wrp96

For a trip in December I've had a pretty major schedule change which necessitates overnighting at LHR on a connection and then flying out to DFW the next day. I'll be arriving from NUE to T3 in the evening of 12/21, then fly onward to the US on Friday 12/22. I will be checking my bags through so all I'll have is a carryon. I do have mobility issues.

My initial thought was stay at the Sofitel and just take the BA A380 from T5 the next day. I've never flown on the A380 so that would be a new plane for me. But I'm not that fond of CW and with the current A380 reliability issues wondering if I could be setting myself up for even more hassle?

The other option is to take one of three AA services from T3 on 12/22. I'll be flying CW and I'm OWS, so have access to Galleries Club in T5 or the business class lounges in T3.

Any recommendations of what option might be easier? A better suggestion for an easier to get to hotel?

golfmad

The easiest option might be to take the AA flight from T3 and stay somewhere like the Hilton Garden Inn T2/T3.

Buster CT1K

Seems that a CW aisle seat would be easier to get in and out than an AA J seat.

wrp96

I have no problems getting in and out of an AA J seat. I do have trouble getting out of a CW window.

mikeyfly

I’d take the AA 77W for sure

Yellowbelly

I would agree with golfmad. Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn T2/T3, take one of the AA flights and enjoy the T3 lounges.

wrp96

Thanks guys. Hadn't even thought of the HGI at T2/T3.

tennessetom

You are correct about the A380 not being very reliable so that right away has me on the AA flight, the AA gates at LHR are usually pretty close to the lounge and you don�t have to go down and take the tram which with mobility issues might be a bit much, as for seats I don�t find the seats on the 777 terribly hard to get out of. If getting to the bathroom is a concern sit in the mini cabin in like the second row, 90 percent of the time I find the galleries club to be packed and unpleasant I usually go to the AA FC lounge in three not great but normally not overly crowded, I haven�t been to the admirals club at LHR post Covid so can�t speak to that. In the end I take both the BA and AA LHR flights fairly often, I avoid the A380, find T3 easier to deal with for a host of reasons, based on schedule I am most likely to fly over on BA and back on AA, but in the end I can�t say as though there is much difference when the over all score is tallied thru time as long as I avoid the a380

lsquare

That's exactly what I would do. Hilton T4 is also a good option.

BearX220

Given that factor alone I would recommend AA / T3 for fewer elevation changes, versus T5, between landside bag drop and boarding gate ... only one IIRC.

miles_navigator

How far of a walk is the HGI T2/T3 once you exit customs at T3? I recall the Hilton T4 was an easy connection to the terminal and via Heathrow Express. Curious to know which is a better option with mobility issues or pulling big heavy suite cases?

flatlander

AA tends to use gates 35 and up, which are a noticeable walk from the lounges out on the longest pier in T3. No trains involved, but whether that's "close" depends a lot on your personal views.

However, for aisle access and dispatch reliability, the AA 77W currently wins over the BA A380.

AndyPatterson

A related question on the BA A-380 -- if flying CW, any reason to pick one deck over the other? I guess with the Upper Deck, in the front section, the windows have a view of the ground (not blocked by the wing)?

xenole

I find the HGI at T2/T3 to be rather expensive. Always seems to be approaching �250/night when I've looked and I personally would pay less elsewhere with perhaps a little bit of inconvenience.

Added: Then again, around �164 on Thurs Dec 21st, so-so compared to �109 for the HGI Hatton Cross. Sofitel from �156. �75+ for the T5 Premier Inn etc.


Sure ABM, or whoever does special assistance at LHR, can help in T3 with the motorised buggy thing?

Is the Sofitel no longer on Priceline or wherever for �100+?

The A380 has the bigger and better bathrooms on the upper deck, but then there's the stairs to contend with if your mobility makes it difficult to use them.
Possibly no further away in T5C than the gates in T3. Hopefully not a bus gate.

Where does the HGI T2/3 connect to anyway (mentions a 12 min walk on their website)? I normally come in from the bus or tube station, so not sure.
(Is there still a hotel just off arrivals, past M&S etc.?)

GM1985

The upper deck window seats have side bins for additional storage, which overcomes one of the deficiencies of the older CW seat - lack of storage. The upper deck 2-3-2 layout also has a single middle seat which as a solo flyer I find quite private though that might be something of a minority opinion, many call it coffin like. And there�s also just the novelty of being on the upper deck of a plane.

The lower deck 2-4-2 layout has two rear facing middle seats which are a better layout for couples or families with young children.