From FlyerGuide Wiki
[edit] LHR – London Heathrow, United Kingdom
Overview: LHR is the busiest international airport in the world -- a fact that will become apparent as you sit in your holding pattern waiting to land. AA flies up to 19 daily flights from various US gateways: BOS, ORD, MIA,, RDU, JFK and LAX. AA uses terminal 3, which is shared with oneworld partners Cathay Pacific, JAL and Royal Jordanian, amongst others. Other oneworld partners fly from terminals 1 (British Airways and Finnair), 2 (Iberia), 4 (British Airways and Qantas) and 5 (British Airways).
Airport Web Site: http://www.heathrowairport.com/
Checking in with AA: The AA check in facility is on the far left side of the T3 Departure complex. It's the first section a taxi would arrive at, but arriving by HEX (Heathrow Express) or Tube will require some walking. AA does have Business and First check-in queues. Passengers need to clear a 'security screening' person who will validate your ticket (e-tickets may require a printout) and ask some questions.
First, Business Class, oneworld Emerald customers, and American Airlines ConciergeKey ccustomers can take advantage of the Flagship Check-in, a facility to the right of the main entrance. More at http://www.americanairlines.co.uk/content/uk/travelInformation/newFlagship_Checkin.jhtml
Security: Terminal 3 security can be absolutely horrendous, particularly in the morning rush hour. There is no elite lane, but Fast Track security is available for ticketed First and Business class passengers.
Lounges: American operates an Admirals Club for members, AAdvantage Platinum, oneworld Sapphire and business-class ticket holders. There is also a Flagship Lounge facility available for First class, Executive Platinum and oneworld Emerald travellers. AC and FL are in Lounge Area H which is on the way to the normal departure gates (13-23, though these vary). The lounges are off to the right before you get to the travelator (moving sidewalk) going to the the higher numbered gates. Holders of the appropriate oneworld status or premium ticket can also use the (generally preferable) JAL or Cathay Pacific First and Business class lounges. The CX Lounge is located in Lounge Area A which is on the far right side of the departure lounge (and immediately near the entry from Connections).
Connection Information: Connecting at Heathrow can be a lengthy process. For passengers connecting to terminals 1 and 2, there is an air side transfer bus to the Flight Connections Centre, where you will go through security (and immigration, if you're headed to the UK or Ireland), and then pick up your onward boarding passes. Passengers connecting to terminal 4 (which is on the other side of the airfield) are taken directly by an air side bus.
There is no elite queue for security in the Connections area. The First/Club Fast Track here is only for British Airways' onward passengers.
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are close and connected by underground tunnels. If you don't mind immigrating (or your bags are not checked through to your final destination), you can pass through regular immigration channels and proceed to your next terminal on foot. It's also possible to get landside from Terminal 3 (where AA arrives) to Terminal 4 by the Heathrow Express train which is free for the one-stop ride between the terminals.
Transportation: A taxi into central London costs around £40 ($80), and depending on destination, takes up to an hour. The Heathrow Express is a high-speed train link between the airport and London Paddington station, to the west of the centre. Connections on the Underground and by taxi are available from here. The train takes fifteen minutes, and runs every fifteen minutes. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 share an underground station. Fare is approximately £26 return. The Underground (Piccadilly Line) also extends to the airport, and a thrifty £4.00 will convey you (in less comfortable surroundings) to most destinations around the city. Travel time to the centre is about 50 minutes. Pax can transfer at various stations to other Underground lines, tho stairs and long walks may be required.
Food: BAA (the airport operator) is world-renowned for its ability to make you shop while you wait. All manner of eateries and cafés are available, though mostly air side.
Arriving into the UK at LHR: When you get off the inbound plane you will head to immigration and customs. You may or may not be in a sterile arrivals area (it varies by arrival gate: 8-10 are secure, 13 to 23 are mixed). Normally you will take the travelator (moving sidewalk) and follow the signs. The immigration area is large and can be very busy (note there are bathrooms on the left side of this area before getting in the queues).
If you are a non-EU passenger who has arrived in Business or First you will have been given a pink colored Fast Track immigration pass that is designed to save you time (in the mornings only as it closes about noon). This queue is on the right side of the Immigration complex as the lines start. A person will validate and collect your pass. Check the lines but normally Fast Track is quicker. From immigration you collect your luggage and then proceed through Red/Green Customs lines (depending on whether you have anything to declare). You will come out into the T3 Arrivals area. Business and First passengers have the option for complimentary use of the AA Arrivals Lounge (open 06:00 - 14:00 / 2:00 PM) which is upstairs (go up one flight and look for a 'bridge' that spans the area and down a few steps). Economy passengers can use the Arrivals Lounge by paying a fee (50USD + VAT) provided there is room.
The AC and FL are not available to pax arriving in the UK. They can only be accessed by connecting back into T3 which required an onward boarding pass (for a same-day flight from T3).
