LGW I-I (A3-BA) transfer?
Sep 14, 2016, 4:11 am
#1
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LGW I-I (A3-BA) transfer?
Hi all,
I'm thinking of buying ATH-LGW-BOD on separate tickets in November with A3 to LGW and BA to BOD with 6h between. Would I have to go through immigration? I hope to travel HBO, but I'll have a carry-on (which fits the dimensions) and a backpack (which is bigger than the personal item dimensions, but smaller than the carry-on dimensions). Does LGW still limit carry ons by number and size, ie should I have to worry about being made to check my carry-on to accommodate my backpack?
Finally, any good PP lounges in LGW?
I'm thinking of buying ATH-LGW-BOD on separate tickets in November with A3 to LGW and BA to BOD with 6h between. Would I have to go through immigration? I hope to travel HBO, but I'll have a carry-on (which fits the dimensions) and a backpack (which is bigger than the personal item dimensions, but smaller than the carry-on dimensions). Does LGW still limit carry ons by number and size, ie should I have to worry about being made to check my carry-on to accommodate my backpack?
Finally, any good PP lounges in LGW?
Sep 14, 2016, 4:42 am
#2
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If you need to check luggage, you'll need to go through immigration (unless you can persuade A3 to check through - it wouldn't be policy to do so).
With HBO, you can follow the 'flight connections' route. Note that, as it's before January 17, you'll be landing in the South Terminal and departing from the North Terminal. There's an airside shuttle bus that will take you across - and you'll need to clear security.
With luggage, there is a 'GatwickConnects' service that will allow you to recheck your baggage in the arrivals hall. You then go landside, and head for the shuttle train to North Terminal, and go through security there.
With HBO, you can follow the 'flight connections' route. Note that, as it's before January 17, you'll be landing in the South Terminal and departing from the North Terminal. There's an airside shuttle bus that will take you across - and you'll need to clear security.
With luggage, there is a 'GatwickConnects' service that will allow you to recheck your baggage in the arrivals hall. You then go landside, and head for the shuttle train to North Terminal, and go through security there.
Sep 14, 2016, 4:49 am
#3
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Gatwick security will allow through whatever the airlines allow. You can take a smaller item as well as a carry-on as a rule. It's down to BA to determine what you're allowed on board - unless the flight is absolutely packed, you'll probably have tags placed on your carry-ons, with the smaller labelled as 'under-seat storage' only.
As for the lounges, I only know the old BA F lounge, but there's good reviews of the No 1 and My Lounge offerings here:
http://www.headforpoints.com/2014/06...gatwick-north/
http://www.headforpoints.com/2015/06...gatwick-north/
As for the lounges, I only know the old BA F lounge, but there's good reviews of the No 1 and My Lounge offerings here:
http://www.headforpoints.com/2014/06...gatwick-north/
http://www.headforpoints.com/2015/06...gatwick-north/
Sep 14, 2016, 5:31 am
#4
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As for the lounges, I only know the old BA F lounge, but there's good reviews of the No 1 and My Lounge offerings here:
http://www.headforpoints.com/2014/06...gatwick-north/
http://www.headforpoints.com/2015/06...gatwick-north/
http://www.headforpoints.com/2014/06...gatwick-north/
http://www.headforpoints.com/2015/06...gatwick-north/
Gatwick security will allow through whatever the airlines allow. You can take a smaller item as well as a carry-on as a rule. It's down to BA to determine what you're allowed on board - unless the flight is absolutely packed, you'll probably have tags placed on your carry-ons, with the smaller labelled as 'under-seat storage' only.
Sep 14, 2016, 5:38 am
#5
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Thanks for the links.
I guess my question is more along the lines of "will anyone at security (which seems to be after immigration) actually be checking the size of my carry-on bag + backpack?" Since I'm flying without any checked luggage, I plan to OLCI and just use a mobile/printed BP if it's offered and skip the transfer desk (if it exists) + UK immigration, so I'm not sure how Gatwick security will know that the airline is/isn't okay with the larger-than-a-personal-item backpack.
I guess my question is more along the lines of "will anyone at security (which seems to be after immigration) actually be checking the size of my carry-on bag + backpack?" Since I'm flying without any checked luggage, I plan to OLCI and just use a mobile/printed BP if it's offered and skip the transfer desk (if it exists) + UK immigration, so I'm not sure how Gatwick security will know that the airline is/isn't okay with the larger-than-a-personal-item backpack.
One note on the lounges at Gatwick - November should be quiet season, but because the BA lounges are closed, everything gets a bit more congested. You may find that the Aspire lounge is the best bet, as this isn't being used by BA - however 6hrs is probably a bit too long to be spending there...
Sep 14, 2016, 5:46 am
#6
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however 6hrs is probably a bit too long to be spending there...
), but I guess I can spend the time studying for my neuroanatomy exam that'll be 2 days after my flight... 
Sep 14, 2016, 6:25 am
#8
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Sep 14, 2016, 2:56 pm
#9
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Actually, when I look at a ow ATH-BOD, the cheapest option is ATH-LGW-BOD all on BA, with an even longer layover than the A3 ATH-LGW
