LHR terminal 5 domestic connection time
Jul 31, 2018, 8:09 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
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LHR terminal 5 domestic connection time
Hi all
Sorry to make a new thread for such a minor issue, but wasn't sure where to post this. My friend flying GIG-LHR-MAN has a 1hr5m connection in LHR. Will he have to go through immigration and customs at LHR and then make it to the LHR-MAN gate? I'm assuming it's the same terminal, but is this enough time?
Cheers
Sorry to make a new thread for such a minor issue, but wasn't sure where to post this. My friend flying GIG-LHR-MAN has a 1hr5m connection in LHR. Will he have to go through immigration and customs at LHR and then make it to the LHR-MAN gate? I'm assuming it's the same terminal, but is this enough time?
Cheers
Jul 31, 2018, 8:24 am
#3
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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He will have to go through the UK Border in LHR, there is a special area in Flight Connections for this. He also clears customs but that involves walking past a red telephone currently hidden by a temporary HAL booth which 99.97% of passengers won't notice (invented statistic alert), then security, which he will certainly notice. 65 minutes is fine, 45 minutes do-able, and if all else fails he will just be rebooked. There is a very detailed guide to Flight Connections in T5 in the Dashboard.
Jul 31, 2018, 8:31 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 261
He will have to clear immigration, customs (such as it is) and then re-clear security at LHR. My experience is that the MCT of 60 minutes, particularly if arriving at B or C gate at a busy time of day, can be a little tight (though, anecdotally, it seems to be better recently). Assuming it's on the same PNR, if it doesn't happen then BA will put him on the next flight so no need to stress about it at all.
There are ways to optimise if you have status and/or EU passport but if unsure just stick with the path through connections. If I have time then I usually clear immigration at the automated machines, take the lift upstairs in arrivals and go through the first wing as it's fairly predictable time wise (less than 20 minutes) and a nicer experience, however if I'm tight for time I'll rather queue at connections fast track as I've never been entirely sure how not using connections would be viewed if I missed conformance for the flight.
There are ways to optimise if you have status and/or EU passport but if unsure just stick with the path through connections. If I have time then I usually clear immigration at the automated machines, take the lift upstairs in arrivals and go through the first wing as it's fairly predictable time wise (less than 20 minutes) and a nicer experience, however if I'm tight for time I'll rather queue at connections fast track as I've never been entirely sure how not using connections would be viewed if I missed conformance for the flight.
Jul 31, 2018, 8:33 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: BA
Posts: 954
Just a follow-up question, if my friend is flying out of terminal 5 in LHR, and I'm flying out of terminal 3, will I be able to get into terminal 5 to join him in a Priority Pass lounge, or no? (or him into terminal 3)
Jul 31, 2018, 8:35 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: BA
Posts: 954
He will have to clear immigration, customs (such as it is) and then re-clear security at LHR. My experience is that the MCT of 60 minutes, particularly if arriving at B or C gate at a busy time of day, can be a little tight (though, anecdotally, it seems to be better recently). Assuming it's on the same PNR, if it doesn't happen then BA will put him on the next flight so no need to stress about it at all.
There are ways to optimise if you have status and/or EU passport but if unsure just stick with the path through connections. If I have time then I usually clear immigration at the automated machines, take the lift upstairs in arrivals and go through the first wing as it's fairly predictable time wise (less than 20 minutes) and a nicer experience, however if I'm tight for time I'll rather queue at connections fast track as I've never been entirely sure how not using connections would be viewed if I missed conformance for the flight.
There are ways to optimise if you have status and/or EU passport but if unsure just stick with the path through connections. If I have time then I usually clear immigration at the automated machines, take the lift upstairs in arrivals and go through the first wing as it's fairly predictable time wise (less than 20 minutes) and a nicer experience, however if I'm tight for time I'll rather queue at connections fast track as I've never been entirely sure how not using connections would be viewed if I missed conformance for the flight.
Jul 31, 2018, 8:37 am
#7
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The short answer is 'no'. Neither of you will be able to go airside in the other's departure terminal.
Jul 31, 2018, 8:38 am
#8
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Jul 31, 2018, 8:51 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2016
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Nothing to do with the actual question but here is some well-intentioned advice from someone who has extensive experience of British/Brazilian travel issues. Adult first time flyer from Brazil using a ticket that was purchased on his behalf may be subject to some additional scrutiny. Just remind him to make sure he has good quality and truthful answers to any line of questioning he may encounter at the border. Ties to homeland, etc.
Jul 31, 2018, 8:55 am
#10
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He will have to go through the UK Border in LHR, there is a special area in Flight Connections for this. He also clears customs but that involves walking past a red telephone currently hidden by a temporary HAL booth which 99.97% of passengers won't notice (invented statistic alert), then security, which he will certainly notice. 65 minutes is fine, 45 minutes do-able, and if all else fails he will just be rebooked. There is a very detailed guide to Flight Connections in T5 in the Dashboard.
Jul 31, 2018, 8:56 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: BA
Posts: 954
Nothing to do with the actual question but here is some well-intentioned advice from someone who has extensive experience of British/Brazilian travel issues. Adult first time flyer from Brazil using a ticket that was purchased on his behalf may be subject to some additional scrutiny. Just remind him to make sure he has good quality and truthful answers to any line of questioning he may encounter at the border. Ties to homeland, etc.
Jul 31, 2018, 9:00 am
#12
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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You and your hand luggage clear customs in LHR, hence the red telephone in LHR Flight Connections, whereas your checked bag would clear customs in EDI in that scenario, however HMRC and the Border Force have broad powers to work in either location.
Jul 31, 2018, 9:01 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Rio de Janeiro
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Not initially, but a fresh passport , adult never been anywhere previously, may prompt such questions. Don't worry about it, just say exactly the facts without hesitation.
Jul 31, 2018, 9:03 am
#14
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On the assumption that you're talking about the same day as the GIG-LHR-MAN connection, I think you can probably see from the other answers that even if it were possible to get him into a lounge, he is likely to have precious little time to make use of any lounge access.
Jul 31, 2018, 9:05 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
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Posts: 954
On the assumption that you're talking about the same day as the GIG-LHR-MAN connection, I think you can probably see from the other answers that even if it were possible to get him into a lounge, he is likely to have precious little time to make use of any lounge access.