London Heathrow airport guide
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Get your trip off to a flying start with Virgin Atlantic and our partner, Delta Air Lines, at London Heathrow Airport. From check in details to airport facilities for departures and onward travel information for arrivals, don't stress - we've got it covered.
Top tips for travellers
Which terminal?
All flights depart from Terminal 3.
Please arrive in Zone A and follow directions to the dedicated bag drop area.
When does my flight depart/arrive?
Unsure of your timings? It's best to be safe than sorry. Check your departure and arrival time with our handy Flight status tool.
Your departure gate information at London Heathrow will become available roughly 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
What time should I arrive at the airport?
Leave those last-minute airport dashes to the big screen! We recommend that you arrive at least two hours before your flight is due to leave.
Do I need a visa?
Check out our visa information pages which include the latest travel restrictions for every country we fly to.
Online check in
The best way to check in is online where you can pick your seat and print your boarding card. If you’re travelling with carry on baggage only, you can print off your own boarding pass and we’ll see you at the gate.
Alternatively, you may use our automated self service kiosks at the airport. You'll find them in Zone A (open between 05.00 and 21.30)
Counter check in and bag drop
There is no set area for Virgin Atlantic check-in. Please check the information displays once inside the Terminal.
Check in starts from four hours before departure and closes one hour before departure.
Cash less policy
We no longer accept cash payments. Please bring an alternative form of payment for any additional charges or fees that may apply.
Arriving at London Heathrow
Check out this handy guide for some useful tips on how to prepare you and your party for passing through UK borders.
Connecting flights
If you're connecting onto a Delta flight, we've got some great news - all Virgin Atlantic and Delta flights from London Heathrow arrive and depart from our shared home at Terminal 3 (T3), offering the ultimate seamless service.
Travelling with kids?
Heathrow airport has a family room equipped with amazing soft play areas and games rooms available for free, so you can let the kids enjoy themselves whilst you sit back with a well-deserved cuppa.
Special assistance
Our special assistance team are on hand to help make your journey go smoothly.
Airport facilities
Getting to and from the airport
By road
The M4 motorway is closest to the airport, which connects to the M25.
By taxi
London's black taxis stop outside the terminal.
By train and underground
Non stop Heathrow Express trains are available to London Paddington. London Underground's Piccadilly Line also serves the airport.
Both are available from the Terminal 2 & 3 station, which you can access from just outside arrivals at Terminal 3.
London Heathrow drive thru check in
If you've booked a chauffeur, we can take you to and from the airport at both ends of your flight. If not, you can still opt to use the drive thru check in.