advice on transfer time at LHR

[GCC]

Mrs G and little Miss g (3.5) are flying to GLA next month via HKG and LHR on CX . We were a bit surprised to see that now only BA fly from LHR to GLA and there aren't many flights.

Their flight arrives at 6.20 and the next flight to GLA is at 7.40. The next one isn't until 10.20. They are keen to try and make the 7.45 flight but it is a tight connection - including getting from T3 to T5.

Is it even feasible to attempt this? They have already booked SYD - HKG - LHR or CX so will need to book LHR - GLA as a separate ticket on BA.They are in Y+ and little Miss G is QFF silver so no real status.

 

[AusTraveller]

Mrs G and little Miss g (3.5) are flying to GLA next month via HKG and LHR on CX . We were a bit surprised to see that now only BA fly from LHR to GLA and there aren't many flights.

Their flight arrives at 6.20 and the next flight to GLA is at 7.40. The next one isn't until 10.20. They are keen to try and make the 7.45 flight but it is a tight connection - including getting from T3 to T5.

Is it even feasible to attempt this? They have already booked SYD - HKG - LHR or CX so will need to book LHR - GLA as a separate ticket on BA.They are in Y+ and little Miss G is QFF silver so no real status.

Personally I wouldn't be trying this. Minimum connection time between those terminals is 90 minutes. Separate tickets means the traveller takes all the risk. There are so many variables. I don't suppose they are travelling with hand luggage only? Or is there checked luggage also in this equation. I would just book the later option.

 

[TomVexille]

As stated above, mct is 90 minutes. I would not be risking such a short connection.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I do this trip a couple of times a year and wouldn't even dream of trying to make the earlier flight. Even the bus queue at flight connections can be horrendous at that time in the morning. T5 security with Fast Track can also be really long.
I always take the later option, have a shower and breaky in the lounge.

Edited: Just saw no lounge access, no shower but some decent food options in Terminal 5

 

[ellen10]

We are doing a similar flight connection in April.
Our flight arrives 5.30am and my connecting flight to Glasgow is 9.55am. I would not have taken an earlier connection, too risky.
On a connection on a previous flight to Shannon we did the walk between terminals.

 

[GCC]

Thanks all.

That is my view too - something you might try with carry on only, fast track and a fully flex ticket onto GLA, but not with checked baggage & a small jetlagged child.

They do have priority pass, and according to the PP site should have access to the Air Canada arrivals lounge.

They are also looking at the option of flying to EDI instead of GLA, that flight time is 8.30 am.

 

[nlagalle]

I'm going to GLA in July and I'm on a 10am odd flight.. I didn't want to risk it bit I have lounge access at T5.

The AC lounge at T3 arrivals is pretty good for a freshen up and shower. Then you can train it over to T5..

 

[amaroo]

Agh! MCT for T3>T5 is 90mins - arrive QF1 6.45 and then BA to ATH. BA640 departs at 8.10 - misses the cut by 5 mins The next is BA632 at 12.50

Separate bookings - QF will be F and BA J ..... should I chance it or start planning a little side trip into London?

 

[ellen10]

I had separate bookings for my Qantas flight and my Ba up to Glasgow.
The lovely checkin clerk combined my bookings and my bags were checked all the way through.
So we just followed the flight connections signs all the way to T5 and so quick.
All was good, although we had more time than 90mins between our flights.
So risky if your flight is delayed even a little. Hard decision.

 

[ellen10]

I forgot to say that our Qf flight was delayed, so late into Heathrow.
The people with Ba connections were fine and some put on later flights but the AirFrance people lost their flight.

 

[kpc]

I had separate bookings for my Qantas flight and my Ba up to Glasgow.
The lovely checkin clerk combined my bookings and my bags were checked all the way through.
So we just followed the flight connections signs all the way to T5 and so quick.
All was good, although we had more time than 90mins between our flights.
So risky if your flight is delayed even a little. Hard decision.

I forgot to say that our Qf flight was delayed, so late into Heathrow.
The people with Ba connections were fine and some put on later flights but the AirFrance people lost their flight.

Good to know. In April next year, arriving into LHR T3 at 0645 on QF1, then have a separate BA booking to Dublin leaving T5 at 1025, meaning have 3 hrs 40 mins between flights. Must remember to ask QF checkin at Syd to combine both bookings....seems to have protected you for the late inbound

 

[GCC]

Agh! MCT for T3>T5 is 90mins - arrive QF1 6.45 and then BA to ATH. BA640 departs at 8.10 - misses the cut by 5 mins The next is BA632 at 12.50

Separate bookings - QF will be F and BA J ..... should I chance it or start planning a little side trip into London?

Personally I'd chance it going F - J, you and your bag should be off first, so the biggest risk is LHR customs hall.

 

[amaroo]

After talking with QFF I decided to book the later flight. If I was HLU I'd probably chance it but I couldn't be bothered collecting our luggage and then dashing over to T5.

Wonder if I can get a lounge angel to issue a dummy BA F boarding pass