How long to come through immigration at Heathrow?

Hi People

I'm planning to pick up a new colleague from the States who'll be arriving at Heathrow (on a working visa). How long should we expect it to take for him to get through immigration, pick up bags, and so on? Our guess is that he might be waved straight through immigration or might be asked questions for 30 mins or so. I don't want him to arrive and find no-one to meet him, but I don't want to be kicking my heels at Heathrow, either!

What's your experience been?

Thanks,
Humpty

I think it totally depends on how many flights are arriving at the time.  I have sailed through customs in 15 minutes at Heathrow in the afternoon, but last time I arrived at 9:30 at night and it took over two hours. 

I think it might have been that they had fewer people working that late, but I have no idea how you can check all that stuff. 

We've sailed through each time but it did take about 30 minutes...just make sure you know what terminal he's coming in on and pick an obvious spot to meet...Heathrow can be intimidating the first time. 

Last time i was through Heathrow it took about 45 mins in line for immigration.  Our flight was one of several that came in at the same time and it was packed.  Still, 45 mins wasn't bad considering how many people were there.  I second the obvious place to meet, it can be a very hard place to get around if you don't know where you're going.

It all depends. I don't think any trip is as equal as your last. My first time I sailed right through and lines weren't long at all. My second trip the lines were horribly long and I was questioned for about 20 mins. Once you get out of immigration getting your bags and such doesn't take all that long unless something happens.

When we pick people up, we find that it takes about an hour total after their flight lands for them to come through the gate.  We usually aim to get there on time though because we don't mind people watching.