Advice re Amsterdam - LHR - Colombo same day travel

[Pushka]

Just in the process of tweaking flights for Europe 2017 in July. We are cruising into Amsterdam then flying via LHR to Colombo. Flight on UL air departs LHR at 21.30. An award flight in J. We would prefer (I think) to fly in from Amsterdam on the day rather than a kind of useless overnight in London. Now these flights will be on different PNR so no protection for missed connections - on the other hand we will fly in one world airlines (BA and UL).

So there are plenty of BA flights on the above route. UL departs from Terminal 3. BA arrives at Terminal 5.

Thoughts:

• we will need to exit immigration in LHR then re-check onto UL (cant check through with different PNR?)
• allow sufficient time to do this - 3 hours?
• how early is UL check in?
• currently BA flight arrivals on the day are 8.15; 10.40; 11.35; 15.20; 16.40; 19.30.
• 15.20 is cheapest and one most likely if we need to exit
• Lounge access WP and SG in Y

Thankyou before I click the pay button!

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Now these flights will be on different PNR so no protection for missed connections -

For this reason I would not be trying to minmimise the time between flights.

 

[Pushka]

For this reason I would not be trying to minmimise the time between flights.

Agree - my main concern is missing the onward flight and not waiting around (in nice lounges). So thoughts about 15.20 arrival and 21.30 departure with different terminals (plus luggage collection etc)?

 

[docjames]

I did this last April connecting to QF2.

Absolute minimum I'd be happy with is 2hrs without any allowance for delay etc.

1520 --> 2130 is fine, except for the fact you're on separate PNRs in which case if there is a delay you're in trouble.

Would allow the next two arrivals as "backups' (seats available pending) to plead with BA to move you in the event of a significant delay on the AMS-LHR leg.

I think flying J, with wait for bus, it took about 1hr last time from touchdown to lounge. It wasn't busy so YMMV depending. <Snip>

Edit: Checked, schedule was arr 1810 dep 2130. I decided the 1930 was "too tight".

So basically you're fine unless there's a major snafu.

 

[Pushka]

Would we be able to check luggage onto UL flight a few hours in advance if we arrived at 11.20?

 

[docjames]

Would we be able to check luggage onto UL flight a few hours in advance if we arrived at 11.20?

I cant answer that.

With no interline, you'll be stuck by checkin opening time.

I'd go for the 1520 arrival (which still may be way before checkin opens). And monitor the inbound aircraft, and immediately get BA to switch you (even if it costs $$) if there's a major (>2hr) delay.


http://www.srilankan.com/a/flying-with-us/article_6_check_in_and_boarding

Checkin opens 3hrs prior to departure and closes 1hr prior.


Your other issue is that the time i described is for direct flight transfer (luggage already checked) which didn't require UK entry and exit.

Your issue will be time for luggage collection, immigration (can be really slow with non-priority or non-UK passport) and then outbound immigration (also rubbish last time i was in T3 in December).

 

[docjames]

Given you have to pass customs, other option would be to book hotel near paddington, go day before and use heathrow express for time in London the day of departure (or fly AMS-LCY).

 

[Pushka]

Given you have to pass customs, other option would be to book hotel near paddington, go day before and use heathrow express for time in London the day of departure (or fly AMS-LCY).

Yes. That would be easiest but kind of a rubbish day thrown away with evening departure. Not really keen on a day trip to London. Thanks for the check in info re SL air.

 

[RB]

Left field suggestion (given your liking of cruising) but not sure of timings would be to look at the Hook of Holland. Maybe not worth the hassles & costs but a different way of doing things.
We went to Amsterdam this way but had a night in Colchester, had a look around & then did the overnight ferry to Amsterdam

 

[Pushka]

Left field suggestion (given your liking of cruising) but not sure of timings would be to look at the Hook of Holland. Maybe not worth the hassles & costs but a different way of doing things.
We went to Amsterdam this way but had a night in Colchester, had a look around & then did the overnight ferry to Amsterdam

I like left field. So then extending - maybe the train? Getting into St Pancras the day before even? Train travel much less fuss than the plane.

 

[Lemon_Party]

Train via Brussels nice option.