Heathrow Airport is a busy, but very accessible airport in London. It serves as a major international hub, so it gets A LOT of traffic, but it more than makes up for that with the amazing programs in place for those with Hidden Disabilities, which they list as Autism Dementia and anxiety.
A great way to identify your family members as having a hidden disability if you choose and may need/want extra help, is to get Heathrow’s Sunflower Lanyard. This is an amazing program that allows family to self-identify by having the individual with the disability wear a lanyard that can be picked up at Heathrow or mailed to you ahead of time within six months of your flight to Heathrow. For more information, check out our post about the Sunflower lanyard!
Inside the terminal
There are special assistance areas within the terminals located at the following areas:
- Terminal 2: before security Departures Level, behind Zone C (near Security)
- Terminal 2: after security: adjacent to children’s play area and B-gates (Follow signs to “B” Gates)
- Terminal 3: before security: First floor, above Check-in Zones A and B (opposite Pret-a -manger)
- Terminal 3: after security: Additional seating area, behind World Duty Free (past the toilets)
- Terminal 4: before security: Check-in Zone B, next to Excess Baggage (under sign)
- Terminal 4: after security: Serenity Lounge, left of Costa Coffee
- Terminal 5: before security: Check-in Zone G and Zone A (next to gate A23)
- Terminal 5: after security: The Lichfield Suite opposite Gate A21The host areas above have seating, flight information screens and some have vending machines.
Maps of the terminals:
There are 5 terminals at Heathrow, so make sure you are looking at the correct map – follow this link to all Heathrow Terminal Maps
Phone number for Special Assistance at Heathrow: Telephone information service (24 hours): +44 344 335 1000
International Arrivals:
If you are arriving internationally, you will arrive at Terminal 2. To what to expect, here is a wonderful “What to expect Guide” about arrivals at Terminal 2 at Heathrow. The following are some excerpts form this fantastic guide put out by Heathrow Airport:
Potential Sensory Difficulties and tips on what to bring:
International Arrival at Terminal 2 when you land at Terminal 2B:
International Arrival at Terminal 2 when you land at Terminal 2A:
Here’s a great video of special assistance at Heathrow: