Newbie questions about Heathrow London

[desafinado74]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to redeem an SQ J flight into LHR in May 2017. (Terminal 2)
As i have not been to the UK before, i have some questions :

1) Do J class passengers get access to the fast track immigration line ?

2) Are there periods of the day when the immigration queues are horrendous ?
I was looking to book the SQ flight which arrives into LHR around 340pm.

3) Is it a good idea to book an airport transfer ? Since it could take a long time to clear immigration.
(I was thinking of using the Blacklane airport transfer)

4) For the flight back to Australia from LHR, how much time should i allow for immigration and security checks?
Should i arrive at LHR at least 4-5 hours before flight departure ?

Thank you for all replies.

 

[kelvedon]

Hi everyone,

I am planning to redeem an SQ J flight into LHR in May 2017. (Terminal 2)
As i have not been to the UK before, i have some questions :

1) Do J class passengers get access to the fast track immigration line ?

2) Are there periods of the day when the immigration queues are horrendous ?
I was looking to book the SQ flight which arrives into LHR around 340pm.

3) Is it a good idea to book an airport transfer ? Since it could take a long time to clear immigration.
(I was thinking of using the Blacklane airport transfer)

4) For the flight back to Australia from LHR, how much time should i allow for immigration and security checks?
Should i arrive at LHR at least 4-5 hours before flight departure ?

Thank you for all replies.

1. Information about LHR fast track
Fast Track | Heathrow

2. Any time can be horrendous. Assuming your travelling on an AUS passport, your queuing with the non-EU. Early AM is Far Eastern and Trans Atlantic peak arrival time. Not sure about mid PM. Just hope your not behind several African flights.

3. Where are you going to upon arrival?

4. Security will take longer than immigration, which is cursory. 2-3 hours should be ample.

 

[Himeno]

I've had arrival immigration at LHR take anywhere from 5 minutes to 3 hours.
You can get fast track immigration if the airline gives you an invitation card. There are LHR staff checking and collecting the invites at the fast track line.

The times I've left LHR for the city, I've only ever taken the train. Either the underground or last trip, used a prepaid (discounted) Express ticket. The best way to leave LHR depends a lot on where you are going.

The UK has no formal departure immigration, like the US.

There are 10 flights arriving at LHR T2 between 1500 and 1600 today. Not sure how that translates from late Dec to May.

 

[bryanjones]

1. Yes. You need to make sure you get your fast track card on board. In T2 they are strict about this.
2. LHR is always busy. But with fast track you will be OK. If not fast track, T2 has taken me 1.5 hours before as a non UK/EU entry
3. Really depends where you are going. Heathrow express leaves regularly, is fast and then you can jump on the underground. If going outside of London then I've used a pickup and found to be good value
4. Assuming you have fast track security, most its taken me at T5 is about 15 mins, usually much quicker. Think about how much time you want to spend in the lounge, etc.

 

[desafinado74]

Thank you for the useful replies everyone. Great to know that i can get fast track immigration and security.
I will probably stay in Kensington area, and yup, i am an Australian citizen.

 

[Himeno]

I will probably stay in Kensington area, and yup, i am an Australian citizen.

Kensington isn't far from Paddington station. Might be easier to get the Heathrow Express to Paddington then transfer to the District or Circle Lines to Kensington.

 

[desafinado74]

Thank you for the tip. Is it troublesome to travel the tube with luggages ?

 

[Dr Ralph]

Is it troublesome to travel the tube with luggages ?

That depends on the time of the day.

 

[Sdtravel]

I've taken the tube into London before. It was fine. The only difficulty was the station i changed at and the one I exited at didn't have lifts so i had to lug the case up and down stairs. Although that's exactly the same as Sydney Central Station if you're using the Railway square end.

 

[leadman]

I've always taken the Heathrow express, or Connect to Paddington, then a Taxi to Maida Vale/Kilburn High. I would suggest doing the same to Kensington as the Tube can be an absolute pain in the you-know-where. Less stressful and easier.