Access Guide
Related Access Guides (Departure Check in)
- To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- North Terminal - Departures Check In - Level 1 - EasyJet link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - Departures Check In - Level 2 link (new tab) - click here.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
- There are 5 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located at either end of the Lower Departure Lounge, and at the middle and far end (by seating area) of the Upper Departure Lounge.
- The transfer space within the toilets with adaptations varies between left and right.
- There is a peninsular toilet by the Special Assistance counter. There is a left transfer toilet on the Upper Departure Lounge by Starbucks. All other adapted toilets have right hand transfer.
- Changing Places facilities are located within the terminal but are only accessible accompanied by staff. Passengers needing to use the facility should enquire at the Special Assistance Reception in good time before their flight.
- Step-free male and female toilet facilities are located at either end of the Lower Departure Lounge, and at the middle and far end (by seating area) of the Upper Departure Lounge.
- Step-free standard toilets which include facilities for ambulant disabled people are located in the male and female standard toilets at either end of the Lower Departure Lounge, and at the middle and far end (by seating area) of the Upper Departure Lounge.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located at either end of the Lower Departure Lounge, and at the middle and far end (by seating area) of the Upper Departure Lounge.
Special Assistance
- The passenger services counter is located directly ahead from the Special Assistance security lane or between Boots and Wetherspoons if entering from the lower departure lounge.
- Clear signage for the counter is visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- The height of the counter is 140cm.
- The lowered section of the counter is at a height of 80cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is designated seating available for people who require assistance.
- There is space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There are a mixture of chairs with and without armrests, bench seats, coffee tables and tables available in this area.
- All tables are suitable for wheelchair users (between 70cm - 80cm and free from obstruction) .
World Duty Free
- World Duty Free is located to the left, once through Security.
- The most accessible route from Security to World Duty Free has step-free level access.
- There is a short cut available for those with mobility issues to bypass the World Duty Free.
- Passengers can bypass World Duty Free via the Special Assistance desk, directly ahead from the Special Assistance and Family Security lane.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- The main aisle width is over 180cm.
- The majority of aisle widths are 150cm+.
- There is not clear signage to the departure lounge.
- There is background noise.
- Lighting levels are varied.
- The tills are located throughout, and at the end of World Duty Free.
- There is step-free level access to the tills.
- There is a clear accessible route to the tills.
- The height of the till is 75cm.
- There are televisions and patterned backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Departure Lounge
- There is step-free access throughout.
- Some flooring is patterned.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
- Departures information boards are available.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the area.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There are audible announcements in this area.
- There may be background noise.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- The area has multiple floors which can be accessed via stairs, lift and escalator.
Seating Area (Lower Departure Lounge)
- The seating area is located on the Lower Departure Lounge.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is not designated seating available for people who require assistance.
- There is some space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There are a mixture of fixed chairs with and without armrests and bench seats available in this area.
- Some flooring is patterned.
- There may be background noise.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Counter (Airline Information)
- The counter is located at the centre of the Lower Departure Lounge.
- Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 109cm.
- The lowered section of the counter is at a height of 75cm.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
- The counter has patterned backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There may be background noise.
- Some flooring is patterned.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Room (Sensory)
- The room is located to the right of the entrance to Departure Gates 45 A-L.
- The room is clearly signed.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- The door to enter opens outwards and has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm.
- There is step-free level access in the room.
- There is not space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room (150cm x 150cm).
- There are stools available in this area.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This is a sensory room with sensory lighting, spotlights, textured surfaces, mirrored/reflective surfaces, tactile play equipment, soft furnishings, padded seating, padded flooring/matting, bean bags, internal windows and vision panels.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Lighting levels are varied.
- Passengers wishing to use the sensory room should speak to the Special Assistance team at their departure lounge reception who can let you in.
Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Departure Lounge - next to Special Assistance Counter - Peninsular)
- This toilet is located ahead from the Special Assistance counter, on the right before entry into the Lower Departure Lounge.
- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens outwards and has a medium colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 102cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the cubicle are 295cm x 440cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There are lateral transfer spaces on both sides of the seat.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 130cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 81cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a wall sensor flush on the transfer side.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The dropdown rails have a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 117cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 124cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 98cm from the floor.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is an unobstructed shelf.
- The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There are two coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 109cm and 143cm from the floor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor varies between high colour contrast and low colour contrast.
- Lighting levels are bright.
- The wash basin is height-adjustable.
Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Departure Lounge - By Wetherspoons - Right Hand Transfer)
- This toilet is located on the Lower Departure Lounge, to the right when facing Wetherspoon.
- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is tactile, pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens inwards and has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 84cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
- The dimensions of the cubicle are 219cm x 249cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat.
- The lateral transfer space is 152cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a wall sensor flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet does not have a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 107cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 85cm from the floor.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There are two coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 109cm and 143cm from the floor.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Departure Lounge - Between Well Pharmacy and WHSmith Bookshop - Right Hand Transfer)
- This toilet is located at the far end of the Lower Departure Lounge, to the right just beyond the escalator to the Upper Departure Lounge.
- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is tactile, pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens inwards and has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 84cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the cubicle are 154cm x 298cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat.
- The lateral transfer space is 87cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a wall sensor flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 113cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 99cm from the floor.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
- The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There are two coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 109cm and 174cm from the floor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor varies between high colour contrast and low colour contrast.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Lift (Between Case and Wetherspoon)
- The lift is located between Case and Wetherspoon.
- The floors which are accessible by the lift surveyed are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounge.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a high contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 111cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 163cm x 163cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Lift (Between Curi-O-City and Harrods)
- The lift is located between Curi-O-City and Harrods.
- The floors which are accessible by the lift surveyed are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounges.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a high contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 110cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 162cm x 160cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Lift (By Entrance to Departure Gates 557-564)
- The lift is located by the entrance to Departure Gates 557-564.
- The floors which are accessible by the lift surveyed are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounges.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a high contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 107cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 193cm x 138cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Escalator (Between Well Pharmacy and WHSmith Bookshop)
- The escalator is located between Well Pharmacy and WHSmith Bookshop, at the far end of the Departure Lounge.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounge.
- The escalator goes both up and down.
- The escalator step markings are not clearly visible.
- The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalator are clearly marked.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Stairs (Between Case and Wetherspoon)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounge.
- There are more than 20 steps, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- Steps are split with a resting area.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Stairs (Between WHSmith and JD)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounge.
- There are more than 20 steps, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- Steps are split with a resting area.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Stairs (By Entrance to Departure Gates 557-564)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounges.
- There are more than 20 steps, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- Steps are split with a resting area.
- The height of the highest step is 18cm.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Stairs (Between Well Pharmacy and WHSmith Bookshop)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are the Lower and Upper Departure Lounge.
- There are more than 20 steps, which are clearly marked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- Steps are split with a resting area.
- The height of the highest step is 18cm.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Seating Area (Upper Departure Lounge)
- The seating area is located on the Upper Departure Lounge.
- There is step-free level access in this area.
- There is not designated seating available for people who require assistance.
- There is some space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- There are fixed chairs with armrests available in this area.
- There may be background noise.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Lift (Upper Departure Lounge - Platform Lift - Between Starbucks and Upper Lounge Seating Area)
- The lift is located between Starbucks and the Upper Lounge Seating Area.
- This lift is a platform lift.
- The platform lift bypasses a small level change.
- The lift does have a recommended turning space (150cm x 150cm) in front of it.
- The lift door has a high contrast.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- The lift door opening width is 96cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 103cm.
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at the recommended height (between 90cm - 120cm).
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Stairs (Upper Departure Lounge - Platform Lift - Between Starbucks and Upper Lounge Seating Area)
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are between Starbucks and the Upper Lounge Seating Area.
- There are 8 steps, which are unmarked, with handrails on both sides.
- The handrail is easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the highest step is 18cm.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Upper Departure Lounge - Between Starbucks and Shake Shack - Left Hand Transfer)
- This toilet is located on Upper Departure Lounge, to the left from the Lift Between Curi-O-City and Harrods.
- This toilet is approximately 10m from the Lift - Between Curi-O-City and Harrods.
- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is tactile, pictorial, written text, dementia friendly and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens inwards and has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 98cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the cubicle are 149cm x 338cm and it does not have a 150cm x 150cm turning space.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left of the seat.
- The lateral transfer space is 75cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a wall sensor flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 113cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 82cm from the floor.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is an unobstructed shelf.
- The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 143cm from the floor.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Upper Departure Lounge - By Seating Area - Right Hand Transfer)
- This toilet is located Upper Departure Lounge, ahead to the right from the Lift by the Entrance to Departure Gates 557-564, just off the seating area.
- This toilet is approximately 10m from the Lift - By Entrance to Departure Gates 557-564.
- There is step-free level access into the toilet.
- There is tactile, pictorial, written text, dementia friendly and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door to enter opens inwards and has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The width of the toilet door opening is 83cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the cubicle are 158cm x 250cm and it has a turning space of at least 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right of the seat.
- The lateral transfer space is 91cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
- There is a wall sensor flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet does not have a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 85cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- The vertical grab rail is on the right of the wash basin as you look at it.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast with the surrounding walls.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 94cm from the floor.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 169cm from the floor.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Related Access Guides (Departure Gates)
- To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- North Terminal - Departures Gates 45 A-L - Coaching link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - Departures Gates 46-54 - International link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - Departures Gates 55 A-G - Domestic link (new tab) - click here.
- North Terminal - Departures Gates 101-113 - International link (new tab) - click here.