Current AC Boarding process & timing in London
Sep 26, 2021, 8:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SEMM / HH Diamond
Posts: 3,174
Current AC Boarding process & timing in London
I'm trying to help my elderly aunt, who's flying in business class from LHR-YYZ on 857 in about a week - and I'm trying to understand what the current departure process is from Heathrow as I haven't been to LHR since pre-Covid and I want to give her the best advice possible, especially re: timing. I know that in the pre-Covid times, there was a passport validation check that was required at the gate prior to boarding. I presume the passport check is still there, and I'm wondering if that process has now been expanded to include things like verification of vaccination and/or Covid testing - and if that is causing additional delays or lineups.
She's absolutely not a frequent traveler, in fact she's quite nervous about this trip - and she's not even a FOTSG; it's worse, she's literally a grandma
... so I'm trying to figure out how early I should recommend that she should plan to arrive at the gate in LHR to avoid getting stressed.
Has anyone flown LHR-YYZ recently? Are there long lines, delays, or additional steps at the boarding area?
She's absolutely not a frequent traveler, in fact she's quite nervous about this trip - and she's not even a FOTSG; it's worse, she's literally a grandma
... so I'm trying to figure out how early I should recommend that she should plan to arrive at the gate in LHR to avoid getting stressed.Has anyone flown LHR-YYZ recently? Are there long lines, delays, or additional steps at the boarding area?
Sep 26, 2021, 11:57 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC, BA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 842
I just flew AC855 from LHR and it was pretty seamless. I had carry on only but went to baggage drop to verify my COVID test and passport info. If checking bags, The business class desks are hidden in second row (same as pre COVID), can just be hard to find.
They’re using B gates so the walk is far. AC lounge is not open but you can use Singapore or United.
Gate was opened early and had a separate queue for business. Two security people checked tests, ArriveCAN and Passport for those that have not done so prior to arriving at the gate.
It was honestly very civilized and efficient. If your grandma is not mobile though worth asking for the assistance since B Gates are far.
They’re using B gates so the walk is far. AC lounge is not open but you can use Singapore or United.
Gate was opened early and had a separate queue for business. Two security people checked tests, ArriveCAN and Passport for those that have not done so prior to arriving at the gate.
It was honestly very civilized and efficient. If your grandma is not mobile though worth asking for the assistance since B Gates are far.
Sep 26, 2021, 12:06 pm
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
They’re using B gates so the walk is far. AC lounge is not open but you can use Singapore or United.
Gate was opened early and had a separate queue for business. Two security people checked tests, ArriveCAN and Passport for those that have not done so prior to arriving at the gate.
It was honestly very civilized and efficient. If your grandma is not mobile though worth asking for the assistance since B Gates are far.
Gate was opened early and had a separate queue for business. Two security people checked tests, ArriveCAN and Passport for those that have not done so prior to arriving at the gate.
It was honestly very civilized and efficient. If your grandma is not mobile though worth asking for the assistance since B Gates are far.
Sep 26, 2021, 12:32 pm
#4
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
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Posts: 44,357
Sep 26, 2021, 12:35 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: YQR
Posts: 2,743
I’d suggest to the OP’s aunt that she have her documents verified at the check in desk. We were on 857 a week ago (well, 8 days ago…) and that proved to be an easy way to do it. The agent literally looked that we had an ArriveCan receipt and checked that we had a negative PCR test within the required time period. That took about 30 seconds. Security was quick as well. Boarding was fine. The main issue was that they were boarding three AC flights in a short period of time so there was some congestion. They seemed to take good care of those needing extra assistance, so if your aunt needs that she should get excellent care.
Sep 26, 2021, 2:46 pm
#6
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC, BA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 842
Yes, it is, or it was a week ago.
I’d suggest to the OP’s aunt that she have her documents verified at the check in desk. We were on 857 a week ago (well, 8 days ago…) and that proved to be an easy way to do it. The agent literally looked that we had an ArriveCan receipt and checked that we had a negative PCR test within the required time period. That took about 30 seconds. Security was quick as well. Boarding was fine. The main issue was that they were boarding three AC flights in a short period of time so there was some congestion. They seemed to take good care of those needing extra assistance, so if your aunt needs that she should get excellent care.
I’d suggest to the OP’s aunt that she have her documents verified at the check in desk. We were on 857 a week ago (well, 8 days ago…) and that proved to be an easy way to do it. The agent literally looked that we had an ArriveCan receipt and checked that we had a negative PCR test within the required time period. That took about 30 seconds. Security was quick as well. Boarding was fine. The main issue was that they were boarding three AC flights in a short period of time so there was some congestion. They seemed to take good care of those needing extra assistance, so if your aunt needs that she should get excellent care.