I am going to be arriving in LHR Terminal 3 on a BA flight from Spain. My connecting flight is on American to the U.S., also from Terminal 3. Can I transfer without having to go through security again? Is it a simple matter of just staying 'airside'?
This would depend on whether or not your bags have been tagged through to your final destination. If they are able to do this, usually they are also able to check you in (and issue your boarding pass) for your connecting flight. Meaning you would be able to stay airside. If they are unable to issue you your boarding pass for your connecting flight, I am not aware of T3 having an airside transfer/check in facility, unlike some airports, which would mean having to exit and check-in at the normal place (meaning you would have to clear secuity again).
It also depends on how long your connection is. If it is an overnight connection there is nowhere to sleep airside, meaning you would need to exit the terminal and return the next day (and clear security again).
At airports where security procedures are performed centrally, typically after check-in, passengers are required to undergo security checks as they disembark an aircraft, before heading to the gate of their onward flight. Example, Melbourne and Sydney airports.
Where security procedures are performed at the gates, prior to embarkation of aircraft, you will find that security procedures are not required as you disembark an aircraft. You will also find at these airports both incoming and outgoing passengers interact freely within the departure area. Example Singapore and Kuala Lumpur airports.
London Heathrow's security arrangement is based on the central model. Incoming passengers, who have just gotten off a flight are segregated until they have gone through security. After which they are let into the departure area, even if it is the same terminal of their incoming flight.
BA and AA are oneworld, so yes, your bags can be checked all the way to the US.
You will however, need to re-do a small security check after you attend to the transfers desk. The line will be much smaller than regular security and shouldn't take to long. But, like everyone else has said, it will depend on the length of your layover, as the airport is not 24/7.
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London Heathrow T3 Transfers.
RealKid
RealKid
Member since 20 May 2014
Total posts 91
London Heathrow T3 Transfers.
I am going to be arriving in LHR Terminal 3 on a BA flight from Spain. My connecting flight is on American to the U.S., also from Terminal 3. Can I transfer without having to go through security again? Is it a simple matter of just staying 'airside'?
trevor
trevor
Member since 22 Jun 2013
Total posts 90
This would depend on whether or not your bags have been tagged through to your final destination. If they are able to do this, usually they are also able to check you in (and issue your boarding pass) for your connecting flight. Meaning you would be able to stay airside. If they are unable to issue you your boarding pass for your connecting flight, I am not aware of T3 having an airside transfer/check in facility, unlike some airports, which would mean having to exit and check-in at the normal place (meaning you would have to clear secuity again).
It also depends on how long your connection is. If it is an overnight connection there is nowhere to sleep airside, meaning you would need to exit the terminal and return the next day (and clear security again).
crosscourt
crosscourt
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
Member since 01 Sep 2011
Total posts 96
you go through security even if its a straight connection. ive done it.
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
At airports where security procedures are performed centrally, typically after check-in, passengers are required to undergo security checks as they disembark an aircraft, before heading to the gate of their onward flight. Example, Melbourne and Sydney airports.
Where security procedures are performed at the gates, prior to embarkation of aircraft, you will find that security procedures are not required as you disembark an aircraft. You will also find at these airports both incoming and outgoing passengers interact freely within the departure area. Example Singapore and Kuala Lumpur airports.
London Heathrow's security arrangement is based on the central model. Incoming passengers, who have just gotten off a flight are segregated until they have gone through security. After which they are let into the departure area, even if it is the same terminal of their incoming flight.
LondonAussie
LondonAussie
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 12 Jul 2014
Total posts 79
BA and AA are oneworld, so yes, your bags can be checked all the way to the US.
You will however, need to re-do a small security check after you attend to the transfers desk. The line will be much smaller than regular security and shouldn't take to long. But, like everyone else has said, it will depend on the length of your layover, as the airport is not 24/7.