Due to peak holiday travel season at London-Heathrow (LHR), customers’ travel experience may be impacted. Additionally, strike action affecting UK Border Force at LHR and other UK airports is planned for December 23-26 and December 28-31. Border Force continually reviews resource and staffing requirements and will work closely with UK airports and carriers to minimize delays, but passengers should be prepared for disruption.

To help customers navigate travel to/from London, Delta is advising the following:

Check-in online and arrive early  

If they can, customers should use delta.com or the FlyDelta app to check-in before arriving at the airport. If they can’t check-in digitally, Delta recommends allowing three hours prior to the scheduled departure time, even if not checking in bags, as airport security wait times are busier than usual this holiday season.

Leave enough time

Depending on the day of departure, there may be major transportation cancellations, delays or even no services running at all to the airport. Customers should check the Transport for London Journey Planner and be prepared to make alternative travel arrangements.  

Careful with carry-on

Ensure all liquids comply with the >100ml rule and easily fit into a transparent 1L bag and have laptops and electronic devices easily accessible to place on the belt. It’s best to leave gifts unwrapped until customers arrive at their destination; security agents may well ask for items to be unwrapped so they can be checked. Anything valuable, sentimental or medicines essential to customers’ health and wellbeing should be kept in hand baggage and not checked.

Returning through border control

Automated passport control/ e-gates are not available for all passport holders, including children. Wait times are expected to be longer than usual on arrival back into the UK.  

Travel waiver

If customers would prefer to travel on an alternative date, this waiver can be applied.

If they wish to cancel, their original ticket number becomes an eCredit  that can be used for future travel with Delta. Miles redeemed toward SkyMiles award travel may be redeposited.

 Planned labor strikes

Information regarding planned labor strikes for London’s Underground and National Rail distributions can be found at National Rail.