A transit question
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Toronto, ON
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A transit question
Hi guys, I couldn't find an answer to my question after a search, what happens if after landing and going into the departure side of the terminal I wanted to leave and pass through immigration to go visit a friend?
The reason I ask is that I am laying over in LHR T5 for 14h. I usually do well with long layovers (bring work with me), but there is a possibility that a friend would contact me to meet for lunch. Unfortunately I won't know until 2 or so hours after my arrival in LHR which means I will be in the terminal already after going through flight connection route.
Thanks
The reason I ask is that I am laying over in LHR T5 for 14h. I usually do well with long layovers (bring work with me), but there is a possibility that a friend would contact me to meet for lunch. Unfortunately I won't know until 2 or so hours after my arrival in LHR which means I will be in the terminal already after going through flight connection route.
Thanks
#2
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: British Airways Gold
Posts: 2,636
It is possible but requires some administrative hassle
Perhaps better to clear immigration, go landside to the arrivals lounge (assuming eligible) and then once done with your friend (or confirmed they're not coming) go through normal departures
Perhaps better to clear immigration, go landside to the arrivals lounge (assuming eligible) and then once done with your friend (or confirmed they're not coming) go through normal departures
#3
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Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
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Posts: 12,258
Getting the transit to C and staying on will bring you back to landside without much time or effort. However, you will no longer be "ready to fly" so I'd suggest whizzing up to departures and getting that ironed out before leaving the airport - it's not much of a faff to be fair
#4
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Getting the transit to C and staying on will bring you back to landside without much time or effort. However, you will no longer be "ready to fly" so I'd suggest whizzing up to departures and getting that ironed out before leaving the airport - it's not much of a faff to be fair
For the OP, I would go landside anyway, particularly if they are from an e-gate country, since it may well be the fastest / easiest way back to airside. If they don't show up then you can work more pleasantly in Regus or the Sofitel or Carluccios.