dylanks

How short? If under 75 minutes I usually go the bus route, otherwise I clear the border and go landside.

Similarly for T3 to T5, unless a tight connection I clear the border at T3 as I prefer the HEX or Tube over standing on the bus and waiting in the queue for the bus.

For the T3 to T5 on Saturday morning using the HEX, we made it from aircraft door to lounge in about 25 minutes.

orbitmic

Option 1.

corporate-wage-slave

The airside transfer bus is the fastest route, it takes 11 minutes plus waiting time. The bus runs every 6 minutes compared to 15 minutes for HEX and 9 minutes for the tube. . You can also clear AA's security protocols while waiting for the bus at T5, there is a mobile unit in the waiting area.

DocS

Thanks dylanks & CWS ^

Ldnn1

But not in the T5B waiting area, or at least not that I've noticed. Something to bear in mind as OP will likely be arriving at B or C from CAI. Would it be more time efficient to go to A for the clearance then?

robertf999

I went with Option 2 (airside bus to T5, UK Border, F Wing) and the official time from disembarking at T3 to CCR lounge angel is:

31 minutes 7 seconds

Notes:
- I was first off the aircraft
- I boarded a bus which was waiting and departed immediately
- no queue at all at UK Border E gates
- minimal queue at F Wing security
- selected at security for body scan and shoe swipe
- I walk briskly

Having tried it I don't think it saved time overall or was any less hassle than the official connection. As noted by an eminent Flyertalker above, F Wing is nice but having "been there, done that" not worth the detour again.

Whichever way you go the T3-T5 connection is distinctly non-premium for premium pax, but that's another thread.

rossmacd

Yup, exactly as posted above!

robertf999

Edited to give due credit

corporate-wage-slave

Thanks for reporting back. If this was a morning transfer I would imagine that Flight Connection security would be fairly tedious, given that many connecting passengers seem to be unaware of the UK's procedures.

mikeyfly

Sooooo could you catch a bus from T5 get off at T3 - smoke inside the cage - and bus back to T5 ? Could be of interest to some - Uncle T for instance also

PS - sorry I am aware there's a smoking forum but it gets very few visitors

mmxbreaks

If you don't smoke then, yes, option 1. Bus is max 12mins, usually quicker, and you'll end up right in the terminal. By far the quickest option. More time in Concorde.

Simonmiller

Removed post

Crampedin13A

Had a 4 hour connection last week transferring from a Finnair flight. Checked in my bag on Finnair but wanted it to carry on to Toronto on BA so even waiting for my bag I took option 3 and was in GF in less than an hour. I have a UK passport. Impressed with AY baggage handling. 4 flights on them in a week and my bag was in the first 5 off on all 4. The priority tag seems to actually work on them

jason8612

What about the other way? T5 arrival and then to CPT on BA from T3. Would one be able to use the Concorde lounge in T5 and then go to T3?

corporate-wage-slave

Not unless you were an assertive celebrity. There again the CX First lounge probably takes that issue away anyway, perhaps more so when Qantas opens its new lounge.