240dae

Does anyone else suffer like I do when arriving in T5 and transferring to another flight.
Going through the Fast track to security simply isn't fast.
Its populated with uncoordinated people who clearly don't know where to go or how to pass through security quickly.
I'm often still in the cue while others at the check points further up have gone through.
Going to gamble next time and skip the fast track.

When I Travel The World

No suffering for me when using the T5 fast track.

boogen

I've given up on transfers. Just clear immigration, exit and go to First Class check-in.

corporate-wage-slave

Up until 16:00 hrs, if you are eligible to the use e-gates then normally it is faster to transfer via landside, probably even more so now for Golds/Emeralds given that the First Wing is open. This isn't new but is probably even more acute now. For DUB-LHR services this applies across the board, it's best to go landside. Getting out of T5 is now super quick and knocks the socks off almost every other major airport.

The big problem with Flight Connection security is that those coming from the USA no longer have to remove liquids from bags in the States, plus people have acquired water and other liquids en route. Ditto from Asia. So a very high percentage of passengers need secondary security searches - it's over twice the percentage of domestic passengers. The signs are there, the verbal guidance is given, but it is widely ignored and slows things down for everyone. The clearest indication you can see of this is if standing by the CCR white door, looking northwards, you will see typically one or two people waiting at the end of security for the first half of security, and then can work out exactly where the Flight Connection folk end up, at the northern end, where there will be 4 to 6 passengers, mostly female, waiting for their bags to be rescanned at each line.

Markie

Yes I think it is horrid - they don't police it - mixing Fast Track and non-Fast Track passengers. They open and close lanes at random. I usually immigrate now and use the new First Wing security lane.

McCoy

Fast track is a misnomer..
should just be called priority or status queue.
Sometimes it might be faster than other lanes, sometimes not.

apollo00

I'd have to question that, courtesy of global entry I now, strangely, find US airports to be the easiest to get out of (plane>curb at JFK and LAX in <15 minutes, closer to 5 minutes at SJC and AUS...).

I'd also say that most European airports are quicker too (but courtesy of a lower volume of arrivals needing to go through passport control).

I know at Heathrow a large part of the time is distance related between gate and passport control but I don't regard it, even with the e-gates, as particularly efficient or quick at any time...

sebanto2001

I use transfer security only if connecting at B or C gates.
Transfer security at A gates even with Fast Track is such a nightmare. My experience has definitely improved in Heathrow since I applied the advice of CWS to immigrate and then use normal Fast Track.
Looking forward to try the First Wing soon.

MarJon

We're arriving T3 on AA. Usually I just make the bus connection to T5 then mostly, but not always suffer through T5 FastTrack Security for all the reasons mentioned above.... I've actually ducked under the ropes and have walked further down to get into a faster line. This time we have a couple of hours between the AA arrival and BA departure. How long is the queue to get through Immigration? Is there a fast track for OW Emeralds? May grab a shower at the AA Arirval lounge.... What the best way to T5? We can check back in through FC being Emerald.... right? ....or should we just do the transfer bus? Thanks... Jon

WorldLux

Depends on the time of arrival. Can be empty or absolutely packed.

IMO Train or tube. Both are free between terminals (you need a contactless card or Oystercard for the free journey on the Tube).

On one ticket, you won't need to collect your bags and recheck them.

corporate-wage-slave

The new option you have as an Emerald is to take the bus / flight connections airside to T5, but then clear the UK Border there rather than T3, in order to use the First Wing. That will be faster than going landside from T3 and the security experience will be better than Flight Connections T5 security. In some ways it's better than Pre Check in terms of speed, though you do still have to separate out your hand luggage in the usual way. If you have e-gate access this is a no-brainer, unless connecting at T5 after 16:00 hrs, this will almost always be quicker and more pleasant. If you do not have e-gate access then it is more nuanced since if your final airport is outside UK and Ireland then you do go through an unnecessary passport check and its attendant queue to avoid a security check, and usually the security check will be quicker, despite all its issues. Non fast track is often quicker, if it is diverting passengers to South security, but you can't really control if you go North or South, that's decided for you. Fast Track is always North as far as I can tell.

Telecasterman

^
Just done DUB - LHR today as CWS says - way quicker - no stress and into GF in no time.

corporate-wage-slave

Good point. And indeed DUB-LHR should always go landside for T5 flights, rather than via Flight Connections, regardless, since there is no passport check if going landside, plus they get a quick pathway through the middle of the building. I wouldn't go the Flight Connection route unless going on to T2/T3/T4.

MarJon

Thanks Corporate-Wage-Slave….. I really like that the idea of doing the border at T5…. We arrive in T3 around 9:30AM and depart T5 around 2:30, giving us about 5 hours. If I remember border control is before security once you go up the escalator in T-5. What is e-gate access? Am I correct that I can use First Wing as an Emerald even though my BA seat location is Euro Cheap, back of the airbus, traveler Class?

MarJon

Thank you for responding WorldLux.... We are arriving at 9:30AM......