American Airlines Improves Connections at London-Heathrow for Some Passengers

American Airlines is making it easier for passengers with connecting flights at London-Heathrow (LHR) this summer.

As of March 27, 2022, the airline will have a total of 11 daily flights scheduled in and out of Heathrow’s Terminal 5, the home of U.K. flag carrier — and Oneworld Alliance partner — British Airways.

“By colocating alongside our partners in Terminal 5, our joint customers will enjoy unprecedented convenience when connecting,” said Jose Freig, Vice President of International Operations and Premium Guest Services. We look forward to further integrating our operations this summer, both in the United States and London, as we aim to continue elevating our customers’ experience.”

Historically, almost all of American’s flights to Heathrow would arrive at and depart from Terminal 3 along with other Oneworld partners like Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Sri Lankan, Qatar Airways, and Qantas, to name a few.

Here’s how the changes will impact any U.K.-bound travel you might have this summer.

Connecting at LHR Will Be Easier for Some AA Passengers

From Sunday, March 27 through Sunday, October 30, 2022, passengers flying on American Airlines flights between London-Heathrow and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and New York (JFK) will arrive at and depart from Terminal 5 rather than Terminal 3.

“We are delighted to welcome American Airlines customers and colleagues to our main home — Terminal 5 at London Heathrow,” said Neil Chernoff, Director of Network and Alliances at British Airways.

The Benefits

On paper, the move makes complete sense as most of British Airways’ short-haul flights depart from Terminal 5, with the exception of around 15 flights to destinations such as Barcelona (BCN), Budapest (BUD), Marseille (MRS), Prague (PRG), and Vienna (VIE), which depart from Terminal 3.

Passengers traveling to other destinations in Europe via connecting flights departing from Terminal 5 will now have a more seamless connection since they won’t have to switch from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5.

Hot Tip: If you do have to transfer terminals at Heathrow, read our complete guide on how to do so before you leave for your trip!

The Drawbacks

This news may be a bit of a disappointment for those who are used to flying American from Terminal 3. Many frequent travelers are of the opinion that Terminal 3’s Cathay Pacific and Qantas Lounges are far superior to British Airways’ Galleries business class lounges in Terminal 5.

That, plus the addition of the new American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 means that, for some, the preflight lounge experience may be a bit of a downgrade.

Final Thoughts

All American Airlines flights from Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York will arrive at and depart from Heathrow’s Terminal 5 instead of Terminal 3 for the summer season. For some passengers, this will make for a more streamlined transfer process between flights. But for others, this could mean an inferior ground experience.