Originally Posted by
psv57
So traveling with spouse and child (8yrs) from USA through LHR to destination DEL. We have a layover of 6 hrs 25 mins on way over (arrive T3, depart T5) and on return 7 hrs 40 mins (arrive T5, depart T5). US citizens. On return flight i opted out of shorter layover of 1 hr 40 mins unsure if that would cause trouble but maybe i should have opted for that. Some questions to navigate LHR and consider options for long layovers esp with child.
1) Is there enough time to leave the airport and return back and grab some quick coffee/lunch outside, especially on the longer layover on return. I could apply for the evisa for London as still have 10 days left... I am not sure how the immigration process is. Haven't been to UK in literally ages so need simplified things but would be nice to get child out for a real experience eating outside of airport if possible.
2) If leaving isn't advisable and even for shorter layover... Is there an onsite hotel (airside/landside)? for some rest? Would need visa if landside obviously? Is that advisable?
3) Any lounges recommended? Do i really need the extended lounge pass if I purchase it for 3-6 hrs or is part of that spent clearing some sort of immigration process, lines etc? Last time I transited LHR, it seems like going through hoops to go from one flight to another and that was with wheelchair assist. I can now walk but extensive walking I can't do. I have lots of time to take it slow though. I don't think I have any access through any point system. Flying WT+ but know that doesn't give any lounge access.
4) Is going from T3 to T5 fairly straightforward?
A bit stressed as this is child's first international travel.
To answer your questions:
- if you still need to take your time when walking and als have a child with you I would not bother going to London on a 6-7hr layover. Getting landside and then back airside plus the time it takes on the train to get to London will leave you with 4 hrs ish of free time there. Plus you can never discount an occasional transport collapse happening (Heathrow express breaking down, underground not working, etc etc).
If I were you, I’d take your time and transit from T3 to T5 (no visa needed). This is done airside via bus. On arrival at T5 you will only need to clear security check. That’s it.
once in T5 there are plenty of restaurant options and all are child friendly. Compared to most US airports T5 is a very passenger friendly experience.
there are two lounges that accept Pirority Pass: Plaza Premium (I’d go there) and Aspire. Plaza Premium also accepts AMEX Platinum if you don’t have Priority Pass.
there is no airside hotel. There is landside Sofitel (very nice), but realistically you will only spend 3-4 hrs there max.
So, if you were to just take your time transiting to T5, grabbing a bite to eat at a restaurant and relaxing a bit in the lounge you’d have a fairly easy transit experience.