ARCHIVE: BA T5 <-> AA T3 transfer /connection at LHR / Heathrow
Jan 26, 2010, 6:12 pm
#196
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: back to AA PLT, 1.6+MM
Posts: 771
On the outbound, since you're upgraded on the AA flight, they'll give you a bright Fast Track pass on the plane. When you get to T5, the Fast Track BP check line is on the extreme right; once you go through that, you go up the escalator to security. Once upstairs the Fast Track line through Security is not always the fastest, as others have said.
Having two wheeled bags is really pushing it, IMHO. Good thing you're checking one of them; I would think even in the USA it would be tough sometimes to make the case that the 17" wheeled bag is a "personal item".
You'll have access ot the Galleries First lounge in T5 on the outbound, and the one in T3 on the return. Definitely use them; they're great. When I went through LHR a couple of weeks ago I hadn't yet received my card. It was no problem, especially if you have your AAdvantage number memorized. I did get a real "attitude" when using the T3 GalleriesClub North lounge a couple of years ago when I forgot to bring my PLT card, so difficulties do sometimes happen.
Having two wheeled bags is really pushing it, IMHO. Good thing you're checking one of them; I would think even in the USA it would be tough sometimes to make the case that the 17" wheeled bag is a "personal item".
You'll have access ot the Galleries First lounge in T5 on the outbound, and the one in T3 on the return. Definitely use them; they're great. When I went through LHR a couple of weeks ago I hadn't yet received my card. It was no problem, especially if you have your AAdvantage number memorized. I did get a real "attitude" when using the T3 GalleriesClub North lounge a couple of years ago when I forgot to bring my PLT card, so difficulties do sometimes happen.
Jan 26, 2010, 6:28 pm
#197
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PIT/DFW/MEL; AA Exec. Platinum & 4MM, QF WP
Posts: 7,689
Hello:
I have AA EXP/oneworld Emerald status.
I will fly ticketed AA roundtrip MIA-DXB via LHR.
Have not connected at LHR in a while, hence my posting.
The AA legs (MIA-LHR) + (LHR-MIA) are upgraded using eVIPs.
The codeshare BA legs (LHR-DXB) + (DXB-LHR) are economy -world traveller class.
Questions:
1) Outbound, I have 2hr 35mn connection time - is this enough?
2) As oneworld Emerald, may I still use FastTrack security line at T5, even though I'm ticketed BA world traveller/econ to DXB?
3) AA at MIA will issue both boarding passes.
Will I need a BA boarding pass for the DXB flight to replace the AA-issued one?
4) Is there a way to upgrade the BA legs upon arrival at LHR?
5) Luggage: 21" wheeled carryon + 17" wheeled rolling tote.
I'm very petite, and the 21"carryon always looks huge next to me; twice (MAD and MIA), I was made to check it even though it is w/in regulations.
So the 21" will be checked through to DXB.
Will carryon only 17" + camera bag.
6) LHR T5 lounge access:
Do oneworld Emerald still get access to T5 lounges (GalleriesFirst, GalleriesClubSouth)? It seems YMMV?
I printed the oneworld Lounge Access page to bring with me, just in case.
But what really happens at T5?
Thanks in advance.
I have AA EXP/oneworld Emerald status.
I will fly ticketed AA roundtrip MIA-DXB via LHR.
Have not connected at LHR in a while, hence my posting.
The AA legs (MIA-LHR) + (LHR-MIA) are upgraded using eVIPs.
The codeshare BA legs (LHR-DXB) + (DXB-LHR) are economy -world traveller class.
Questions:
1) Outbound, I have 2hr 35mn connection time - is this enough?
2) As oneworld Emerald, may I still use FastTrack security line at T5, even though I'm ticketed BA world traveller/econ to DXB?
3) AA at MIA will issue both boarding passes.
Will I need a BA boarding pass for the DXB flight to replace the AA-issued one?
4) Is there a way to upgrade the BA legs upon arrival at LHR?
5) Luggage: 21" wheeled carryon + 17" wheeled rolling tote.
I'm very petite, and the 21"carryon always looks huge next to me; twice (MAD and MIA), I was made to check it even though it is w/in regulations.
So the 21" will be checked through to DXB.
Will carryon only 17" + camera bag.
6) LHR T5 lounge access:
Do oneworld Emerald still get access to T5 lounges (GalleriesFirst, GalleriesClubSouth)? It seems YMMV?
I printed the oneworld Lounge Access page to bring with me, just in case.
But what really happens at T5?
Thanks in advance.
2. no. the transfer line is for BA premium passngers and Golds. you might wangle an exception but likely won't need it.
3. yes, you will likely be issued BA boarding passes at the connection center or gate.
4. only BA Executive Club points (or Asia Miles) can upgrade your BA legs. don't know for sure but it seems doubtful you can do that at the airport.
5. outbound you should be fine. Inbound, there is a strict one carryon rule for Europe to the US in effect at present. Monitor developments very carefully.
6. Your oneworld flight plus Emerald status gets you First lounge access (NOT Concorde Room, however).
On the outbound, since you're upgraded on the AA flight, they'll give you a bright Fast Track pass on the plane. When you get to T5, the Fast Track BP check line is on the extreme right; once you go through that, you go up the escalator to security. Once upstairs the Fast Track line through Security is not always the fastest, as others have said.
Jan 26, 2010, 7:02 pm
#198
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
On the outbound, since you're upgraded on the AA flight, they'll give you a bright Fast Track pass on the plane. When you get to T5, the Fast Track BP check line is on the extreme right; once you go through that, you go up the escalator to security. Once upstairs the Fast Track line through Security is not always the fastest, as others have said.
Jan 26, 2010, 7:12 pm
#199
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: back to AA PLT, 1.6+MM
Posts: 771
The pink FastTrack passes they hand out on board are for landside immigration only. Wouldn't hurt to try it at Transfers, but that's not what they are for.
BTW, I've done OLCI for BA intra-europe flights, and so avoided check-in at the T5 transfer desk. 'don't know if that'll work to DXB. I've also gotten BA BP's printed out at an Admiral's Club in the past.
Jan 26, 2010, 7:45 pm
#200
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
6. Keep in mind that there is another Galleries Club lounge in T5B, if your DXB flight is departing from T5B, you may wish to head there instead of (or in addition to) the Flounge.
Jan 26, 2010, 10:39 pm
#201
Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 954
BA have been offering paid upgrades for some flights during online checkin...worth a try.
Jan 27, 2010, 12:36 am
#202
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: AA EXP / 2MM, BAEC GGL, CCR, Marriott AMB
Posts: 288
Jan 27, 2010, 1:21 am
#203
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
Oh I don't know.
I paid to upgrade from WT->WT+ flying LHR to JNB.
I think I paid 200 pounds and I it was money well spent.
I paid to upgrade from WT->WT+ flying LHR to JNB.
I think I paid 200 pounds and I it was money well spent.
Jan 27, 2010, 2:13 am
#204
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Jan 27, 2010, 6:45 am
#205
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: AA EXP / 2MM, BAEC GGL, CCR, Marriott AMB
Posts: 288
If you're flying Ex-UK then you also incur Gordon Browns 'luxury' tax on WT+ fares at the same rate as if you were flying CW or F.
For not much more you could get an off-peak out of season MR from LHR-LAX-LHR and burn some SWUs on AA
Jan 27, 2010, 7:26 am
#206
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Cote d'Ivoire
Programs: OW Emerald - HH Diamond
Posts: 3,418
Agreed, I dont think WT-> WT+ is worth that.
Jan 28, 2010, 8:27 am
#207
Join Date: May 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: AA PLT 1.9mm
Posts: 5
Transfer AA to BA in LHR carry on baggage
I will be flying on AA metal AUS=>ORD=>LHR and then BA onto BLR. Normally on AA I would just take my 22" roller and computer bag as carry-ons. Is there any issue with new security restrictions with doing this in LHR on BA?
Also, I am PLT and assume I will be get some type of preferential boarding.
Thx
Also, I am PLT and assume I will be get some type of preferential boarding.
Thx
Jan 28, 2010, 8:32 am
#208
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,949
No problems with the luggage, provided it really is only 22" and not over stuffed. The BAA (airport not the airline) luggage sizers are unforgiving.
Upon arrival at LHR follow the purple Flight Connections signs to the coach stop and board the coach to terminal 5. You will clear security there and then have access to the BA Galleries lounges (three to choose from). Bring your AAdvantage Platinum card to present to the BA Lounge Agents.
Upon arrival at LHR follow the purple Flight Connections signs to the coach stop and board the coach to terminal 5. You will clear security there and then have access to the BA Galleries lounges (three to choose from). Bring your AAdvantage Platinum card to present to the BA Lounge Agents.
Jan 28, 2010, 8:33 am
#209
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SJC
Programs: AA EXP, BA Silver, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 33,535
The question about what is allowed on BA flights is best asked on the BA forum as they will have the most up-to-date information. We had no problems in early January, but things may have changed. I'd suggest just doing some research there, though, as this is surely a well-discussed topic there.
Boarding is a free-for-all. There is no priority.
Cheers.
Boarding is a free-for-all. There is no priority.
Cheers.
Jan 28, 2010, 8:53 am
#210
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: back to AA PLT, 1.6+MM
Posts: 771
I had no problem with the same set of carryons two weeks ago in LHR.