Are there Heathrow Airport queues today? Advice on fast track security, airport hotels and airport lounges

Queues at Heathrow today
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With travel restrictions being heavily reduced recently, and after a tough two years of either holidays being heavily restricted or downright impossible, some people are itching to get away in the New Year.

Cancellations, delays and queues are always something that can threaten a holiday, and people are never truly relaxed until they’re at their destination.

Are there queues at Heathrow airport today?

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It seems that today (January 16) that there are no queues at Heathrow today.

An airline passenger wearing a face mask pushes her bags past a post box at Heathrow Terminal 5. (Photo: Getty)An airline passenger wearing a face mask pushes her bags past a post box at Heathrow Terminal 5. (Photo: Getty)
An airline passenger wearing a face mask pushes her bags past a post box at Heathrow Terminal 5. (Photo: Getty)

When should I arrive at Heathrow airport?

The latest travel advice from Heathrow Airport is for travellers to arrive at least three hours before flights to Europe and the USA.

“If you're travelling soon, it's best to arrive at the airport three hours before both a European and long haul flight to allow sufficient time for the additional checks required to travel,” said the airport via its official Twitter account.

Does Heathrow experience frequent queues?

Like many airports, queues are inevitable, but Heathrow seems to be capable of clearing queues fast.

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A spokesperson for the airport told LondonWorld: “We have seen an increase in passengers coming through the airport (which is welcome news for the industry) and at peak times we are getting busy.

“But the airport has been flowing well, and when queues arise they are quickly managed. However, what we have not seen is the extremely long wait times that have sometimes been reported elsewhere. For example, our most recent peak at Easter saw 97% of passengers clear security in 10 minutes or less.

“Passengers do have a slightly longer experience at check in compared to pre-pandemic as airlines need to verify travel documents for passengers at 80% of the destinations Heathrow serves. But we’re working alongside airlines to support passenger journeys and get people away.”

Can I buy a fast track pass for Heathrow airport?

Fast tracking at an airport is an easier and faster way to travel. Having this option when at an airport makes the whole process stress free.

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The Heathrow airport website says: “We are currently unable to offer our Fast Track service to customers online. However, please do check with your airline if you are eligible to use the Fast Track departure service provided on behalf of our airline partners.”

And a comment from a spokesperson at Heathrow said: “For fast tracking passengers would need to check with their airline as they operate the check-in process.”

Are there any lounges in the airport?

With five terminals at one of the biggest and busiest airports in the country, there’s bound to be lounges available.

  • Plaza premium - terminal 2 and 5.

Prices here start at £40 per person, and the maximum stay at this lounge is three hours with this lounge opening at 5am and closing at 9pm.

  • Club Aspire - terminal 3 and 5. 
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The next lounge is located in terminal 3, and was awarded with the “World’s Leading Airport Lounge” in World Travel Awards in 2021.

It is open from 7am to 6pm daily and prices start at £34.99 per person with Complimentary food and drinks are available.

  • No1 Lounges - terminal 3. 

A great place to unwind, No1 Lounges offers access to over 7,000 digital newspapers and magazines with a range of soft and alcoholic drinks available. Prices start from £34 per person.

  • Be Relax (spa) - terminal 5 

Described as a “haven of wellbeing and tranquillity”.

Where are the nearest hotels?

Across the terminals at Heathrow airport, there are three hotels.

They are:

  • Aerotel - Terminal 3
  • Hilton - Terminal 4
  • Sofitel - Terminal 5

You can book into any of these hotels on the Heathrow website, with the website also offering a brief overview of each hotel too.

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