Back to

Your Ultimate Pre-Flight Checklist: What to Do Before You Head to London Heathrow

The excitement of an upcoming trip is often mixed with a touch of pre-travel anxiety. ‘Did I pack everything?’ ‘Do I have all my documents?’ ‘How will I get my luggage to the airport?’

A solid pre-flight checklist is your secret solution against stress, especially when you're flying from a busy hub like London Heathrow (LHR). By taking care of the essentials before you leave home, you can transform your departure day into a calm, enjoyable start to your adventure.

So, let’s dive straight into your comprehensive checklist to ensure a seamless journey to the airport and beyond:

1. The All-Important Documents Check (and Double-Check!)

This is paramount. Missing or expired documents are the quickest way to derail your trip.

  • Passport Validity: For international travel, most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. Check the issue date too; some countries (especially in the EU) also have a "no more than 10 years old" rule.
  • Visas & Entry Requirements: Research this well in advance! Many countries require a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or proof of onward travel. Print copies or save digital versions of any approvals.
  • Flight Tickets & Boarding Passes: While digital is common, having a screenshot or a printed copy as backup is always a good idea. Don’t forget to confirm your terminal and flight number.
  • Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost/stolen luggage. Have your policy number and emergency contact details easily accessible.
  • Accommodation Bookings: Keep printouts or digital copies of all hotels, Airbnb, or other accommodation reservations.
  • Driving License/International Driving Permit (IDP): If you plan to drive abroad, ensure your license is valid and get an IDP if required.
  • Health Documents: Depending on your destination, you might need vaccination certificates (e.g., Yellow Fever) or proof of health screenings.
  • Photocopies/Digital Backups: Take photos of your passport, visa, and important cards. Email them to yourself or store them securely in the cloud. You could also leave a copy with a trusted friend or family member.

2. Money Matters: Ready for Your Destination

  • Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to avoid your cards being flagged for suspicious activity and blocked.
  • Currency Exchange: While Heathrow has exchange services, rates are often better before you arrive at the airport. Get some local currency for immediate needs.
  • Multiple Payment Methods: Carry a mix of credit cards, debit cards, and a small amount of local cash. Consider a pre-paid travel card for better exchange rates.
  • Emergency Fund: There’s no harm in keeping some emergency cash (e.g., £50-100) separate from your main wallet.

3. Packing Smart: What Goes Where

  • Baggage Allowance: Double-check your airline's baggage weight and size restrictions for both checked and carry-on luggage. Stick to them to avoid unexpected fees.
  • Liquids in Carry-On: Remember the 100ml rule for liquids in your hand luggage. All liquids must fit into a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag (approx. 20x20cm).
  • Electronics: Keep laptops, tablets, and other large electronic devices easily accessible in your carry-on, as they often need to be removed for security screening. Ensure they are charged!
  • Essentials in Carry-On: Pack a change of clothes, essential medications, valuable items (jewellery, important documents), and anything you can't afford to lose in your carry-on.
  • Adaptors & Power Banks: Don't forget the correct travel adaptors for your destination and a fully charged power bank for your devices.

4. The Final Home Prep

  • Home Security: Lock all windows and doors, set alarms, and ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your property.
  • Mail & Plants: Arrange for mail to be held or collected and ask someone to water your plants (for all those gardeners out there!)
  • Pet Care: Ensure your pets are cared for, whether by a sitter or at a boarding facility.
  • Unplug Electronics: Unplug non-essential electronics to save energy and reduce fire risk.
  • Rubbish Out: Empty all bins to avoid unpleasant smells upon your return.

5. Getting to Heathrow: The Journey Itself

This is where a little foresight goes a long way. Consider your options:

  • Public Transport: While often cost-effective, navigating trains and tubes with multiple or heavy suitcases can be a real challenge. Think about stairs, crowded carriages, and potential delays.
  • Taxi/Ride-Share: Convenient but can be expensive, especially with London traffic, and you still have to load/unload your bags.
  • Pre-booked Car Service: A good balance of convenience and fixed cost, but you're still responsible for your luggage until check-in.

And here's the ultimate hack for a truly stress-free journey to Heathrow – consider a dedicated airport luggage pick up service like BagBudy!

Imagine this: You've completed your checklist, your home is secure, and you're ready to travel light. Your bags are already on their way to Heathrow, handled by our experts. Our luggage collection from home to airport service means you can enjoy the ride to LHR without a single heavy suitcase in tow. We take care of the baggage collection from home and bring it directly to you at the terminal, ensuring a seamless Heathrow baggage transfer.

By ticking off these essential points, you'll not only arrive at London Heathrow feeling prepared and confident, but you'll also set the stage for a relaxed and enjoyable trip.

Happy travels!

Back to Ditch the Luggage Stress