Heathrow Express any cheaper?
 

I see that Bmi are now advertising on the reverse of tickets on the Heathrow Express....

Does anyone on here have any tips or know of any offers to get cheaper tickets on this service? For although its very reliable and quick... it is SO expensive!

As I understand it, for the 15 miles it travels, it is, per mile, the most expensive rail route in the country!!

The only ways I know of getting reduced prices are using BAA Worldpoints for half-price travel (50 points) or upgrade to first (100 points) [can't do both at the same time though]. But it may be more worthwhile using your Worldpoints for BMI DC miles instead, but I've not worked it out).

I think if you have a BAA Worldpoints Credit Card you can get some sort of discount/upgrade without using any points though.

WorldPoints is the way to go!

You can save £14 right now. Go to www.baa.com/worldpoints and sign up. You'll get 100 points which you can cash in for 2 half-price HEX single trip vouchers. Note that these must be used at ticket offices at Paddington or LHR arrivals terminals - NOT on the train.

The easiest way to accumulate WorldPoints is to take advantage of their duty free offers. When you have joined, you can log on to the website and check the latest promos. For example, to the end of Feb, you get 250 bonus points when you buy three bottles of duty-free wine for £15. These 250 points can be redeemed for five half-price HEX singles - so you save £35 in return for spending £15 on wine!

If you get the BAA WorldPoints Visa you can also get a first class upgrade on the HEX - even if you bought your ticket for half price in the first place. You simply sit in First and flash your card when the guard comes round.

You can also redeem WorldPoints for BMI miles, at the rate of 500 for 750 miles. However, since 500 WorldPoints gets you £70-off 10 HEX tickets, you are better using them for train tickets.

PS. The HEX is actually the most expensive rail route in the world, I believe. And it is now £16 for a 15 minute journey if you buy your ticket on board.

Yes - this is definately the best way for cheaper tickets. Just remember not to order too many at once as they have a one year expiry.

Jon

I have a few upgrade vouchers for the HEX and GEW. Since I don't use them (not living anywhere near London), anyone here is welcome to have them if they'll make use of them. I have 4 x Gatwick & 4 x Heathrow Express First Class upgrade vouchers (Exp. 30/06/05). Valid on the train, to upgrade any economy/express fare on the spot.

If anyone wants them, PM me - since I don't use them, I'm not looking for anything in return.

you have pm..

Ygpm.

Update...
 

Now have 1 HEX and 2 GEX remaining, if anyone wants them... :) (trying to keep it fair by limiting it to up to 2 per person.)

I also have GEX to donate...
 

Courtesy of my old VS card. Valid until 30.6.05, PM me if interested, otherwise I'll put them on the coupon connection.

ygpm

(and yes - I know this message is too short!)

You have PM, but it concerns HEX and you kindly offered GEX - please ignore it!
(if you did want the bag, do let me know!)

None Left..
 

Hi All,

Man, some of you are quick! Well, all of mine are gone (All that PM'd me will get them on Tuesday, Royal Mail permitting...)

Enjoy! :) (At least you can get something for free from the most expensive rail journey in the Universe!)

Personally, I don't mind the increased price too much because it really is the only semi-pleasant way to get to LHR which doesn't involve a cab/limo service. (and as I travel alone most of the time, the HEX makes better economic sense)

The National Express buses are pretty unpredictable in arrival time... and the tube? Need I say more? :o For me the HEX is often a life-saver when I'm running late (as usual) and need to make it to LHR sharp-ish. The extra space and the stairs-less access is just a bonus.

I don't go on it as often as some of the others must do, but every time I have been on it the train had a good load so they must be (in the process of, at least) making some money!

A few years ago, I remember tht I could sit in first class, on the HEX, with just a standard ticket. All I had to do was show my DC card. Youj must buy your ticket before you board. This isvery wise as you get charged extra for buying your ticket on board

Is there a website which lists these offers - I get a magazine occasionally with them, but I can never find it to check up on them before travelling to the airport !!

thanks