Ruth Haines
Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in the United Kingdom and the second busiest airport in the world when measuring international passenger traffic. In October 2023, Heathrow Airport introduced a new system called Timeslot, powered by CLEAR, which allows passengers to book a dedicated time slot in airport security lines. This system is currently being piloted in Terminal 3 for passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta, American Airlines, and Emirates. Timeslot is free to use and allows travellers to bypass the often lengthy queues to enter security and speed up their passage through the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the service | Heathrow Timeslot, powered by CLEAR |
| How it works | Allows passengers to book a dedicated time slot in airport security lines |
| Availability | Available at select terminals for passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, American Airlines & Emirates |
| Cost | Free |
| Booking window | Available from 3 days before a flight |
| Duration of reservation | 20-minute window |
| Eligibility | All passengers flying out of Heathrow Airport are subject to the same security procedures and regulations |
| Hours of operation | 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
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What You'll Learn
Heathrow Timeslot trial
Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in the United Kingdom and the second busiest airport in the world in terms of international passenger traffic. In October 2023, Heathrow Airport introduced a new system called Heathrow Timeslot, which is powered by CLEAR. This system allows passengers on eligible flights to pre-book a time slot to arrive at a designated entry to the security search area in Terminal 3, allowing them to bypass the queues and speed up their passage through the airport. This service is currently only available for passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Emirates.
Heathrow Timeslot is a free service, similar to the Reserve by CLEAR system used in the United States, which requires users to book a time slot in advance. The main difference between the two systems is that Reserve by CLEAR offers a dedicated lane for faster security processing, while Heathrow Timeslot only provides a designated entry to the standard security lines. It is important to note that Heathrow Timeslot is still in the trial phase and is only available in Terminal 3.
Passengers can book a time slot as early as three days before their flight, and each reservation is held for a 20-minute window. While this system provides a more predictable experience, passengers are still required to show their ID to a TSA officer for verification. It is recommended that passengers continue to allow enough time for the usual security and x-ray screening procedures, as Heathrow cannot guarantee maximum or minimum queue lengths or times.
The introduction of Heathrow Timeslot is part of a growing trend in European airports to implement security line reservation systems. This trend has already been observed in several airports across the United States and Canada, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, Los Angeles International Airport, and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. While this system offers a potential solution to lengthy security queues, it is important to note that it may not be beneficial for passengers registered to receive special assistance, as they already have a separate, dedicated route to security.
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TSA Pre-Check
There is no TSA PreCheck at Heathrow Airport or any other airport in the UK. TSA PreCheck is only available at US airports.
However, there are other ways to get through security faster at Heathrow Airport. If you are flying first or business class, you can use the expedited security lines at Heathrow. Additionally, if you are a frequent flyer or have purchased access to Fast Track Security, you can use the priority service to reduce your waiting time. Fast Track Security is available from 06:00 until 22:00, and you can book a pre-booked time slot to ensure you get through security quickly.
It is important to note that all passengers flying out of Heathrow Airport are subject to the same security procedures and regulations. While Fast Track Security can help reduce waiting times, Heathrow cannot guarantee a maximum or minimum queue length or time. It is still the passenger's responsibility to ensure they arrive at the departure gate on time.
British Airways, which operates out of Heathrow Airport, is now officially participating in the TSA PreCheck program. This allows eligible passengers to undergo an expedited security screening process at US airports on their return journey.
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Fast Track Security
Heathrow Airport, the largest airport in the United Kingdom and the second busiest airport in the world, has introduced a new system called Heathrow Timeslot, powered by CLEAR, to speed up passengers' passage through the airport. This system is currently being trialled for three months, free of charge, in Terminal 3 for passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Emirates.
Passengers can pre-book a time slot up to three days in advance to arrive at a designated entry to the security search area, allowing them to bypass the standard security queues. This dedicated route is particularly beneficial for those who are not registered to receive special assistance, as special assistance already provides a separate route to security.
The Timeslot system is similar to the Reserve by CLEAR service available at several airports in the United States and Canada, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. In the UK, Heathrow Airport is the first to introduce this system, joining 19 other airports worldwide that offer this free appointment-based system.
In addition to Timeslot, Heathrow Airport also offers a premium Fast Track Security service, which provides priority access to reduce waiting times. This service can be purchased and accessed through a pre-booked time slot. However, Heathrow does not guarantee a maximum or minimum queue length or time, and latecomers may be denied access.
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Reserve by CLEAR
Heathrow Timeslot, as it is called at Heathrow Airport, is currently available only for passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Emirates. This covers selected flights from Terminal 3. However, eligible flights and airlines are subject to change.
Passengers can book a time slot to enter security, bypassing the queues and speeding up their passage through the airport. This reservation can be made for a group of up to five people. It is important to note that availability is not guaranteed for everyone on eligible flights, and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The service is currently being offered as a three-month pilot program, and passengers can book as early as three days before their flight. This program joins 19 other airports across the US, Canada, and Europe that offer this free appointment-based system.
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CLEAR Plus Membership
CLEAR Plus is a paid membership service that offers faster airport security checks and exclusive travel perks to its members. The membership costs $199 annually and provides access to designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints in select airports, allowing members to save time during the security screening process.
One of the key benefits of CLEAR Plus is the use of biometrics to replace traditional ID checks, enabling faster entry at airports. Members can verify their identity at CLEAR Pods before their flight, ensuring a smoother and quicker security experience. This service is particularly useful for frequent flyers and those travelling with family, as it helps avoid wait times and expedites the screening process.
CLEAR Plus members also enjoy exclusive travel perks, such as expedited passport services and easier luggage shipment. The membership includes CLEAR Scout, which assists in recovering forgotten items at the airport, and CLEAR Concierge, a personal guide service available at select airports. Additionally, members can add up to three family members or friends to their account for $119 each, while children under 18 can join the CLEAR Lane for free.
CLEAR is currently available at select airports in the US, Canada, and Europe, including London Heathrow Airport, where it powers the Heathrow Timeslot pilot program. The service continues to expand to new terminals and airports, aiming to enhance the travel experience for its members.
It is worth noting that CLEAR Plus is only available to US citizens and legal permanent residents aged 18 and above, with certain exceptions for Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members.
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Frequently asked questions
Timeslot by CLEAR is a trial system at Heathrow Airport that allows passengers to book a time slot to arrive at a designated entry to the security search area, allowing them to bypass the queues. The system is free of charge and is currently available for passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and Emirates.
To use Timeslot by CLEAR, passengers need to enter their flight details on the Timeslot booking website and select their preferred arrival time for security. This service is available for bookings made between three days and 72 hours before the flight departure time.
Timeslot by CLEAR is currently only available at Terminal 3 of Heathrow Airport. Additionally, each airport has discretion over which security checkpoints can be accessed with Timeslot by CLEAR, so it may not be available for all flights or gates.
