A Comprehensive Guide

Heathrow Terminal 3 is one of the busiest terminals at Heathrow Airport, serving millions of passengers every year. It is home to a wide range of facilities that cater to the needs of travellers, from shops and restaurants to lounges and meeting rooms.

The terminal is easily accessible by various modes of transport, and there are plenty of parking options available for those who prefer to drive.

Passengers travelling through Terminal 3 can take advantage of the many facilities on offer. There are numerous shops selling everything from duty-free goods to luxury fashion items, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious food and drinks.

The terminal also boasts a number of lounges where passengers can relax and unwind before their flight, as well as meeting rooms for those who need to work or hold business meetings.

For those travelling with children, Terminal 3 offers a range of family services and facilities, including dedicated play areas in the free Family Lounge.

There are also multifaith prayer rooms available for those who need a quiet space for prayer and meditation. Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 is a well-equipped and convenient terminal that provides a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.

Overview of Heathrow Terminal 3

Heathrow Terminal 3 is one of the four passenger terminals at London Heathrow Airport. It is located in the middle of the airport between Terminal 2 and Terminal 4. This terminal mainly deals with long-haul flights to the US, South America, Asia and some flights to Europe.

Terminal 3 was opened in 1961 and was the first terminal at Heathrow to feature moving walkways. Today, it continues to provide innovative travel solutions and world-class service. The terminal has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to keep up with the growing number of passengers.

Terminal 3 is currently used as one of the main global hubs of the International Airlines Group members British Airways (alongside Terminal 5) and Iberia since 12 July 2022. Other airlines that operate from Terminal 3 include American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, Emirates, Finnair, Hainan Airlines, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, and LATAM Airlines.

The terminal offers a range of facilities and services to make the passengers’ travel experience comfortable and convenient. There are several restaurants and cafes serving a variety of food and drinks, from quick bites to fine dining. Passengers can also find shops selling duty-free items, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

Terminal 3 has dedicated play areas in the free Family Lounge, which is open daily from 06:00 to 21:00. Customers connecting through Terminal 3 have access to a larger facility, which will reduce connection times between Terminals. Passengers can also find multifaith prayer rooms and a chapel for quiet retreats and meditation.

Postal services are available on the first floor of Terminal 3, and meeting rooms with office facilities are available in all terminals. The terminal also provides free Wi-Fi, charging points, and baggage wrapping services.

In summary, Heathrow Terminal 3 is a modern and well-equipped airport terminal that provides a range of facilities and services to make passengers’ travel experience comfortable and convenient.

Arrival and Check-In

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a range of facilities for passengers arriving and checking in for their flights.

Upon arrival, passengers can make use of the airport’s helpful signage and information desks to navigate to their desired destination. Terminal 3 is just one building with long piers where the aircraft park, and it has gates numbered from 1-42.

After landing at Heathrow, passengers will be directed to the appropriate gate by airport staff.

For those who need to check-in for their flight, there are several check-in desks located throughout Terminal 3. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for ample time to check-in, go through security, and reach their gate.

Passengers can check-in for their flights in several ways, including online check-in, self-service kiosks, or at the check-in desks. Self-service kiosks are available for passengers who have already checked in online and need to print their boarding passes or check their luggage.

For passengers who need to check-in at the desks, there are dedicated desks for each airline operating out of Terminal 3. Passengers should check their boarding pass or confirmation email to determine which desk to use.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a smooth and efficient check-in process for passengers, with helpful staff and a range of facilities to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Security Procedures

Heathrow Terminal 3 has strict security procedures that all passengers must follow before boarding their flights. The airport’s security team works hard to ensure the safety of all passengers, staff, and aircraft.

Passengers are required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the departure lounge. At the checkpoint, passengers must place their carry-on luggage, coats, and belts in trays to be scanned.

They must also remove any electronics larger than a smartphone, such as laptops and tablets, from their bags and place them in separate trays.

Passengers must also remove their shoes and place them in a tray for scanning. They may be asked to remove any additional items of clothing, such as jackets or scarves, for further screening.

In addition to the security checkpoint, passengers may also be subject to random additional screening at the gate. This may include a more thorough search of their carry-on luggage and a pat-down search.

Customs procedures are also in place for passengers arriving in the UK from other countries. Passengers must declare any goods they are bringing into the country that exceed the duty-free allowance, such as alcohol or tobacco products. Failure to declare such goods can result in fines or legal action.

Overall, passengers should allow plenty of time to pass through security and customs procedures at Heathrow Terminal 3 to ensure they do not miss their flights.

Airlines Operating

Heathrow Terminal 3 mainly deals with long-haul flights to the US, South America, Asia and some flights to Europe. Some of the major airlines that utilize Terminal 3 at Heathrow include British Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Cathay Pacific.

Passengers traveling on these airlines can expect a seamless experience with excellent facilities and services offered at Terminal 3. American Airlines operates flights to and from destinations in the United States, while Cathay Pacific offers flights to Hong Kong and beyond. Emirates provides flights to Dubai and other destinations in the Middle East, while Finnair offers flights to Helsinki.

Other airlines operating at Terminal 3 include Iran Air, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Middle East Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Passengers traveling on these airlines can also take advantage of the facilities and services available at Terminal 3, including restaurants, shopping, and lounges.

Overall, Terminal 3 at Heathrow offers a wide range of airlines and destinations, making it a convenient and popular choice for travelers.

Facilities for Travellers

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a wide range of facilities for travellers to make their journey as comfortable and convenient as possible. Here are some of the facilities available:

Lounges

Travellers can relax and unwind in one of the many lounges available at Terminal 3. These lounges offer a variety of amenities, such as comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the lounges are accessible to all passengers, while others are reserved for specific airlines or membership programs.

Showers and Toilets

For travellers who need to freshen up before or after their flight, Terminal 3 provides shower facilities, which can be found in various locations throughout the terminal. These facilities are equipped with towels and toiletries and are available for a small fee. Additionally, there are plenty of clean and well-maintained toilets located throughout the terminal.

Play Areas and Family Services

Travelling with children can be stressful, but Terminal 3 provides a range of family services and facilities to make the journey easier. There are dedicated play areas for children, as well as a free family lounge with play areas, games, and entertainment. Additionally, there are baby changing facilities located throughout the terminal.

Worship

For travellers who need a quiet space for prayer or reflection, there is a multi-faith prayer room located in Terminal 3. This room is open to people of all faiths and provides a peaceful environment for worship.

Moving Walkways

Terminal 3 has a number of moving walkways to help travellers get around the terminal quickly and easily. These walkways are located throughout the terminal and can be especially helpful for those with limited mobility or heavy luggage.

Overall, Terminal 3 provides a range of facilities to make the travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. Whether you need a quiet space to relax, a place to freshen up, or a way to quickly navigate the terminal, Terminal 3 has you covered.

Dining Options

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a diverse range of dining options, catering to all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, there is something for everyone.

For families looking for simple, freshly prepared grab-and-go food, there are several options available. Carluccio’s is a great choice for Italian cuisine, while Leon offers fast food using French ingredients. Both restaurants serve breakfast until 11 am and have a range of larger healthy day-time courses.

If you are in the mood for some fine dining, Heston’s The Perfectionists’ Cafe serves a taste of classic Britain with authentic dishes served in record time. For a more international flavour, Shan Shui is a high street favourite around the UK, offering Chinese cuisine.

For those who prefer to grab a quick coffee and a snack, Costa and Starbucks are both available in Terminal 3. If you are looking for something a bit more substantial, there are also several cafes, including Caffe Nero and Pret a Manger.

In addition to the restaurants and cafes, there are also plenty of bars and pubs in Terminal 3. Co-Pilots Bar & Kitchen is a great choice for families, offering casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. For a more sophisticated experience, Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar is a popular choice, offering a range of seafood dishes.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 has a great selection of dining options, catering to all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, there is something for everyone.

Shopping Opportunities

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities for travellers. With over 40 stores to choose from, there is something for everyone. Passengers can shop for high street fashion favourites alongside luxurious designer brands, beautiful jewellery, and fine liquor.

Travellers can even take advantage of duty-free shopping at Terminal 3. This means that passengers can purchase goods without paying tax, making it a great opportunity to save money on luxury items.

The shops at Terminal 3 also offer a click and collect service. This means that passengers can order their items online and collect them at the airport before their flight. This service is especially useful for those who want to save time or avoid the hassle of carrying their purchases around the airport.

Some of the popular shops at Terminal 3 include Boots, Burberry, Dixons Travel, Harrods, and World Duty-Free. Passengers can also browse through travel essentials and trending tech at the various stores available.

Overall, Terminal 3 provides a great shopping experience for travellers, with a wide range of options to choose from.

Flight Information

Heathrow Terminal 3 provides a range of facilities for passengers to access flight information. Passengers can check the status of their flights, view flight schedules, and get information about arrivals and departures.

Passengers can access live flight information on the Heathrow website, which provides up-to-date information on flight arrivals and departures. Passengers can also access flight information on the screens located throughout Terminal 3. These screens display real-time information about flight arrivals and departures, including gate numbers, flight status, and estimated arrival and departure times.

For passengers who need to check in for their flight, there are check-in desks located throughout the terminal. Passengers can also check in for their flight online or using the Heathrow mobile app.

For long-haul flights, passengers can access lounges located throughout Terminal 3. These lounges provide a range of facilities, including comfortable seating, food and drink, and access to Wi-Fi. Passengers can also access duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes located throughout the terminal.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 provides a range of facilities for passengers to access flight information, check in for their flight, and access lounges and other amenities.

Transportation and Connections

Heathrow Terminal 3 is well-connected to other terminals and transport links. Passengers can easily travel to other terminals, London, and other parts of the UK from Terminal 3.

Terminal Connections

Passengers can transfer to other terminals at Heathrow using the free shuttle service, Heathrow Express, or the London Underground. The shuttle service runs every 6-10 minutes and connects all terminals at Heathrow. The Heathrow Express is a non-stop train service that runs between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5.

The journey time is approximately 20 minutes. The London Underground’s Piccadilly Line also serves all terminals at Heathrow and provides a cost-effective option for passengers.

Local Transportation

Passengers can also travel to London and other parts of the UK from Terminal 3. The Heathrow Express provides a non-stop service to Paddington Station in central London. The journey time is approximately 15 minutes. The London Underground’s Piccadilly Line also provides a direct service to central London and other parts of the city.

National Express coaches also provide services to various destinations across the UK. The coaches depart from the central bus station at Heathrow and provide a cost-effective option for passengers.

Shuttle Buses

Shuttle buses are available for passengers who need to transfer to other terminals or to nearby hotels. The shuttle bus service is operated by National Express and runs every 30 minutes. The shuttle buses are accessible and provide a convenient option for passengers.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 provides excellent transportation and connection options for passengers. Whether you need to travel to another terminal, London, or other parts of the UK, Terminal 3 has a range of options to suit your needs.

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Pre-Booking and Other Services

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a variety of pre-booking services to help travellers stay ahead of the game. These services include pre-booking car parks, airport hotels, and lounges. Pre-booking can help save time and avoid disappointment.

Travellers can pre-book parking at Heathrow Terminal 3 using the official Heathrow Airport website. There are a variety of parking options available, including long-stay, short-stay, and meet and greet. Pre-booking parking can save up to 60% compared to paying on the day.

For travellers who need to stay overnight, there are several airport hotels available for pre-booking. The official Heathrow Airport website offers a range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences. Pre-booking can help ensure that travellers have a comfortable and stress-free stay before their flight.

In addition to parking and hotels, travellers can also pre-book lounges at Heathrow Terminal 3. These lounges offer a relaxing refuge where travellers can refresh, relax, or do some work. The lounges provide a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Travellers can also stay up-to-date with the latest news and information by visiting the official Heathrow Airport website. The website provides information on flight schedules, terminal maps, and security procedures.

Overall, pre-booking services at Heathrow Terminal 3 can help travellers save time, avoid disappointment, and have a stress-free travel experience.

Travelling with Children

Travelling with children can be a daunting task, but Heathrow Terminal 3 has a range of facilities to make the experience as smooth as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind when travelling with children at Terminal 3.

Play Areas

Heathrow Terminal 3 has a dedicated Family Lounge located behind Dixons Travel. The lounge offers a play area with toys and games for children of all ages, as well as a quiet room for nursing mothers or those looking for a bit of peace and quiet. There’s also a game zone for tweens, making it a perfect place for families to relax before their flight. The lounge is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., but during busy periods, a time limit may be imposed.

Baby Changing Facilities

Heathrow Terminal 3 has baby changing facilities throughout the airport, making it easy for parents to change their little ones’ nappies. The facilities are clean, well-maintained, and easily accessible. They are located in various areas throughout the terminal, including near the play areas and restaurants.

Parent and Child Parking

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers parent and child parking spaces, which are located closer to the terminal buildings. These spaces are wider than normal parking spaces, making it easier for parents to get their children in and out of the car. The spaces are clearly marked and easy to find, so parents don’t have to worry about searching for a spot.

Assistance

Heathrow Porters are available to manage your family’s luggage during your journey through the airport. They can help parents with prams, car seats, and other bulky items, making it easier to navigate the terminal. Additionally, Heathrow offers a wide range of services and facilities to help smooth the journey for parents travelling with babies and children.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 is well-equipped to handle families travelling with children. From play areas to baby changing facilities, there are plenty of amenities to help make the journey as stress-free as possible.

Relaxation and Work Facilities

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a range of relaxation and work facilities to make the airport experience more comfortable and convenient for passengers.

For those looking to relax, the terminal has a Rest and Relaxation Room, which provides a quiet and peaceful environment to unwind. The room is equipped with comfortable seating, dimmed lighting, and a selection of reading materials. There are also shower facilities available, which can be a refreshing way to freshen up before a long flight.

For those needing to catch up on work, the terminal has an Independent Lounge, which provides a quiet and private space to work or hold meetings. The lounge is equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating. Passengers can book the lounge at any terminal at surprisingly great rates.

In addition, the terminal provides a range of other work facilities, including charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and printing services. There are also several cafes and restaurants with seating areas where passengers can work and enjoy a meal or a drink.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a range of relaxation and work facilities to cater to the needs of all passengers, whether they are looking to unwind or catch up on work before their flight.

Terminal Maps

Heathrow Terminal 3 has a range of maps available to help passengers navigate the terminal. These maps can be found on the official Heathrow Airport website.

The terminal maps cover everything from car parks to shops, stations, and departure gates. Passengers can find their way around the terminal using the interactive maps available on the website. The maps are regularly updated to ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date.

In addition to the interactive maps, there are also printed maps available at the terminal. These maps can be found at various locations throughout the terminal, including at information desks and in waiting areas.

Passengers can also download the Heathrow Airport app, which includes maps of all the terminals. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices and can be downloaded from the relevant app stores.

Overall, the terminal maps at Heathrow Terminal 3 are comprehensive and easy to use. Passengers should have no trouble finding their way around the terminal using the maps provided.

Baggage Services

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a range of baggage services to ensure that passengers’ luggage is handled efficiently and securely.

Baggage Reclaim

Upon arrival, passengers can find the baggage reclaim area on the ground floor of Terminal 3. There are several baggage carousels where passengers can collect their luggage. Passengers are advised to check the flight information screens to find out which carousel their luggage will be on.

Left Luggage

For those who need to store their luggage, there are left luggage facilities available at Terminal 3. These facilities are located near the arrivals area. Passengers can store their luggage for a few hours or several days. The cost of storage depends on the size of the luggage and the length of time it needs to be stored. Pre-booking is also available to save time and money.

Baggage Wrapping

For extra protection, passengers can use the baggage wrapping service available at Terminal 3. This service provides a layer of film around the luggage to protect it from damage and tampering. The baggage wrapping service can be found near the check-in area.

Baggage Trolleys

Baggage trolleys are available for passengers to use free of charge at Terminal 3. There are plenty of trolleys located throughout the terminal, including the baggage reclaim area, check-in area, and departure lounges.

Baggage Assistance

For passengers who require assistance with their luggage, there are baggage assistance services available at Terminal 3. These services can be arranged in advance or upon arrival at the terminal. Passengers can request assistance with carrying their luggage, loading and unloading it from transport, and navigating the terminal.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a range of baggage services to ensure that passengers’ luggage is handled efficiently and securely.

Alliance and Partnerships

Heathrow Terminal 3 is a hub for several global airline alliances, including SkyTeam and oneworld. These alliances allow passengers to easily connect between different airlines and destinations, providing a seamless travel experience.

SkyTeam is a global airline alliance that includes 19 member airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. Passengers flying with any of these airlines can access the SkyTeam Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3, which offers amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, shower facilities, and business services. Additionally, passengers can easily transfer between SkyTeam airlines at Terminal 3.

oneworld is another global airline alliance that includes 13 member airlines, such as British Airways, American Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. Passengers flying with any of these airlines can access the oneworld Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3, which offers similar amenities to the SkyTeam Lounge. oneworld also offers a program called oneworld Connect, which allows passengers to seamlessly connect between oneworld member airlines and select partner airlines.

Heathrow Terminal 3 also serves as a hub for several individual airlines, including British Airways, which has a significant presence at the terminal. British Airways operates flights to destinations around the world from Terminal 3, and passengers can access the British Airways Lounge, which offers amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, shower facilities, and business services.

Overall, Heathrow Terminal 3 offers a range of facilities and amenities for passengers, including access to global airline alliances and individual airlines. Passengers can easily transfer between airlines and enjoy a comfortable travel experience at Terminal 3.