My first First! Need tips!
Apr 24, 2015, 7:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: AA-Gold 0.425MM), AS MVP Gold, National EE, Marriott Titanium (LT-G), UA Silver
Posts: 1,136
My first First! Need tips!
Hi all,
I just booked a sAAver F award DUB-LHR-PHL-BWI for May 3. This will be myfirst time in Int'l F. So, despite knowing that BA F isn't exactly stellar, I'm still looking forward to the experience. And, I need your help in maximizing my time in F.
My DUB-LHR (831) flight arrives at 0900, and the PHL flight departs at 1240. Will I have CCR access? What lounges should I use? Will I have to transfer terminals (3 to 5?) Will there be an escort for F pax through immigration? What other ground services will be available in DUB and LHR?
Help me live it up!!
Also, I'd like to solicit suggestions for the best way to get from Bournemouth to LHR on a Saturday? My LHR-DUB positioning flight leaves at 1840.
Thanks!!!!
I just booked a sAAver F award DUB-LHR-PHL-BWI for May 3. This will be my
My DUB-LHR (831) flight arrives at 0900, and the PHL flight departs at 1240. Will I have CCR access? What lounges should I use? Will I have to transfer terminals (3 to 5?) Will there be an escort for F pax through immigration? What other ground services will be available in DUB and LHR?
Help me live it up!!
Also, I'd like to solicit suggestions for the best way to get from Bournemouth to LHR on a Saturday? My LHR-DUB positioning flight leaves at 1840.
Thanks!!!!
Apr 24, 2015, 9:40 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 299
Lots of handy hints on this link http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...l#post13303132
But to answer your Qs:
Yes - you have access to the CCR and any other lounge - the CCR is where I'd recommend you spend most of your time although GalleriesFirst is worth a visit if you've never been
Your DUB flight will come into T5 (if on BA) so no need to change terminals - there's no escort through security but if the flight connections queue is long it's easier to exit and re-enter through South Security (nearest the 1st check in on the departures level). If you do this then use the magic door immediately to the right after the security check as it's reserved for F pax or CCR holders
You won't get anything in DUB apart from access to the DAA lounge - it's a pretty spartan lounge at the best of times (but I'll caveat that I've not been there in the early morning) so I'd not get there especially early for it
I would suggest the train to Woking then bus to LHR - the bus goes from right outside Woking station and it's pretty reliable. This saves the hassle and expense of going through Waterloo and changing onto multiple tube / rail lines
But to answer your Qs:
Yes - you have access to the CCR and any other lounge - the CCR is where I'd recommend you spend most of your time although Galleries
Your DUB flight will come into T5 (if on BA) so no need to change terminals - there's no escort through security but if the flight connections queue is long it's easier to exit and re-enter through South Security (nearest the 1st check in on the departures level). If you do this then use the magic door immediately to the right after the security check as it's reserved for F pax or CCR holders
You won't get anything in DUB apart from access to the DAA lounge - it's a pretty spartan lounge at the best of times (but I'll caveat that I've not been there in the early morning) so I'd not get there especially early for it
I would suggest the train to Woking then bus to LHR - the bus goes from right outside Woking station and it's pretty reliable. This saves the hassle and expense of going through Waterloo and changing onto multiple tube / rail lines
Apr 25, 2015, 5:55 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: London
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 82
Just to follow up for comments on public transport, it's about 50/50 in terms of time and effort as to if you change at Reading or Woking onto their rail-air services. Reading is cheaper, but you may have to change in Southampton (my local) or Basingstoke.
Apr 25, 2015, 8:50 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,226
One option it's giving is Bournmouth to Reading then to Hayes & Harlington then to LHR for £49 single at a time of 2hrs 47 minutes. (would be cheaper with a rail card)
National Express Bus might also be an option too.
Apr 25, 2015, 9:44 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
Some of these threads may have some helpful advice, and reports of things that others have enjoyed:-
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...rst-first.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...irst-trip.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...rst-first.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...ck-review.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...-american.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...st-thread.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...questions.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...rst-first.html
- http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...questions.html
Apr 25, 2015, 4:50 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: AA-Gold 0.425MM), AS MVP Gold, National EE, Marriott Titanium (LT-G), UA Silver
Posts: 1,136
Thank you all. Looks like either the National Express bus or the train to Woking are the best solutions.
What's traffic on the M3 inbound to London usually like on Saturdays?
What's traffic on the M3 inbound to London usually like on Saturdays?