Here's the story: I'm arriving on an AC flight at 7:30AM from YUL and can either book a 1.5hr or 4hr connection to CDG (BA306 at 9:05 or BA308 at 11:40). Arrive into T3 and depart from T5. No checked bags. Will most likely be in J so I can get a FastPass through customs (do I need to go through customs if I'm transferring onto a Schengen flight?).
So, I pose the question, is 1.5hrs enough, or should I be safe and book the 4hr connection?
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1.5hrs to connect in LHR okay?
1.5 hours is tight in so far as delays really are possible and transfer will take at least 30-40 mins
By my calculations a 30 mins delay and you'd likely miss yr flight
If you book it as one ticket I would not think it's a matter of being "safe" in booking the connection since they have to get you through to your destination.
In your shoes, I'd book the shorter connection and if it works, great, if it doesn't then the ticketing airline still has to get you to your destination and probably will do so via the later BA flight. The only problem with tight connections is if you absolutely have to get to your destination on time.
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I am assuming you will buy two separate tickets.
You will not have to clear customs or immigration, as you will be in transit.
You can use the 'Flight Connections' route to stay airside, since the UK is not in Schengen and you will need to clear immigration at CDG.
1.5 hours is way too short to rely upon.
I am not being unhelpful, but event 4 hours could be difficult, if your flight is late and security is busy. Having said that, you would have caught the tail of the distribution curve to miss your flight.
You will not have to clear customs or immigration, as you will be in transit.
If you check in baggage and AC won't interline your baggage through to CDG on seperate tickets you would need to collect your luggage and clear customs/immigration and recheck so 90 mins could be way way too tight on seperate tickets.
If you check in baggage and AC won't interline your baggage through to CDG on seperate tickets you would need to collect your luggage and clear customs/immigration and recheck so 90 mins could be way way too tight on seperate tickets.
I would definitely not go for anything less than 2-2.5 hours.
Holding patterns can cause a nasty delay, so can late departure etc... Then there's the risk of having a B/C gate and of course a long line at security (even FastTrack).
Nearly missed my flight to JFK last month, with a 2.5h connection coming from BRU. (yes, a T5 -> T5 connection) even though there was no notable delay, just slightly delayed departure (30 mins) and a holding pattern (40 minutes) I'd rather have extra time and take my time at the terminal rather than having to run and hurry to the gate.
Thanks all for the input. Problem is that it'll be two separate tickets, so I'd not have any protection. Think I'll opt for the 4hr connection, just to be safe!
What would happen if OP wasn't allowed into the UK, and had his hand baggage gate-checked by AC, and they refused to interline?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Final 3 Greens
I am assuming you will buy two separate tickets.
You will not have to clear customs or immigration, as you will be in transit.
You can use the 'Flight Connections' route to stay airside, since the UK is not in Schengen and you will need to clear immigration at CDG.
1.5 hours is way too short to rely upon.
I am not being unhelpful, but event 4 hours could be difficult, if your flight is late and security is busy. Having said that, you would have caught the tail of the distribution curve to miss your flight.
4 hours difficult? Sorry that's tosh Travelling hand luggage OP stands a good chance but providing the OPis on a single booking there won't be a problem.
ETA. It's likely not on a single booking then there is a risk
of misconnecting. OP should be able to get a boarding pass in FCc or could get the BA app and use the downloaded boarding pass to go through FCC
