Heathrow's largest) | British Airways (exclusive),Iberia,Aer Lingus |
Lounge Directory
| Lounge | Location | Access |
|---|---|---|
| BA Galleries First Lounge (T5) | BA First Class, BA Gold card with F ticket | |
| BA Galleries Club Lounge (T5) | BA Business class, BA Gold, oneworld Emerald | |
| United Club (T2) | United Club membership, United Polaris long-haul | |
| Lufthansa Senator Lounge (T2) | Lufthansa/SWISS Business, Senator/HON Circle | |
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (T3) | Virgin Upper Class, Flying Club Gold | |
| American Admirals Club (T3) | Admirals Club membership, oneworld Emerald/Sapphire |
Pro Tips
- The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) is now the fastest and most comfortable way to central London — take it over the Heathrow Express if you're price-sensitive.
- Terminal 5 is British Airways' masterpiece — check in, security, and lounges are all faster than other LHR terminals.
- Allow at least 90 minutes for international connections at Heathrow — customs, long walks, and re-security all add time.
- The Piccadilly line is significantly cheaper than the Heathrow Express but takes 50 minutes; fine for leisure travelers.
- LHR is subject to slot controls — every flight must have a slot, so delays cascade less than at some US airports.
- Pre-clear US immigration at Heathrow for some US destinations using the Registered Traveler or Global Entry programs.
- Heathrow's duty-free shops are excellent — Champagne, Scotch whisky, and cosmetics are notably well-priced.