Whether you’re flying for business purposes or for leisure, travelling through a busy airport like Heathrow can be stressful – with thousands of people every day passing through to get to their destination. That’s why it’s important to be as prepared as possible for your journey ahead of time, to avoid unnecessary stress or frustration.
At Van Marle Chauffeurs, we provide an outstanding chauffeur service to our clients throughout London, and our airport transfer service allows you to arrive at the airport in luxury and comfort. Our team has created this helpful guide to help make your journey from Heathrow, and any other airport, as streamlined and relaxing as possible.
Heathrow Airport Is the UK’s Busiest Airport
Handling over eighty million passengers annually, Heathrow Airport is the UK’s busiest airport and one of the top ten busiest on a global scale. Containing five terminals, four of which are passenger terminals and the final one for cargo, it can be easy to get lost while trying to find your departure terminal. This is why it’s important to have an understanding of the airports layout, services, and facilities, so you can avoid common pitfalls like long queues and confusing transfers to your terminal.
If you have never taken a flight from Heathrow before, or you would like to refresh your memory on the layout and facilities before your flight, there are many online resources available that showcase interactive maps, as well as an official app for the airport.
Plan Your Transfer in Advance
Whether you’re flying to or from Heathrow, how you get from your home to the airport or vice versa can have an impact on the way your journey begins or ends. While there are options for local public transport like buses or the underground, we would always recommend considering hiring a professional chauffeur to get you where you need to go.
With a chauffeur driven service, there is no need to get flustered or stressed because of unexpected delays and you don’t risk illness standing or sitting in enclosed spaces with strangers. To top it all off, you can arrive at the airport feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the long wait times and the flight ahead of you.
Additionally, with a chauffeur-driven service, you can have peace of mind that your expert driver will know all the best routes to get you to Heathrow Airport with plenty of time to spare, so you don’t have to worry about missing your flight due to high volumes of traffic.
Check-in Early
Given Heathrow’s size and the volume of passengers it handles, arriving early is a smart move. Airlines generally recommend arriving at least three hours before an international flight and two hours for domestic flights. This buffer allows ample time to navigate check-in, security screening, and any unforeseen delays.
Checking in online before you arrive at the airport can save time and reduce the stress of queuing. Most airlines offer this service 24 to 48 hours before departure, enabling you to choose your seat and sometimes even drop your baggage at a designated fast bag drop area.
Upgrade to a Lounge
If you have a long layover or simply want to start your journey in comfort, consider upgrading to an airport lounge. Heathrow has numerous lounges across all terminals, some of which are accessible through day passes even if you’re not flying business or first class.
Lounges provide a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the terminal, offering complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and sometimes even shower facilities. This upgrade can make a significant difference in your travel experience, allowing you to relax and refresh before your flight.
Take Essentials in Hand Luggage
Packing your hand luggage thoughtfully is crucial, especially when navigating a large airport like Heathrow. Ensure you have all your travel documents, such as your passport, boarding pass, and any necessary visas, easily accessible. Additionally, pack a change of clothes, essential toiletries (in compliance with airport security regulations), and any medication you may need.
Given the possibility of flight delays or baggage mishandling, it’s wise to have essential items like chargers, headphones, and reading materials in your hand luggage. This way, you’re prepared for any unexpected waits or in-flight needs without having to access your checked baggage.
For more information, contact Van Marle Chauffeurs now!
If you would like to know more, or to arrange your chauffeur driven transfer to Heathrow Airport, get in touch with the team at Van Marle today. In addition to Heathrow Airport, we also offer services to Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport too, and we also provide wedding car hire, luxury minibus hire, and more. Contact us to find out more.