Terminal 5 Overview

  • Primary use: The exclusive home of British Airways and Iberia, handling long-haul, European, and domestic flights.

  • Key features: Opened in 2008, it’s Heathrow’s newest terminal, renowned for its sleek design, spacious layout, and cutting-edge technology.

  • Sub-terminals: Split into T5A (Main), T5B, and T5C (connected by free underground shuttle trains).

Getting to Terminal 5

  1. By Train/Tube:

    • Heathrow Express: 15 mins from Paddington (direct to T5 station).

    • Elizabeth Line: Direct service to Central London.

    • Piccadilly Line: Direct Tube access (Terminal 5 station).

  2. By Car/Taxi:

    • Drop-off: Follow signs for Terminal 5’s free "Set Down" area (strictly 10-minute limit).

    • Parking: Pre-book Short Stay (closest) or Long Stay with free shuttle buses.

  3. Terminal transfers:

    • Free Heathrow Express trains or shuttle buses connect T5 to other terminals (10–15 mins).

Terminal 5 Layout

Departures (Level 3)

  • Check-in: Zones A–H (check your British Airways flight’s zone online).

    • Self-service kiosks and fast bag-drop areas (scan boarding pass to print tags).

  • Security:

    • Fast Track (£5–£15; book online in advance).

    • Busiest times: 5–9 AM and 4–7 PM (arrive 3 hours early for long-haul flights).

Departures Lounge (Level 3, post-security)

  • Shopping:

    • Duty-free: World Duty Free (perfumes, spirits, luxury cosmetics).

    • Luxury brands: Harrods, Rolex, Mulberry, Tiffany & Co.

    • Travel essentials: WHSmith, Boots.

  • Dining:

    • Quick bites: Pret A Manger, Itsu, Starbucks.

    • Sit-down:

      • Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food (pre-order meals to take onboard).

      • The Commission (British gastropub classics).

      • Champagne Bar (Bollinger, £15+ per glass).

  • Lounges:

    • British Airways Galleries Lounges (access for business/first-class, Executive Club members).

    • Concorde Room (exclusive for BA first-class passengers; à la carte dining).

    • Aspire Lounge (pay-per-entry: £35+; includes snacks/drinks).

Arrivals (Level 1)

  • Baggage reclaim: Carousels 1–8 (check screens for your flight).

  • Customs/immigration: eGates for UK/EU/EEA/Singapore/South Korea passports.

  • Onward transport: Follow signs for trains, taxis, or buses.

Airlines Operating from Terminal 5

  • Primary: British Airways (most flights), Iberia.

  • Occasional partners: Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways (select flights).

Top Facilities & Services

  1. Lounges:

    • Galleries First Lounge: Complimentary spa treatments (Elemis) and à la carte dining.

    • Galleries Club Lounge: Hot buffets, showers, and runway views.

  2. Free Wi-Fi: Unlimited access via “Heathrow Wi-Fi”.

  3. Charging stations: Abundant USB/power outlets near gates.

  4. Baggage services:

    • Left luggage (£12.50/bag per day; Level 1, Arrivals).

    • Lost property: +44 (0)20 8757 2700 (Terminal 5 desk).

  5. Currency exchange: Travelex (pre-order online for better rates).

  6. Special assistance:

    • Book free help (wheelchairs, guided support) via British Airways 48 hours in advance.

  7. Family-friendly:

    • Baby-changing rooms (all restrooms).

    • Play area near Gate A7 (T5A).

  8. Quiet zones: Secluded seating near Gates A18–A20 (T5A).

Food & Drink Highlights

  • Breakfast: The Commission (full English breakfast).

  • Healthy options: Itsu (sushi, noodle boxes).

  • Coffee: Costa, Caffè Nero, Starbucks.

  • Indulgence: Harrods Café (signature cakes and teas).

Shopping Must-Sees

  • Luxury: Rolex, Tiffany & Co., Mulberry.

  • British icons: Harrods (gourmet snacks, souvenirs).

  • Tech: Dixons Travel (noise-canceling headphones, travel adapters).

Pro Tips for Terminal 5

  1. Avoid queues: Security is quickest mid-morning (10 AM–12 PM) and late evening (8–10 PM).

  2. BA App perks: Use British Airways’ app for live bag tracking and lounge access passes.

  3. Layovers:

    • Relax at the Galleries Lounge (free for BA business-class passengers).

    • Take the Elizabeth Line to Central London (35 mins to Tottenham Court Road).

  4. Sustainability: Refill water bottles post-security (free stations near Gates A10–A12).

  5. Underground shuttle: Allow 10 mins to transfer between T5A, T5B, and T5C.

Key Contacts

  • Lost property: +44 (0)20 8757 2700 (Terminal 5 desk).

  • Special assistance: +44 (0)344 412 7747.

Final Checklist Before You Fly

  • Confirm your check-in zone via the BA website/app.

  • Pre-book Fast Track, lounge access, or parking.

  • Charge devices and download the Heathrow App for live updates.

Terminal 5’s modern design and efficient layout make it a stress-free experience, but always allow extra time for security and transfers between sub-terminals. Safe travels! ✈️