T8191

Arriving LGW on 24 Dec from l/h @ 0615, departing s/h @ 0735.

Any ideas on how busy Border etc. likely to be? Bags checked through, but any chance of a quick ciggie airside? Or will it be heaving?

Cymro

No idea about Xmas Eve but was there at 8.30 on Tuesday morning and was through from gate to car park in about 10 min with no queues at the automated gates.

A P Yu

With xmas eve falling on a Monday this year, the xmas rush will probably be spread over the preceeding Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Id be expecting Friday to be peak.

PETER01

I'd imagine it would be very busy Uncle T as everyone is trying to get home for Christmas Eve. The nicotine chewing gum would be OK until you get to Jersey landside just a few hours later (?) but I do understand the 'need'!! I do!!!

Certainly used to take the craving away for me and I wouldn't risk it but if you get a good tail wind and arrive 30 minutes/45/60 minutes earlier then see what it's like on the day.

T8191

Thanks, folks. All a bit of an unknown ... I shall validate on the day.

But with a 1h20m connection, I suspect we'll just press on!

HIDDY

I give the opportunity for a fag a miss when on short connections for a couple of reasons. I'm usually too tired to bother and the wife wouldn't let me anyway.

TWCLAM

Uncle T just so you are aware the only place to get out for a smoke ( and get back in!) is out on the ramp ( where the taxis are or down where the coaches are) as the doors going to the undercroft are now access locked both ends of the terminal

smokie36

Its not long enough unless as already said you get a huge tailwind. The fresh air of Jersey awaits! ^

T8191

We're well familiar with the territory, but thanks anyway! ^

Photo attached for those who are unfamiliar!! Many smokers use the well-signed "No smoking" area.

TWCLAM

I kinda presumed you would be tbh but just to be safe wanted to mention it as the doors only had access locks added fairly recently. I've added "bring your bloody airside pass woman!" to Mrs Clams packing list as it's quite a trek compared to just popping downstairs.

Your picture and my own thoughts everytime I do end up there remind me of this ( Link to the IT Crowd skit on 'oppressive russian smoking policy')
I also dislike having to mix with some of the great unwashed( see also: Those who arrived the night before and have gotten so pished you already know they will be denied boarding and just hope they're not on your flight) to be found there especially at the more extreme hours lol. 2nd secret then is that if you walk to the far right ( without crossing the road) where the valet parking drop off/ pick up point is there is a 2nd area that's not signposted until you reach it that staff will tend to use but anyone can. Much less crowded and stinky than the main area you pictured.

Whilst no use to us BA regulars the new LGW South lounge ( forget off the top of my head whose gonna own/ run it) will have an external area where you will be allowed to smoke. Even more infuriating is that it's that massive outside area on top of the terminal building to the side of the IDL that you can see out the windows of the GC lounge if you go to the far end.

T8191

Nice tip ... will test, assuming it’s not raining!

TWCLAM

Then prepare to rejoice my friend......


.....unlike the main smoking area it also has a roof( well canopy if we're being pedantic) over it!

Im next flying 9th Dec although that's with EZY from the North as BA dont fly to KEF from there but if that's before you next pass through i'll take a wonder out there, take a snap for you and PM it to you or post it here for general ref'

T8191

Likely to feature in my CPT TR post-Christmas, and also in the Smoking Forum!!

Transiting LGW 8 Dec, JER-LGW-CPT

TWCLAM

Oh for goodness sake a day apart travel wise( although diff terminals and airlines this time)! But hey my dream of meeting up with you in the lounge one of these days is getting nearer hahaha.

Sealink

I've always found Christmas Eve to be very very quiet, I think most people travel in the preceding days.