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When embarking on your flight from Heathrow Airport make sure you are prepared, have everything you need and most of all feel relaxed to enjoy your flight - simple? Well with our simple guide it is. |
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What's in your suitcase ... |
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This simple guide provides you with essential tips and advice on all areas of your journey - preparation before travel, securing your home and travelling with young children.
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Getting to London Heathrow Airport ... |
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Getting to Heathrow by car - it's approximately 11 miles west of London, near to Feltham.
With clearly marked car parks at Heathrow you will find them easily when you approach the airport.
Visit the ‘Getting to the Airport’ section in this Information Guide for more information on travelling to London by:
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There are a variety of car parking options to consider if you are travelling to Heathrow airport by car - choose by length of stay, budget and service.
The short stay car park at the airport is the best option for persons dropping off Heathrow passengers - this car park is recomended for durations of up to five hours.
For those passengers away for longer than a few days long stay car parking is advisable.
Passengers have the choice of long stay parking with a transfer to the airport terminal, or meet and greet valet parking.
Valet meet and greet parking,which is hugely convenient, is available at Heathrow Airport. It means you do not need to worry about a transfer from the car park to the terminal as your car will be picked up from you at a pre-arrange time by the meet and greet representative. This allows quick check-in with no fuss.
Your vehicle will be stored in a secure parking compound whilst you are away. On your return your car will be waiting for you at the pre-arrange time, at the airport terminal, allowing you to drive straight home!
Meet and greet is the ultimate in convenience when driving to Heathrow Airpot. The Valet meet and greet service provides passengers with the best hassle free start - and finish - to their holiday or business trip. What's more, meet and greet parking is perfect for families with young children, people with heavy bags or sports equipment, corporate travellers, and people with disabilities.
Typical meet and greet parking costs £83 for one week and £118 for two weeks, depending on the operator you choose.
Pre-booking valet parking is advised to ensure availability.
More Travel Tips are available from Help-Me-Park.com - suppliers of meet and greet chaffeured parking at Gatwick Airport >> |
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| Another option passengers may want to consider is the Fast Track parking option that is also available from Heathrow Airport that is a quick and convenient way to get to the Terminal. The Fast Track under cover parking area is within the short stay car park with prices start from £11.00 for 24 hours or part thereof. |
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Upon arrival to Heathrow you will immediately need to proceed to check-in to confirm your flight and off-load your baggage so it can be loaded onto the aircraft.
Do leave yourself plenty of time for check-in as check-in precautions and security checks now take considerably more time. Additional security checks also add to the lenght of check-in.
It is vitally important to arrive at the Airport in good time before your flight:
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Type Of Flight |
Check In Time |
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Long Haul Flights |
3 HOURS before departure |
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European Flights |
2 HOURS before departure |
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UK & Northern Ireland Flights |
1 HOUR before departure |
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Keep your luggage with you at all times as you wait to check-in. If you do not you run the risk of it being destroyed and causing a major security threat. Likewise, when you have checked in your luggage keep your hand luggage with you at all times.
Do not look after another passengers luggage whilst at the airport. And do not, under any circumstances, carry another passengers hand luggage onto the aircraft. If you notice anything suspicious or notice any unattended baggage alert Airport staff immediately.
Once in the departure lounge keep a regular eye on the display boards for your boarding gate notification. You will need to plan the length of time it will take you to get to your gate if you are planning on eating or shopping as in larger airports it can take as long at 30 minutes to get to them.
You can find addtional information on security checks between check-in and boarding in the Airport Safety and Security section within this Fly Guide. |
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Long haul flights, lengthy transfer times anddelays can all be uncomfortable and boring. Even more so if you are travelling with young children, toddlers or babies. Here are some ideas on ways you can make your trip more bearable.
Think about what you will need in your hand luggage - such as tickets, passport, cash, book, refreshments - and make sure it is packed in there before you leave for the airport.
You might also need to consider medication, valuables, sanitary protection, or cold remedies. Also consider a spare top and a toothbrush incase of delays so you can freshen up.
If you have choosen to have an in-flight meal be wary that portions can often be small. Make sure you have had a good meal before your flight, perhaps even pack in your hand luggage a few snacks - although Customs will not allow you to take fruit or dairy products onto the aircraft.
Take a book, magazine or even your personal stereo, especially on long haul flights. Whilst many flights have in-flight entertainment it may not always be to your choice.
To avoid swollen hands and feet, plus dry skin, keep hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout your flight. Also limit your alcohol consumption before and during the flight as this will also lead to dehydration. You could also pack some moisturiser too! It can be difficult keeping comfortable when you’re squashed into an Aircraft so do your best to prevent feeling uncomfortable.
Taking your shoes and socks off can help you feel more comfortable too. If your final destination is hot, how about packing some cooler footwear to put on as soon as you land such as flip-flops or sandals, these can be easily packed into your hand luggage.
The cabin can often become cold, especially during night flights, so think about taking a warm jumper (it can even double up as a pillow when trying to get to sleep).
If you or a member of your party suffer from travel sickness remember to pack remedies such as wrist bands or sickness pills.
If you have difficulty sleeping in light places, or with noise, take ear plugs and an eye mask.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition - blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. Evidence shows that long-haul flights, because passengers have little or no exercise, can increase the risk of developing DVT.
Do make a serious effort to walk around the cabin whenever possible. Do some special DVT exercises - these can often be found in your in-flight magazine - or simply wiggle your toes, stretch your arms and legs and clench your bottom throughout the flight so your blood circulates.
For more advice on DVT, who is more at risk and how to help prevent it, visit the Department of Health website.- Click Here
Finally, read our article below - ‘Tips on Staying Comfortable When Flying’ before you travel. |
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Staying Comfortable When Flying |
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1. Upgrade |
For the ultimate in in-flight comfort ask for an upgrade to Business Class or First Class - these are rare but if you don't ask you don't get. . |
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2. Front Row Seats |
Upgrades are few and far between so at check-in ask for a front row seat or one by an exit for extra leg room. |
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3. Aisle Seats |
As a last resort to get a bit of extra leg room, your best bet is to try and get an aisle seat. At least with an aisle seat you can occasionally stretch your legs out (as long as you don’t trip up anyone walking down the aisle). An aisle seat also makes it easier for you to get up and down to stretch your legs, and means you can get to the bathroom without having to climb over other passengers next to you. |
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4. Pillow |
To help you sleep on the flight, think about taking your own pillow and light blanket. The familiar smell of home can help you to get more comfortable and sleep better. If you are worried about carrying your own pillow and blanket, you can buy a blow up neck supporter pillow to save on space. Ear plugs can also help to shut out some of the onboard noises, so you can get to sleep easier. |
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5. Painful Ears |
If you suffer from painful ears during take off or landing, special ear plugs are available which equalise the air pressure on each side of the ear drum. These ear plugs are especially useful if you have a cold or allergy / sinus problems. One common brand that you can buy is called Earplanes. |
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6. Dehydration |
Flying can cause dehydration, so make sure you drink lots of water during your flight. Take your own bottle of water onto the plane with you, just in case. |
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7. Snacks |
Airline meals aren’t always the most filling, so it is wise to take some of your own snacks on the plane. |
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8. Anxiety |
There are many options for you if you suffer from anxiety when flying. Learn some simple breathing skills that you can use on the flight to reduce your stress and calm you down. Take some activities like crosswords or a book that you can concentrate on. If you think your anxiety is too intense, it could be worth talking to your Doctor as he or she might be able to recommend something to help keep you calm before and during the flight. |
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Travelling with Children ... |
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If you are travelling with children, pack some small toys in your hand luggage for when you are waiting at the Airport, and for on the aircraft.
Items such as colouring books and crayons, soft back books and sticker books are good to keep your children amused. Another good idea is to wrap the different toys, so that each new activity is a surprise.
Most major Airlines offer some sort of child activity pack for when they are on the aircraft, however, these do not normally hold the child’s attention for a long period of time.
Take some toys that you can use to play games with your children, for example, dolls, toy cars, toy planes, etc. Stories can then be built around the different toys, maybe even with a journey, holiday or aeroplane twist!
When travelling with a young baby, you will probably need to carry a fair amount of bits and pieces in your hand luggage. Pack plenty of baby food or formula milk just in case of delays, nibbles in a container, cold water sterilising tablets, spare nappies and plastic rubbish bags.
Also pack some warm clothes for your baby in case the temperature drops in the cabin whilst flying, and some favourite toys to try and keep them amused. |
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Travelling with disabilities / Special Needs ... |
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Most Airlines are well equipped to assist passengers travelling with disabilities or special needs.
Passengers with disabilities are advised to check that any special assistance required is included in the price of the ticket before booking.
Before travelling, ensure that the Airline you are flying with is aware of your disabilities or special needs well in advance of your travel dates.
Some Airlines will ask passengers with disabilities to transfer to an airline wheelchair at check-in. If you would like to stay in your own wheelchair to boarding, double check with your airline if this is possible before you leave for the airport.
Heathrow Airport is a large building with a huge number of boarding gates. This means that there are often long distances to walk to travel between the terminals and to the gates.
Special assistance vehicles are available for travellers with disabilities. Passengers should pre-arrange the use of these vehicles to prevent any delays in the airport. |
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