Airport guide: 6 tips for your trip from Heathrow

Here are our 6 tips to get you into that holiday mode the second you step out your front door.

1. Hop on the Heathrow Express

Mateys, forget the hassle of traffic jams or lugging your suitcase on the Tube. We're convinced that the easiest way to get from London to Heathrow is the Heathrow Express.

2. Sail through security with Fast Track 💨

If you want an easy-breezy start to your holiday, you’re not alone, Pirates. We've got a hot tip for you to help you get into holiday mode even quicker!

3. Airport lounges: a chilled start to your trip – what could be better?

Loads of us Pirates are big fans of airport lounges. Whether you’re off on holiday or travelling for work, they’re a comfy spot to relax or get some stuff done before take-off 🤓

In the lounge, drinks and snacks are all included (yes, even the bubbly 🥂) and you don’t need a membership to get in – just book in advance and you’re good to go.

Heathrow has airport lounges in Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5.

So next time you get through security and want to chill, head to a lounge. You can stretch out, pour yourself a cheeky glass of fizz 🥂 and start the holiday properly.

4. Save 10% off World Duty Free online

If you're like us and love to get to the airport early, a bit of shopping is always in order while you wait to go to your gate.

At Heathrow, you have the added bonus of doing some pre-shopping online from home to get an extra 10% off World Duty Free. Then, once you sail through security, you can pick up your purchases with the Reserve & Collect option and be ready to rock your holiday in style. We especially love this option as it saves us a lot of time before going on holiday. Plus, the Duty Free bag is allowed on the plane in addition to your carry on at no extra price.

Not sure what you're allowed to bring into your final destination? Some countries have regulations on what's allowed to bring into their border, such as a certain amount of alcohol or cigarettes. When you make a purchase, you'll be asked to present your boarding card to ensure the items purchased are applicable for your final destination.

Need a new pair of sunnies for your holiday? Maybe you've been eyeing a particular designer bag or just want to pick up a nice bottle of something to enjoy on your holiday. Whatever it is you're looking for, you'll be able to shop it at Heathrow.

5. Earn points when you spend at Heathrow

If you're someone that loves collecting points, then this one is for you! For every pound that you spend in Heathrow, you'll receive 1 point. Joining is free and easy, you just have to sign up via the link below.

You'll be rewarded almost every time you spend at Heathrow! Collect Heathrow Rewards points when you…

• Book your Heathrow Express tickets

• Pre-book Official Heathrow Parking

• Go shopping

• Grab a snack or eat at a restaurant or cafe

• Convert your currency

• Upgrade your travel experience!

You'll be able to redeem your points for shopping vouchers at Heathrow. Every 500 points equals £5, which you can easily and instantly transform into a voucher to be used at participating shops, cafés, and restaurants at Heathrow. For those that like to collect and use miles, every 250 points can be converted into 250 Avios miles.

Pirate tip 🏴‍☠️ you'll receive a welcome bonus of 100 points when you sign up. If you're planning to spend, you might as well!

6. Download the Heathrow App to make the most of your journey

We know what you’re thinking: not another app. But trust us, this one’s actually useful. The Heathrow App gives you live updates on check-in and gate info, plus it even gives you personalised tips and shows you which shops and restaurants are in your terminal.

Running late, hungry and skipped Fast Track? No worries, you won’t have to starve. At selected Heathrow restaurants, you can pre-order food through the app and pick it up when you get to your terminal.

You can also pay for parking and the Terminal Drop-Off Charge using the app, check the weather at your destination, track and spend your Heathrow Rewards points, and even connect your Apple Watch.

Heathrow Express Terms and Conditions*

Journey in 15 Minutes - 15 minute journey time from London Paddington to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 with an extra 6 minutes to Terminal 5. A free transfer is available to Terminal 4 taking an extra 4 minutes. 

Kids 15 and Under Travel Free - Children aged 15 years and under travel free in Standard Class when accompanied by a paying adult, or can travel unaccompanied if they have proof of air travel such as a valid flight booking or boarding pass. Photo ID will be required.

£10 Advance Fares - Available 45+ days in advance. T&Cs apply.