Nightmares at LHR

[Scarlett]

Considering this is a “frequent Flyer” forum, I seriously have to question why anyone needs to check luggage at all?

Because golf clubs.

 

[Lynda2475]

Luggage was supposedly out for delivery when i got to airport, courier is now 1hr past due and it appears he only has one of my bags.

As the aiport never answer the phone, going to have to go back again later to ask yet again for the other bag.

Not happy Jan! The two bags were on the one flight, so why only send one?

Tile has courier a few blocks away for last hour, courier must have stopped for lunch

 

[kyle]

Was at LHR this morning flying to MUC in Y. Got there at 6.10am for a 9.00am departure. Started lining up inside T2. Not long after lining up, they started calling for ppl on 8.30 flights. The line kept moving and eventually our flight was called, so we moved to another line, and then another line. Check in was closing at 8.15 and we checked in at 8.10. Talk about having an adrenalin rush!

Security was like 5 to 10 mins, so pretty quick.

Have not departed from LHR since 20 years ago, but there are no longer passport control or gates.

 

[OATEK]

Was at LHR this morning flying to MUC in Y. Got there at 6.10am for a 9.00am departure. Started lining up inside T2. Not long after lining up, they started calling for ppl on 8.30 flights. The line kept moving and eventually our flight was called, so we moved to another line, and then another line. Check in was closing at 8.15 and we checked in at 8.10. Talk about having an adrenalin rush!

Security was like 5 to 10 mins, so pretty quick.

Have not departed from LHR since 20 years ago, but there are no longer passport control or gates.

But there are cameras on the security lanes for biometric checking.

How long before the flight do you wish you had arrived?

 

[Telemachus]

But there are cameras on the security lanes for biometric checking.

Yes, the absence of an outbound immigration / UKBF gate and passport check does not mean there is no check. There was a long period (~15 years or more) with no departure checks, or only ad hoc checks, though API collection covered most flights anyway. In 2015 exit checks were reintroduced and the process happens at check-in, with airlines transmitting data to UKBF.

 

[SYD]

Yes, the absence of an outbound immigration / UKBF gate and passport check does not mean there is no check. There was a long period (~15 years or more) with no departure checks, or only ad hoc checks, though API collection covered most flights anyway. In 2015 exit checks were reintroduced and the process happens at check-in, with airlines transmitting data to UKBF.

Also, doesn’t everyone scan their BP to enter security and access to airside? Plus ID check to board plan.

 

[justinbrett]

Unless LHR has segregated terminals for international and domestic like Australia, or at least segregated segments within those terminals, they can never have Australian style outbound immigration checks.

It's actually a bit backwards that we still do it IMO. You can get the data easily from the airlines, works in the US.

 

[theblank]

Ive no condidence will see my bags again, have only got 2 days of clothes, no compensation offered (when AA lost my bags a decade or so ago i was told upfront theyd cover $250).

The airlines dont have a choice - they have to. Check out the Montreal agreement (easier to read blogs about it rather than the document itself).
conditions may vary depending on whether its an EU airline or other. I have just been studying my own circumstances which was Aegean airline into DUB, and i forget what is airline policy and what is montreal agreement policy, so this may vary to your situation.

Airline will pay for emergency expenses beginning 24 hours after landing for clothes, toiletries etc, there may be no maximum here, but rather whats reasonable.
My Travel insurance will pay AUD500 for the same stuff beginning 12 hours after landing

if they dont return your luggage within 21 days, then they must pay compensation of up to 1288 CDRs, regardless whether you get the luggage back later or not. You must claim no later than 21 days after you get your luggage

No idea what a CDR is - some Euro fiscal thing. but 1288 = ~ AUD 2450 today

 

[theblank]

Considering this is a “frequent Flyer” forum, I seriously have to question why anyone needs to check luggage at all?

have you ever tried to fit golf clubs under your seat?

 

[Telemachus]

Luggage was supposedly out for delivery when i got to airport, courier is now 1hr past due and it appears he only has one of my bags.

As the aiport never answer the phone, going to have to go back again later to ask yet again for the other bag.

Not happy Jan! The two bags were on the one flight, so why only send one?

Tile has courier a few blocks away for last hour, courier must have stopped for lunch

What a wretched experience for you, sincerely hoping you get both bags back intact with minimal further delay.

It’s news to me that the customs clearance can officially take up to 72 hrs but as you’ve submitted the declaration online it ought to go through sooner (?). Guessing that is why BA asked for the suitcase lock combination though there is no such request on the customs form. You can understand why UKBF (customs) may want to inspect bag contents, just as they may (but mostly don’t) when you and the bags routinely present at Arrivals together. If it’s a TSA lock then UKBF (or anyone else with an easily obtainable TSA key) will have no trouble opening it anyway – as pointed out in another recent thread.

There is extensive informed advice to be found on FT, and many people’s experiences, about BA payment for emergency purchases while awaiting delayed/mishandled bags. Basically you can expect to recover ‘reasonable’ costs of essential items up to a limit of GBP 1365 for delayed bags (according to BA website Notice of Liability). But it sounds like you might have got the first bag back by now, so hopefully you won’t need to test that upper limit; and there is TI for anything BA won’t pay out for.

Thanks for posting about the Tile trackers and how effective they have been. I have them too but have not yet used them to track bags at airports.

 

[kyle]

How long before the flight do you wish you had arrived?

Probably at the 2 hour mark if I knew that the original queue was a waste of time since upcoming flights were called anyway

 

[drron]

Was at LHR this morning flying to MUC in Y. Got there at 6.10am for a 9.00am departure. Started lining up inside T2. Not long after lining up, they started calling for ppl on 8.30 flights. The line kept moving and eventually our flight was called, so we moved to another line, and then another line. Check in was closing at 8.15 and we checked in at 8.10. Talk about having an adrenalin rush!

Security was like 5 to 10 mins, so pretty quick.

Have not departed from LHR since 20 years ago, but there are no longer passport control or gates.

So BA gold is really worth something. For our 9.05 flight yesterday an agent was waiting for us. Then only pax for passport check and security. Glad I made the switch.

 

[Scarlett]

have you ever tried to fit golf clubs under your seat?

Try taking them through security first!
Ever felt a taser shock? ️

 

[AIRwin]

Hardly any queue at Fast Track in T3 this morning...

 

[Melburnian1]

Of course my luggage didnt make it, tile trackers show both bags still at LHR some 12 hours later. No BA staff at EDI for lost luggage, online form only option and its broken so saves with option to receive updates by email or sms as disabled, and it wont allow me to update.

Its cold and wet and my puffer and umbrella are in that checked luggage, havent not managed to find a store here that has a puffer in my size.

Everyone complains about Qantas but I reckon BA are a million times worse, at least QF have baggage people at all capital city airports.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune, and by 'puffer' I assume you mean 'heavy coat' not Ventolin so let's hope you're not freezing, but why would anyone fly from Heathrow (or Gatwick) to Edinburgh or Glasgow when (except on strike days, that regrettably have lately been three a month) there's rail operators from London rail terminals such as LNER with excellent frequency to whisk you northwards in comfort while you sit back and enjoy the scenery in more comfortable seats than any on A320s or B738s. Nor is there usually any queuing for toilets.

At night (except on Saturdays) there's Caledonian Sleeper, though it's popular and at this time of year is often booked out. Avanti West Coast is another rail operator alternative for that side of Scotland.

No hassles of connecting baggage as you merely bring it onto the train with you, and by travelling first class with a BritRail pass or point-to-point ticket, one normally enjoys included catering. As the Man from Seat 61 says, the train beats the plane.

On top of that, more environmentally friendly.

 

[OATEK]

Sorry to hear of your misfortune, and by 'puffer' I assume you mean 'heavy coat' not Ventolin so let's hope you're not freezing, but why would anyone fly from Heathrow (or Gatwick) to Edinburgh or Glasgow when (except on strike days, that regrettably have lately been three a month) there's rail operators from London rail terminals such as LNER with excellent frequency to whisk you northwards in comfort while you sit back and enjoy the scenery in more comfortable seats than any on A320s or B738s. Nor is there usually any queuing for toilets.

At night (except on Saturdays) there's Caledonian Sleeper, though it's popular and at this time of year is often booked out. Avanti West Coast is another rail operator alternative for that side of Scotland.

No hassles of connecting baggage as you merely bring it onto the train with you, and by travelling first class with a BritRail pass or point-to-point ticket, one normally enjoys included catering. As the Man from Seat 61 says, the train beats the plane.

On top of that, more environmentally friendly.

Nothing comfortable about trying to fit two checked suitcases into the tiny rack on the LNER trains. You have to go to a luggage forwarding service to be sure of getting your cases to Edinburgh (by separate means).

Hope the second case turns up soon!

 

[Lynda2475]

but why would anyone fly from Heathrow (or Gatwick) to Edinburgh or Glasgow when (except on strike days, that regrettably have lately been three a month) there's rail operators from London rail terminals such as LNER with excellent frequency to whisk you northwards in comfort while you sit back and enjoy the scenery in more comfortable seats than any on A320s or B738s

Because:

1. Part of my OWA so effectively free as i added these legs 9 months ago when had already capped out at 318k points. The extra taxes were less than the tube fare to London plus train fare to EDI.

2. After being at SYD 4 hours before QF1, then QF1 and delays the idea of schlepping into London to pick up a train that takes hours vs what should have been a quick connection was unappealing.

The 1hr flight itself was fine, even got a full english breakfast, pastries and bubbles. Toilets not an issue on short flights.

They just need better procedure with priority queue at security for J&F passengers transferring from T3 to T5 (if you check in at T5, this is available but not if doing airside transfer).

I am taking train to Glasgow from EDI in first class but that is only 1 hour (would have been cheaper to fly though on the OWA, but time didnt suit).

 

[Lynda2475]

puffer' I assume you mean 'heavy coat'

Puffer jacket (down lined) is very warm but very light weight and compresses very small.

Yesterday was reasonably warm at 19 but only 11 this morning so happy to have it and my waterproof jacket.

Suitcase finally came at 7pm so i then had to bolt for the theatre which started at 7:30pm. Hopeful second bag will arrive today.

 

[jb747]

Try taking them through security first!
Ever felt a taser shock? ️

You should try taking a high powered rifle!

 

[Scarlett]

You should try taking a high powered rifle!

Getting on over 10 years ago now, but a cricket colleague in the UK did some work for the company authorised to test British Airport security processes: a team of two got all the components of an AK47 through security and airside…
I had no reason to doubt the persons story and their background was relevant to that kind of work.
Certainly would have been an interesting conversation in the security managers office that day after they handed over their ‘Authority to test’ letter or such credentials.