Early start at Heathrow

[puzzled54]

Got a 5.30 am check in at Heathrow ( not my favourite way to start a holiday), but wondered if any knows whether the shops like Boots will be open to get food to take on the plane. Thanks

[Hawkwalk]

there will be cafes open at that time but not sure about the shops, may depend on which terminal. I often see then opening at around six so should be before you fly. Why dont you buy food before you get to the airport, it will be much cheaper.

[puzzled54]

Cos I'm not sure what is ok to take thru into departures, and will need to buy drinks to take on the plane (cheapo airline), but thanks for your help

[dzug]

The cafes will sell takeaway drinks/sandwiches etc even if the shops aren't open.

By the time you check in and get through security things should be beginning to wake up anyway.

[VespeR007]

ooooo, exciting, where you jetting off to ?

[Buenchico]

(2-part answer):

You state that you're not sure what you can take through the security checks.

You can take any foods you like through those checks as long as they're not in 'liquid' form (and in quantities exceeding 100ml). I've used quotation marks there because the definition of 'liquid' is quite wide. It includes creams, gels, pastes, etc. So you can't, for example, take a large jar of jam through (not that you're likely to want to!).

So you can take your own sandwiches, biscuits, muffins, etc without any problems.
http://www.direct.gov...avelintheUK/DG_078179

If you're buying anything to take onto the plane (whether that be food, cosmetics, gifts or whatever), remember that some budget airlines are very strict about only allowing one bag to be taken onto the plane. Anything you buy should be placed into your hand baggage, not carried in a separate bag.

[Buenchico]

If you click on the names of the various food outlets, towards the foot of this page, you'll see which terminals they can be found in, together with their opening hours:
http://www.heathrowai...elax+and+enjoy%5EEat/

This link does the same for non-food outlets:
http://www.heathrowai...lax+and+enjoy%5EShop/

Full shop index here:
http://www.heathrowai...y^Shop^Shopping%20A-Z

Chris

[puzzled54]

Thanks for all the advice- wasn't sure whether home made sandwiches would be ok - best to avoid sloppy fillings!