London Heathrow International Airport
SAA fly to and from London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2, The Queen’s Terminal, which opened in 2014. With stunning architectural features, fantastic restaurants and shops, and 10 metre glass walls that flood the terminal with natural light, it provides the perfect start to any journey.
Check-in
Airport check-in and bag drop
South African Airways check-in is located on the top floor of Terminal 2. Check-in zones are listed on the information screens provided.
Airport check-in and bag drop:opens 4 hours before departure
Online check-in:opens 24 hours before departure
Economy check-in
For economy travellers, self-service kiosks are available to check-in and print your boarding pass and baggage tag before heading to the bag drop. A member of staff will be on hand if you need help. To save time, have your tickets and passport ready, and ensure your hand baggage contains only valuables and items you will need during the journey.
Premium check-in
Business travellers can enjoy a dedicated check-in desk, priority baggage handling and Fast Track through security. To save time, have your tickets and passport ready, and ensure your hand baggage contains only valuables and items you will need during the journey.
Online check-in
To avoid queuing at the airport, online check-in opens 24 hours before each flight and will remain open until 2 hours before departure.
- You can select your seats free of charge and print your boarding pass in advance.
- If you do not have access to a printer, you can print it from the self-service kiosks at the airport or download it to your mobile device, if you are flying from an eligible airport.
- At the airport use the self-service kiosk to print your baggage tag.
- A dedicated bag drop is available at the airport for a smooth, hassle-free start to your journey. A member of staff will be on hand if you need help.
Connections
Connecting at Heathrow airport is simple and easy.
Domestic – International connections
South African Airways only offer flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg. Connecting flights from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle to London Heathrow can also be booked. Flights operated by other carriers land at a different terminal at Heathrow Airport so you will be required to transfer to Terminal 2 for your SAA flight. Please make note of the minimum connection time.
| Airline | Heathrow Terminal | Minimum connection time |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | T5 | 90 minutes* |
* Provided you are in possession of a boarding pass and your baggage is checked to your final destination. Please allow extra time if you require special assistance or you are travelling with children.
International – domestic connections
Following your international flight from Johannesburg, South African Airways can also arrange connecting flights from London Heathrow to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle with British Airways. These will depart from a different terminal at Heathrow Airport so you will be required to transfer from Terminal 2 to catch your onward flight. Please make note of the minimum connection time.
| Airline | Heathrow Terminal | Minimum connection time |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | T5 | 90 minutes* |
* Please allow extra time if you require special assistance or you are travelling with children.
International – International connections
Following your international flight from Johannesburg , South African Airways offer flights from London Heathrow to Cork, Dublin and Shannon, operated by Aer Lingus. Aer Lingus fly into and out of Terminal 2, providing a seamless connection for your onward flight. Please make note of the minimum connection times provided in the table below.
Heathrow Airport is also a hub for other international destinations, such as Scandinavia, the US and Canada. For your convenience, all Star Alliance carriers operate from Terminal 2, providing straight-forward, seamless connections. Flights operated by other airlines may depart or arrive from a different terminal and you will need to allow time between flights to transfer. Please make note of the minimum connection times.
| Airline | Heathrow Terminal | Minimum connection time |
|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | T2 | 60 minutes* |
| Air Canada (a Star Alliance member) | T2 | 60 minutes* |
| British Airways | T3 & T5 | 90 minutes* |
| Etihad Airways | T4 | 90 minutes* |
| Lufthansa (a Star Alliance member) | T2 | 60 minutes* |
| Scandinavian Airlines (a Star Alliance member) | T2 | 60 minutes* |
*Please allow extra time if you require special assistance or you are travelling with children.
Lounges
Departure lounges
Business travellers are invited to sit back, relax and enjoy one of the Star Alliance departure lounges at Heathrow Terminal 2.
The new Maple Leaf Lounge has large windows overlooking the airfield, a bistro, a spa inspired shower retreat, tv-equipped relaxation pods and free wifi. The business area is equipped with desktop computers, a colour laser printer and a playstation. It is open daily from 5am to 10pm and is located in Terminal 2 B near the departure gates.
Arrivals lounge
Conveniently located just beyond Customs at Heathrow’s Terminal 2, the Plaza Premium Lounge is the perfect place to freshen up after a long flight. Our guests can avail themselves of luxurious showers to recharge after their flight or enjoy a medley of fresh food and a range of hot and cold drinks. A wide selection of international newspapers and magazines and fibre optic wifi make the Plaza Premium Lounge an ideal venue to host business meetings or just socialise with friends. Eligible guests can take advantage of our hospitality to relax in a comfortable welcoming environment before you leave the airport.
Shops and restaurants
Heathrow Terminal 2 offers a wide range of high-end shops and restaurants, including John Lewis, The Gorgeous Kitchen, Harrods, Mulberry and Smythson. Further information can be found on the Heathrow website, including information about travelling with babies, Reserve & Collect and travel money.
Getting to and from the airport
Heathrow Airport is 15 miles west of central London and easily reached by road or public transport.
Heathrow Express train
With a journey time of 15 minutes between the airport and London Paddington, and departures every 15 minutes, Heathrow Express trains offer the fastest journey time. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Heathrow Express ticket hall.
Heathrow Connect train
A stopping service between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport departing every 30 minutes and calling at local stations in west London. Journey time varies between 31 and 49 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Heathrow Connect ticket hall.
London underground tube
London Underground's Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow and central London. Journey time by Tube is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train, even off-peak. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Tube ticket hall.
Parking
Heathrow Airport has a variety of parking options from short stay, long stay through to meet and greet.
Hotels at the airport
A number of hotels are linked directly to the terminal and can be reached on foot in minutes from check-in or arrivals. Our hotel partners can help you search for the right hotel for you.
