Time needed - Bloomsbury to LHR
Dec 12, 2014, 3:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Boulder, CO and Waimea, HI
Programs: UAL 1K MM
Posts: 748
Time needed - Bloomsbury to LHR
I'm wondering how much time we need to allocate to get from Bloomsbury to LHR for an international flight. Here's the specifics:
Leaving from Bloomsbury
January 1st (New Years Day)
Will check-in online
Carry-on luggage only
First class bookings
Terminal 2
Flight leaves at 10:30 am
Using a car service
Is a 7:30 am pickup at our hotel sufficient time given all of the above?
Thanks
Leaving from Bloomsbury
January 1st (New Years Day)
Will check-in online
Carry-on luggage only
First class bookings
Terminal 2
Flight leaves at 10:30 am
Using a car service
Is a 7:30 am pickup at our hotel sufficient time given all of the above?
Thanks
Dec 12, 2014, 4:00 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Oodles of time.
It's a public holiday (or sleeping off a hangover day).
Hardly anyone awake or on the road at that time of the day.
Leaving at 0815 would get you to LHR before 0900 - plenty of time.
It's a public holiday (or sleeping off a hangover day).
Hardly anyone awake or on the road at that time of the day.
Leaving at 0815 would get you to LHR before 0900 - plenty of time.
Dec 13, 2014, 3:54 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,200
There will be road closures in central London for the New Year's Day parade (which although not starting until noon the roads close earlier)
Given that I'd go with the OPs proposed 7.30 AM hotel departure.
Dec 14, 2014, 2:53 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 19
I agree with the 7:30 pickup time. I normally allocate being at the airport 2.5 hours before, even three-departure time. I also need disabled services, i.e. wheelchair assist to the gate, and this has proven to be a disaster of huge proportions twice already-they do not come to pick you up, it's chaos. Trying again in June, but I do know from reading and experience that allowing a bit more time can be essential, especially if leaving from T5. 
Dec 15, 2014, 3:22 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
Programs: UA 1K, MM *G for life, BAEC Gold
Posts: 10,225
Given the amount of traffic on the roads at that time on New Year's Day, they could close half the roads and it wouldn't make much difference (assuming your driver doesn't get lost - it sounds as though you are going for a minicab rather than a black cab, so more likely to foul it up).
Everything will be deserted, including T2. During normal business days, I allow 2hr 45 from my house, which includes 15 minutes to the tube, 45 minutes in the tube and 1hr 45 for check in etc. (economy class, no Fast Track) and I always have a long wait in the lounge. If it were me, I'd be tempted to go with 8:30 but I'd split the difference and go at 8:00, perhaps a shade later if it's a black cab.
Everything will be deserted, including T2. During normal business days, I allow 2hr 45 from my house, which includes 15 minutes to the tube, 45 minutes in the tube and 1hr 45 for check in etc. (economy class, no Fast Track) and I always have a long wait in the lounge. If it were me, I'd be tempted to go with 8:30 but I'd split the difference and go at 8:00, perhaps a shade later if it's a black cab.
Dec 22, 2014, 2:39 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Executive Club
Posts: 999
The Marylebone Road (one of the possible routes from Bloomsbury) will have road works until 5th Jan. The driver should know this and take another route if it's busy though.
As it is New Years day then going via Tavistock and Gordon Sq, New Cavendish St, George St, Edgware Road, Marble Arch and then drop on to the A4 from Park Lane at Hyde Park Corner. I reckon you could do it in less than 45 mins.
As it is New Years day then going via Tavistock and Gordon Sq, New Cavendish St, George St, Edgware Road, Marble Arch and then drop on to the A4 from Park Lane at Hyde Park Corner. I reckon you could do it in less than 45 mins.