How much of a pain is it to switch airlines connecting through LGW w/ bags?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 144
How much of a pain is it to switch airlines connecting through LGW w/ bags?
Currently planning a trip to somewhere in Europe for the last two weeks of October (leaning towards Greece...thoughts?) from Vancouver, and it seems like it's MUCH cheaper to fly WestJet to LGW, then connect on EasyJet or something similar to wherever we want to go. E.g. $319 (pp, one way) YVR-YYZ-LGW-ATH vs $572 YVR-LHR-ATH on BA or similar on AC. If we check a bag though, I'm sure it won't be checked through since we'd be switching to a non-partner airline at LGW. Would we have to go through customs and immigration and to baggage claim, then drop off the bag again at the EasyJet check in and go through security again? Seems like a massive headache, but maybe worth it to save $500 between the two of us?
Option 2, of course, is to just not bring a bag.
Option 2, of course, is to just not bring a bag.
#2
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Currently planning a trip to somewhere in Europe for the last two weeks of October (leaning towards Greece...thoughts?) from Vancouver, and it seems like it's MUCH cheaper to fly WestJet to LGW, then connect on EasyJet or something similar to wherever we want to go. E.g. $319 (pp, one way) YVR-YYZ-LGW-ATH vs $572 YVR-LHR-ATH on BA or similar on AC. If we check a bag though, I'm sure it won't be checked through since we'd be switching to a non-partner airline at LGW. Would we have to go through customs and immigration and to baggage claim, then drop off the bag again at the EasyJet check in and go through security again? Seems like a massive headache, but maybe worth it to save $500 between the two of us?
Option 2, of course, is to just not bring a bag.
Option 2, of course, is to just not bring a bag.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 144
EZY - like many LCCs - does not interline bags with other carriers. So, if you fly in on WestJet (WS) - even though both carriers use the North Terminal - you will have to enter the UK going through immigration, collect your bags and then go to Departures and check-in with easyJet and head back through security for that flight. The same on the way back. Make sure to leave plenty of time between flights. You are NOT connecting. You will have two separate flights.
Thanks for the info! 4-5 hours should be plenty, right?
#4
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: London
Posts: 1,542
An interval of 4/5 hours would be fine on a normal day.
But you run the usual risk of separate flights. What's your plan B and what's it going to cost you if the first flight is rescheduled, or seriously delayed or cancelled on the day.
Minor point on costs - you realise hold baggage is chargeable on easyJet, is that factored into your cost comparison?
But you run the usual risk of separate flights. What's your plan B and what's it going to cost you if the first flight is rescheduled, or seriously delayed or cancelled on the day.
Minor point on costs - you realise hold baggage is chargeable on easyJet, is that factored into your cost comparison?
#5
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,721
See if you can can book through Gatwick Connects+ - that way you'll have a protected connection which would be ideal.
Even if you don't book through them, you can still use the Gatwick Connects bag check service which saves some hassle. 4-5h shuld be plenty - easyJet offer rebooking for a reasonable 80 rescue fee too in case you don't make it. Not sure about WestJet for the return though - that's where booking the protected option would be safer if possible.
http://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the...twickconnects/
Even if you don't book through them, you can still use the Gatwick Connects bag check service which saves some hassle. 4-5h shuld be plenty - easyJet offer rebooking for a reasonable 80 rescue fee too in case you don't make it. Not sure about WestJet for the return though - that's where booking the protected option would be safer if possible.
http://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the...twickconnects/
#6
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I'm not sure if they've improved, but there were horror stories last year and again a few months ago about WestJet's operation to LGW - many flights delayed and quite a few by many hours.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 144
See if you can can book through Gatwick Connects+ - that way you'll have a protected connection which would be ideal.
Even if you don't book through them, you can still use the Gatwick Connects bag check service which saves some hassle. 4-5h shuld be plenty - easyJet offer rebooking for a reasonable 80 rescue fee too in case you don't make it. Not sure about WestJet for the return though - that's where booking the protected option would be safer if possible.
http://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the...twickconnects/
Even if you don't book through them, you can still use the Gatwick Connects bag check service which saves some hassle. 4-5h shuld be plenty - easyJet offer rebooking for a reasonable 80 rescue fee too in case you don't make it. Not sure about WestJet for the return though - that's where booking the protected option would be safer if possible.
http://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the...twickconnects/
EDIT: Looks like there aren't any cities in Canada that you can use to book with Gatwick Connects+...can you buy the service after you book with the airline directly? How much does the service usually cost?
An interval of 4/5 hours would be fine on a normal day.
But you run the usual risk of separate flights. What's your plan B and what's it going to cost you if the first flight is rescheduled, or seriously delayed or cancelled on the day.
Minor point on costs - you realise hold baggage is chargeable on easyJet, is that factored into your cost comparison?
But you run the usual risk of separate flights. What's your plan B and what's it going to cost you if the first flight is rescheduled, or seriously delayed or cancelled on the day.
Minor point on costs - you realise hold baggage is chargeable on easyJet, is that factored into your cost comparison?
Yes, I've seen a few blog posts about this...definitely something to keep an eye on, thanks!
Last edited by ravisurdhar; Sep 12, 2017 at 9:30 am
#9
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easy jet offer missed flightcover for 7.50 one way or 9.50 return.
They will book you (for free) on to the next available flight to your destination.
But you need to have bought it at the same time as you buy your flights.
Also check your travel insurance policy for what cover that may offer.
They will book you (for free) on to the next available flight to your destination.
But you need to have bought it at the same time as you buy your flights.
Also check your travel insurance policy for what cover that may offer.
#10
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,721
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 144
easy jet offer missed flightcover for 7.50 one way or 9.50 return.
They will book you (for free) on to the next available flight to your destination.
But you need to have bought it at the same time as you buy your flights.
Also check your travel insurance policy for what cover that may offer.
They will book you (for free) on to the next available flight to your destination.
But you need to have bought it at the same time as you buy your flights.
Also check your travel insurance policy for what cover that may offer.
#12
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Location: Brighton. UK
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Personally I'd buy it because it would still be cheaper than paying for a new flight which is what you would have to do if you hadn't bought it, It's a small loss even if you were unfortunate to have an even longer delay.
check the price of buying the flight that goes tomorrow because that is closer to what you would have to pay not a booked months in advance one.
Of coure an alternative is to plan now to overnight at LGW and book the easyJet leg for the following day,
#13
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 8,721
Example below of a protected connection YVR-LGW-ATH which is now available on the easyJet website. However currently this trip seems only available up to October, but keep an eye on it.
If you're not able to buy a combined protected itinerary as below, you can still use the Gatwick Connects bag service for free with two separate bookings - no need to buy it. It just means that you can drop your bag at the Connects desk in the baggage hall and they'll recheck it with the onward airline for you so you can skip check-in. However that service doesn't include IRROPs protection.