Heathrow Arrivals: What to Expect Step by Step

Arriving at Heathrow for the first time — or after a long absence — can feel daunting. The airport processes over 200,000 passengers per day. Here's exactly what happens from landing to finding your driver.

Step 1: Landing and Disembarkation

After landing, the aircraft taxis to the gate. This can take 5–20 minutes depending on where the aircraft is parked. Once the seatbelt sign is off, you'll disembark via the jetbridge or occasionally by bus.

Step 2: Transfer or Arrivals Signage

Follow the clear yellow arrivals signs. If you're connecting to another flight, follow "Flight Connections" signs instead.

Step 3: UK Border (Immigration)

UK Border is where most passengers spend significant time. There are two lanes: - **UK/Irish/EU citizens:** ePassport gates for biometric passports (quick, typically 5–15 minutes) - **All other passports:** Staffed desks (can be 30–90 minutes at busy times)

Heathrow Priority: Certain flights land at peak immigration times. A 747 from New York arriving at 7am will face longer queues than an afternoon arrival. We factor this into your pickup schedule.

Step 4: Baggage Reclaim

After immigration, follow signs to baggage reclaim. Carousel numbers are displayed on screens — check for your flight number. Bags typically start arriving 15–25 minutes after landing.

Oversized/sports baggage: Collected from a separate oversize belt, usually adjacent to the main carousels.

Step 5: Customs

After collecting bags, proceed through customs. Green channel (nothing to declare) or Red channel (goods to declare). Most passengers use the Green channel.

Step 6: Arrivals Hall — Finding Your Driver

Exit customs through the arrivals doors and you enter the main arrivals hall. Your Surrey Airport Transfers driver will be positioned here with a clearly visible board showing your name.

Terminal-specific meeting points: - T2: Immediately after the arrivals doors, to the right - T3: Main arrivals hall, ground floor - T4: Arrivals hall, ground floor - T5: Main arrivals hall — allow 20–30 minutes from landing to reaching this point

If you can't immediately see your driver, don't worry — look along the full greeting line. If still not visible, call 01293 972472 and your driver's exact location will be confirmed within seconds.