However much the airlines try to move passengers quickly through the check-in process, the different experience levels and requirements of thousands of passengers will always cause delays and congestion. There is much that passengers could do to help each other and themselves, by attending to the simple, common sense bits and pieces before getting to the head of the line. Ever stood waiting behind the person whose ticket is buried deep in a jacket or purse? Or the person who sees the little dispenser of baggage labels with the pretty airline logo, and decides that each of his five pieces of luggage needs one? Of course you have. Are you ever that person? Of course you're not, but he'll always be on your flight with twenty others like him.
If you are not a frequent flyer and feel a bit daunted by the sheer scale of Heathrow, check-in can be the worst part of the flight. It doesn't have to be. First, make sure you know which Terminal you will be using, and if possible enter by the most appropriate door for your particular check-in area. Make sure your baggage is secure, labelled and within the weight limit, and that your ticket and passport are readily to hand.
At busy times it can take 10 minutes or more to pass through the Security Control point between the Landside and Airside areas.
Once at the check-in desk you will need your ticket and your passport. Make sure in advance that your bags are secure and labelled, and that they are within the weight limit set by the airline. The check-in clerk is legally required to ask you certain questions about your baggage, such as whether it contains anything electrical and whether the baggage all belongs to you.
Films, tapes and computer equipment will come to no harm as they pass through screening, but you may be required to prove their operation to a security officer.
If you are carrying Christmas or Birthday gifts as cabin baggage, it is advisable not to wrap them in their final wrapping as you may have to open them up for inspection.
Don't, at any time, make clever quips to security or airline staff about your own or somebody else's baggage. Your comments will be treated seriously and your attempt at humour will bring you a lot of grief.
Advance Parking working in association with Airport Parking and Hotels Ltd (APH Ltd)
Registered in England (1539777)
Registered office is 12 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PA. VAT Number: GB 350 9836 37.
Trading Address is
Heathrow Airport Information
Heathrow Departures