Things You Need to Be Careful at Heathrow Airport & Save up to 80%

London is the number 1 city that tourists visit. So you can imagine how it would be like at Heathrow Airport with strict security and chaotic lines. So I want to just give you some tips on how I go through smoothly at Heathrow Airport.

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If You Are Not Checking in Your Bag, Make Sure to Have Minimum Toiletries

Not even New York JFK customs is that strict. You have to make sure all your toiletries fit in a size of ziplock. Maximum size needs to be 100ml. and the ziplock needs to be out of the bag for inspection.

Yes, it is that strict. This time, I checked in my bag because I am staying in Korea for a month, but usually around 6 – 7 100ml containers fit in the plastic bag.

Tax Refund Can be Chaotic, but also Peaceful If You Make a Reservation

I do not want to blame my own people, but we Asians love buying stuff while traveling. And you can see it when you arrive at Heathrow airport. The line is insane.

But you don’t have to wait on line if you make a reservation. For 15 pounds you can cut the line and go though with peaceful mind. You can find more information about VAT refund on my related post.

If You Hate Waiting on Line for Customs for an Hour, You Can Always Buy Fast Track (Go through the Customs in 5 Minutes)

Usually you have to get to the airport 2 – 3 hours before if you are flying international. And if you are planning on doing tax refund, you will have to go at least 3 – 4 hours before (If you want to shorten the wait time at tax refund, you can buy a reservation. written above).

But there is a way to shorten that time. You can buy fast track. I think Heathrow airport is like Capitalism to the max lol. If you buy fast track, you will get through security like passing wind.

Fast tracks are only for business class/ first class passengers and people who buy the pass separately. You can buy it here, but I wrote it in detail below related blog post.

There Are Many Ways to Get to Heathrow Airport

There are many ways to get to Heathrow Airport. From Heathrow express to London subway. Personally I use the Heathrow express because it only takes 15 minutes from Paddington and I usually buy it 80% off. If you want to know more about how I buy it 80% cheaper read my related blog post 🙂

Related Blog Post: Best Ways to Get to Heathrow Airpot and How to Get it Cheap

Make Sure to Bring a Pen for Your Landing Card

I know this sounds silly but always make sure to have pen ready. You will have to write your information on the landing card, and having a pen will literally save your time. The worst thing is to write your landing card at the counter after arrival while you see the line for customs piling up.

Heathrow Airport Duty Free IS Fantastic

I love Heathrow Airport Duty Free. I love it because they have every important souvenirs and presents that you need to buy there.

Anything English souviners like Fortnum and Mason, Twinnings, Hansely, Jo Malone, Smythson, Harrods and John Lewis are all there for you. So if you didn’t have time to buy a nice Smythson notebook, you can always buy it at Heathrow airport. If you want more information on Heathrow airport duty free, you can check out my related blog post (AGAIN… I know).

Heathrow Airport Is Massive and It Can Take 20 Minutes to Walk to Your Gate

Make sure to have plenty of time before going to the gate. Heathrow airport is a huge one, and everything can be far apart.

I flew to Korea with Asiana Air and it took nearly 15 minutes to walk to the gate. So make sure you know where your gate is. You do not want to be that person running in the plane with your 100s of duty free bag and be posted on social media.