Connecting at Heathrow: one ticket is different from two bookings

Heathrow distinguishes a connection booked on one ticket from two flights bought separately. On an organised connection, purple signs guide the route and all connecting passengers undergo security again.

With separate bookings, you may need to exit through arrivals, collect baggage and check in again. Terminals and border requirements also affect the journey.

There is no connection time that suits everyone. Confirm the itinerary, baggage transfer and necessary time with the airline, especially when buying separate flights.

The main practical difference concerns how the journey is booked and the route through the airport. Heathrow says organised connecting passengers follow purple Flight Connections signs and pass through security again. Baggage is often transferred by the airline, but the passenger should confirm the arrangements for the particular booking.

With separate reservations, a traveller may have to clear immigration, collect baggage, check in again and complete departure procedures. A minimum connection time quoted for a single ticket should not automatically be applied to flights bought independently. Check the terminal, any UK entry requirements and the rebooking terms if the first flight is delayed. The correct answer depends on the specific itinerary.