LHR Transit - worth it?

[elanshin]

Currently trying to work out what our last intra europe flight will be for our trip next month and appreciate any insight.

Is the hassle of transiting at LHR worth it to save about $130 AUD per pax (2 pax) over transiting at MAD/HEL. I believe it would mean also re-entering Schengen at the other side too.

We need to go from GVA (or ZRH/LYS - price dependant) to AMS on Oneworld which leads to 3 options. BA via LHR, IB via MAD or AY via HEL. We need to go OW as these exact 2 flights are needed to tick my partner over to QF Plat before Sep - otherwise I would've flown direct with KLM or Easyjet.

Currently BA is the cheapest by about $180 AUD per pax (but after adding in luggage its around $130 from memory). So trying to work out if its worth visiting LHR again with a tight transit onto the last flight of the day to AMS?

 

[Sprucegoose]

My suggestion would be to pay the extra and avoid LHR if the connection is tight and the LHR to AMS sector is the last flight of the day.

The saving looks to be about $130 AUD per person once luggage is included, but the downside risk feels disproportionate. Routing via LHR means leaving Schengen, transiting through the UK, clearing Heathrow connection security, and then re-entering Schengen at AMS.

If everything runs on time, BA via LHR is probably fine. But if the inbound sector is delayed, there is limited recovery if the onward AMS flight is the last service of the day. That could create an overnight disruption, which is not ideal when the whole purpose of the routing is to secure the two Oneworld sectors needed to get your partner over the line to QF Platinum before September.

I would suggest prioritising certainty over the saving. HEL via AY looks like the cleanest option operationally, followed by MAD via IB. I would only choose LHR if the connection time is generous and both flights are on one ticket with bags checked through to AMS.

 

[elanshin]

My suggestion would be to pay the extra and avoid LHR if the connection is tight and the LHR to AMS sector is the last flight of the day.

The saving looks to be about $130 AUD per person once luggage is included, but the downside risk feels disproportionate. Routing via LHR means leaving Schengen, transiting through the UK, clearing Heathrow connection security, and then re-entering Schengen at AMS.

If everything runs on time, BA via LHR is probably fine. But if the inbound sector is delayed, there is limited recovery if the onward AMS flight is the last service of the day. That could create an overnight disruption, which is not ideal when the whole purpose of the routing is to secure the two Oneworld sectors needed to get your partner over the line to QF Platinum before September.

I would suggest prioritising certainty over the saving. HEL via AY looks like the cleanest option operationally, followed by MAD via IB. I would only choose LHR if the connection time is generous and both flights are on one ticket with bags checked through to AMS.

Thanks for the input.

The flights have a scheduled transit time of 75 mins on this flight pair, thus I also have the same concerns you highlighted. The other hassle of course is the hassle of going out and back into Schengen zone.

 

[esseeeayeenn]

Thanks for the input.

The flights have a scheduled transit time of 75 mins on this flight pair, thus I also have the same concerns you highlighted. The other hassle of course is the hassle of going out and back into Schengen zone.

I would go via MAD with IB.
The transit in MAD will be pleasant and easy as it will all be within the Schengen Zone.
As OWE you will be able to move easily through the priority access paths through MAD, regardless of class of travel.
Transit in LHR can be painful, even if it doesn't involve a terminal change.
HEL would be a bit far.

 

[SYD]

Via LHR is certainly the shortest option. If it’s T5 to T5, that’s more manageable but I’d personally prefer a longer connection than 75 mins.

If you’ve successfully “entered” the Schengen zone, you ought to be able to use eGates on arrival at AMS.

Mind you, the other two options probably earn more SCs!

 

[dajop]

I keep on hearing about these horror LHR connections, but I was very lucky - passed through twice this year, the T2-T2 took 10 mins (6-7 of that was getting from the gate to Connections) and the other, T2-T4 took about 25 mins from gate to airside (landside via immigration and Elizabeth line, doing it airside would be impossible). But obviously not BA ,and mid afternoon very quiet.