ARCHIVE: BA T5 <-> AA T3 transfer /connection at LHR / Heathrow
Aug 28, 2010, 9:09 am
#271
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I just flew ATH-LHR-JFK.
Arrived to T5 on BA, took the bus to T3, cleared security (x-ray) and then I got to the Airline Desk area. BA TA had given all my boarding passes in ATH. However, there was a sign near the AA desk that said to see an agent.
I went to the First Class line and there were two guys in front of me who where chatting forever with the AA agent. IT was finally my turn, she asked me the usual questions ("has your bag been with you all the time, etc") and put a sticker in my passport. Then, she directed me to the TA. I said "I already have boarding passes". She said, you still have to get your boarding passes issued by AA. So I did. The whole thing took at least 25 mins. At the end, the 2+ hours connecting time I thought were enough to at least check out the famous BA Terraces were not and I just had to proceed directly to my gate.
Now, here is my question: IS there anyway I could have avoided this whole process at the "airlines desk" area since I had boarding passes? Like just skip the AA security questioning/ seeing the TA and proceed directly to the gate or to the AA lounge? Did I really need the "AA issued" boarding pass?
Arrived to T5 on BA, took the bus to T3, cleared security (x-ray) and then I got to the Airline Desk area. BA TA had given all my boarding passes in ATH. However, there was a sign near the AA desk that said to see an agent.
I went to the First Class line and there were two guys in front of me who where chatting forever with the AA agent. IT was finally my turn, she asked me the usual questions ("has your bag been with you all the time, etc") and put a sticker in my passport. Then, she directed me to the TA. I said "I already have boarding passes". She said, you still have to get your boarding passes issued by AA. So I did. The whole thing took at least 25 mins. At the end, the 2+ hours connecting time I thought were enough to at least check out the famous BA Terraces were not and I just had to proceed directly to my gate.
Now, here is my question: IS there anyway I could have avoided this whole process at the "airlines desk" area since I had boarding passes? Like just skip the AA security questioning/ seeing the TA and proceed directly to the gate or to the AA lounge? Did I really need the "AA issued" boarding pass?
Aug 28, 2010, 9:26 am
#272
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The security questions, which sticker on passprot are a recent addition to LHR. They are at the check-in desk, flagship check-in, transfer desk, AC/Flagship lounge check-in, and the gate.
As mentioned above, if transiting LHR, the best place to get the passport security sticker is at the club. BA would have admitted you to their Galleries First lounge with the BA issued boarding pass.
As mentioned above, if transiting LHR, the best place to get the passport security sticker is at the club. BA would have admitted you to their Galleries First lounge with the BA issued boarding pass.
Sep 2, 2010, 5:03 pm
#273
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: LHR
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 328
Too ambitious connection time at LHR?
I'm flying MAN-LHR next week, arrives into T5 at 1105am. Then connecting to AA 47 from T3 at 1250pm. IF the BA flight is on time, does this still allow me sufficient time to exit T5, take the Heathrow Express to T3, claim two bags from the left-luggage office, check-in for AA47 with my bags (as an EXP at first class), use fast-track security, and make my flight?
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
Sep 2, 2010, 6:15 pm
#274
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: (insert city name here) hotel
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Posts: 483
It's doable, just don't dilly dally till you're in the terminal through security where you need to be.
Sep 2, 2010, 6:16 pm
#275
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
Posts: 4,629
Its just my opinion but, no, its not enough time.
Sep 2, 2010, 6:35 pm
#276
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: BLR
Programs: AA - EXP, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, UK - Gold
Posts: 1,224
if not
-- BA luggage is quite quite quite fast...its just takes forever to get to baggage claim but more likely that by the time you are there - luggage will be there..
but like the previous poster said...after that - run run run....AA FC check-in folks are quite friendly...if you are CK - might help to give them a shout once landed to say you are on the way...all the best!!
Sep 2, 2010, 7:03 pm
#277
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP 3MM
Posts: 1,773
I'm flying MAN-LHR next week, arrives into T5 at 1105am. Then connecting to AA 47 from T3 at 1250pm. IF the BA flight is on time, does this still allow me sufficient time to exit T5, take the Heathrow Express to T3, claim two bags from the left-luggage office, check-in for AA47 with my bags (as an EXP at first class), use fast-track security, and make my flight?
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
Sep 2, 2010, 7:09 pm
#278
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Curious. I'm arriving with no checked bags at LHR on AA and connectiong to a BA domestic flight on a seperate ticket. I have almost 4 hours. Should I transfer to T5 or go airside and recheck. I'm in Iris program. Also since it is a seperate ticket can I still use BA lounge? Thanks.
Curious. I'm arriving with no checked bags at LHR on AA and connectiong to a BA domestic flight on a seperate ticket. I have almost 4 hours. Should I transfer to T5 or go airside and recheck. I'm in Iris program. Also since it is a seperate ticket can I still use BA lounge? Thanks.
Sep 2, 2010, 7:10 pm
#279
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Tampa
Programs: AA EXP 11.1MM; 5.9MM Marriott Ambassador; Hertz President Circle, 3.2MM AMEX
Posts: 38
I'm flying MAN-LHR next week, arrives into T5 at 1105am. Then connecting to AA 47 from T3 at 1250pm. IF the BA flight is on time, does this still allow me sufficient time to exit T5, take the Heathrow Express to T3, claim two bags from the left-luggage office, check-in for AA47 with my bags (as an EXP at first class), use fast-track security, and make my flight?
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
Sep 2, 2010, 9:10 pm
#280
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
I make similar connections every year. I fly LAX - LHR - DUS and back. I, similarly, go from T3 in Heathrow to T5 then reverse.
I would be very nervous about your proposed plan, especially with the added complication of the left luggage retrieval and having to check that luggage back in.
Your international flight is LHR to ORD? It should be simliar to my LHR to LAX. Typically they start boarding 45 minutes ahead of scheduled departure, which means 12:50 minus 45 or 12:05. That gives you a scant hour to do what you want to do, including the transfer bus and the left luggage.
Personally, I would not risk it. You elite status won't do you any good on the transfer bus. I am unaware of any First Class Platinum alternative to the good ol' Flight Connections transfer bus, but then I always fly Coach.
I would be very nervous about your proposed plan, especially with the added complication of the left luggage retrieval and having to check that luggage back in.
Your international flight is LHR to ORD? It should be simliar to my LHR to LAX. Typically they start boarding 45 minutes ahead of scheduled departure, which means 12:50 minus 45 or 12:05. That gives you a scant hour to do what you want to do, including the transfer bus and the left luggage.
Personally, I would not risk it. You elite status won't do you any good on the transfer bus. I am unaware of any First Class Platinum alternative to the good ol' Flight Connections transfer bus, but then I always fly Coach.
Last edited by QueenOfCoach; Sep 2, 2010 at 9:10 pm Reason: spelling
Sep 2, 2010, 10:54 pm
#281
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Join Date: Feb 2005
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I'm flying MAN-LHR next week, arrives into T5 at 1105am. Then connecting to AA 47 from T3 at 1250pm. IF the BA flight is on time, does this still allow me sufficient time to exit T5, take the Heathrow Express to T3, claim two bags from the left-luggage office, check-in for AA47 with my bags (as an EXP at first class), use fast-track security, and make my flight?
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
It's the alternative to schlepping two big suitcases up to MAN and back, let alone paying £56 in excess luggage fees.
I didn't want to fly AA ex MAN on a 757, if anyone's wondering.
Sep 3, 2010, 4:37 am
#282
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I decided to take the transfer route rather than exit at T3. 45 minutes from T3 gate to T5 BA first lounge. The fast track boarding pass from BA helped some.
I decided to take the transfer route rather than exit at T3. 45 minutes from T3 gate to T5 BA first lounge. The fast track boarding pass from BA helped some.
Sep 7, 2010, 12:12 pm
#283
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 5
I'm less concerned with the 3:10 I have to go from T3 -> T5; more concerned with the 2:30 I have to go from T5 -> T3
Sep 7, 2010, 4:53 pm
#284
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Thanks for the tip! BTW can anyone who's transferred landside between T3 and T5 including picking up luggage give how long it took them? Is one way worse than the other?
I'm less concerned with the 3:10 I have to go from T3 -> T5; more concerned with the 2:30 I have to go from T5 -> T3
In my limited experience, but recent experience, T5 to T3 is a lot easier and faster than T3 to T5. There are sometimes some big lines transferring into T5.
Originally Posted by dawheat
I'm less concerned with the 3:10 I have to go from T3 -> T5; more concerned with the 2:30 I have to go from T5 -> T3
Sep 7, 2010, 5:33 pm
#285
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