dave_261

Hi all- would appreciate some advice. Searched the forum and found some old layover queries so decided to start a new thread.

Arriving LHR T3 (on AA) on a Thursday morning at 6:30am. Connection on BA (T5) at 1:15pm. 4 passengers total (me = OWE + 3 non-status business class).

Current thinking is to use AA Arrivals lounge and schedule an 8am car to Windsor. Walk around Windsor and be at castle when it opens at 9:30. View Changing of the Guard at 11, and depart Windsor for LHR at 11:30.

I figure that puts us back at T5 at noon. How strict is BA on using the First Wing Check-in? I know I can use it as OWE, but can I bring 3 guests in with me (2 of whom are children)? Figure that would help save a bit of time and ensure we make our flight.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

madfish

You won’t be able to bring 4 people through the first wing. I also question your timings. Just seems very tight to me especially with cost centres attached.

squawk

I can't speak to the First Wing, but I wouldn't have a problem doing that on my own and hand baggage only or through-checked. But with children, who might be tired and grumpy after a long flight, and/or luggage to collect/access, I'd be a lot more cautious.

Steve_ZA

Pick your favourite child and take them through The First Wing with you, should make for an enjoyable onward flight. TFW is directly connected to Galleries First so the normal lounge guesting policy applies.

benjai

My missus and 7yr old are both silver though the next flight will take them to gold. Would I be able to sneak them both in the first wing?

All She Wrote

You can ask but probably not

madfish

bermyandy

When is the trip? I seem to recall that sometimes, during UK school holidays they do have a policy to guest children?

benjai

Shame, I might ask politely if its quiet but otherwise I might bring young sir through and missus will have to slum it in GC

Ooh yes they had that for Christmas but I wonder if they will do it over Easter? We are going in two weeks.

BertieBadger

I don't think it will help As I recall, the policy change was to allow Gold members to bring extra guests into Galleries Club, not First, you'll still be one over your allowance for the latter.

(There seemed to be some uncertainty at the time, but I think that was the final conclusion, happy to be corrected)

golfmad

Here is a specific thread that you might find useful:

Layover at LHR - Want to go to Windsor but have questions

UKtravelbear

Best check the changing of the guard website as the change ceremony is not done in public every day - currently 3 days a week.

Also the Castle has varying opening hours over Easter and also certain parts are not always open so check in advance to save yourself a possibly wasted trip.

holloway1000

May also be worth checking the drive time between Windsor and LHR as there are road works on the roundabout in Egham at the moment where the road joins the M25.
I know at rush hour this is causing chaos at the moment.

Gig103

You may want to consider contracting a tour company for this plan. Not only because they often have tickets pre-reserved so there is no queue to enter, but being picked-up and dropped-off at the airport saves you the time involved in the car hire - from the terminal to the counter, potential queues, and on the return, stopping for fuel and navigating back to the correct terminal.

Also, where are you connecting to? If you are transiting through LHR to other points in the EU then you would be a transit passenger and only need security. To enter the UK for the Windsor trip you need to go through immigration which can be a lengthy queue.

Mackle

Would it help going to Windsor via Datchet and Poyle (so going past where the T5 Hilton is)?