Connecting through LHR
Jul 22, 2014, 8:46 am
#19
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,928
I am coming into LHR in CW on the "sleeper" flight from ORD at 10:00 and connecting to a flight to MAN at 13:20. I am considering making the connection land side and visiting the Arrivals Lounge. Discussion elsewhere suggests that the air-land-air side process would be no slower and might be faster than the connections route. My one visit suggests that the AL will be quieter and have a better breakfast than the GC. However I will have a checked bag and I have seen a comment elsewhere that going land side might create complications for baggage processing, though it should work out OK. I would be interested in any comments.
Jul 22, 2014, 9:04 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,194
I am coming into LHR in CW on the "sleeper" flight from ORD at 10:00 and connecting to a flight to MAN at 13:20. I am considering making the connection land side and visiting the Arrivals Lounge. Discussion elsewhere suggests that the air-land-air side process would be no slower and might be faster than the connections route. My one visit suggests that the AL will be quieter and have a better breakfast than the GC. However I will have a checked bag and I have seen a comment elsewhere that going land side might create complications for baggage processing, though it should work out OK. I would be interested in any comments.
Jul 22, 2014, 9:23 am
#21
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,611
I think you're right in your conclusion that the Arrivals Lounge breakfast will be better (it'll be the dregs in the GC lounges by that time) and that the lounge will be quieter (easier shower access, too...) but the transit speed will depend to a certain extent on your nationality - and the queue at immigration.
But... As this is mostly a BA question, I can happily split & move this over to the BA forum, where they'll know the answer a bit more readily. Just let me know.
stut
Moderator
UK & Ireland
But... As this is mostly a BA question, I can happily split & move this over to the BA forum, where they'll know the answer a bit more readily. Just let me know.
stut
Moderator
UK & Ireland
Jul 22, 2014, 9:24 am
#22
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,928
Sorry, I should have made it clear that I am connecting BA to BA on the same ticket so the bag will be checked through. My impression is that going land side will result in my not being marked "ready to fly" on the MAN flight as soon as if I stay air side so that the bag may get pulled aside.
Jul 23, 2014, 11:37 am
#23
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: LCY
Posts: 1,222
The "ready to fly" box will be ticked when you go back airside through security after using the arrivals lounge so no issues there. Just make sure you get the boarding pass scanned at security before t-35 minutes.
Jul 23, 2014, 1:40 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,928
Thanks. That is what I assumed but I wondered if, given T5's baggage handling problems, it posed more risk than it should. I assume that the same process is what happens when you go through security in connections so that it shouldn't make much difference anyway.