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Old Dec 19, 2014, 1:01 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: audidudi
LHR is a big place and terminals are not connected airside. Airside transfers are done by bus. Landside transfers can be made via the free Heathrow Connect train to T1/2/3. To get from T4 to T5, you can either take train and transfer at T1/2/3 or, depending on timing, use the local bus (free) from T4 to T5.



All Delta Flights depart from London Heathrow Terminal 3:
Check in for DL flights departing LHR T3 is in the same area of the terminal used by VS. This is the southside of the T3 check in area - if looking straight on at the building, go to the left. Business, DM, and PM can use the Upper Class Check in area.

Boston:
DL 58: BOS-LHR...A332.
DL 59: LHR-BOS...A332 (Arrives at Terminal E).

New York:
DL 401: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL 402: JFK-LHR...A332.
DL 403: JFK-LHR...A332.

DL1: LHR-JFK...A332.
DL2: LHR-JFK...A332.
DL3: LHR-JFK...A332.

Atlanta:
DL 30: ATL-LHR...A332.
DL 32: ATL-LHR...A333.

DL 31: LHR-ATL...A332.
DL 33: LHR-ATL...A333.

Detroit:
DL 16: DTW-LHR...A332.
DL 18: DTW-LHR...B763.

DL 17: LHR-DTW...A332.
DL 19: LHR-DTW...B763.

Minneapolis:
DL 10: MSP-LHR...B763.

DL 11: LHR-MSP...B763.

Philadelphia: No longer operates.
DL 194: PHL-LHR...75W.
DL 195: LHR-PHL...75W.

Seattle: Now operated by VS.
DL 4349: SEA-LHR...B789.
DL 4348: LHR-SEA...B789.

Some notes on seats: I have not discussed extensively, as it has been covered ad nauseam on the forum.

Comfort+ - LINK

764:
The J the configuration is 1-2-1. If traveling with a companion, the two middle seats work well, as they're next to each other. With the window seats, the seat console is between the passenger and the aisle on the odd seats, minimizing being bumped by someone in the aisle. Some people do not like the forward seats (1-3) due to galley noise while others like these seats for their privacy.

For Y seats, row 30 (exit row) has tons of space. Comfort+ are rows 15-18. Row 15 is the bulkhead C+ seat - opinions vary, but the legroom here is not as good as on the 763. Refer to the C+ FAQ for pictures.

763:
The 763s on this route are the modified a/c with lie flat J seats. The rows with C+ on the 76Ws typically used on LHR flights are 16-21.

DL Forum 763 Mod Tracking (lots of info on seats) - LINK

Beginning in spring 2018, many of Delta's B767 flights to London were switched to A330s instead, which is generally thought to be a more comfortable aircraft type, especially in business class.

Want to see London on approach to LHR?
If you want the chance to get a good look at London when landing @ LHR (assuming the weather cooperates), sit on the right side of the a/c. If winds dictate landing patterns over the city, you'll see it from this side. Pics from one of my landings.

Immigration & Baggage Collection @ LHR

The FA's will provide a landing card for those with non EU/EEA passports. If you're staying in the UK, you'll need the address (hotel, residence, etc.) for your landing card. Passport control will request the landing card and your passport.

Upon deplaning, you will head to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) checkpoint if remaining in the UK or follow the purple "flight connections" signage if you have an onward flight from any LHR terminal.

If you are connecting, refer to the Heathrow website for details on other terminals and specific flight connections.

When flying BE, the FA's hand out FastTrack passes, which often speed the process of entering the UK, the immigration queues can take a while.
  • T3: As you enter the immigration hall, the UK/EU desks are immediately to your left, keep going straight. The entry to the non-EU passport queue will be ahead on the left and FastTrack will be directly ahead. Keep an eye on the regular queue because it's often faster than FastTrack (more agents).
  • T4: If looking at the UKBA desks, the FastTrack lane has been moved to the center of the passport control area and is in between the EU and non-EU passport queues. In the absence of a FastTrack card, I try to be prompt in getting to passport control...closer to the front, the better!

**Also, be sure to have a copy of your itinerary with you as border agents sometimes ask for evidence of your planned departure from the UK.

Baggage:
After clearing passport control, pax head downstairs to collect their baggage (T3 or T4). LHR baggage is generally pretty good and the priority tags work most of the time^. There are cash machines, vending machines, and restrooms in the baggage hall.

Upon collecting baggage, pax pass through customs and then enter the arrivals hall. Booked taxi courier drivers are often waiting across from the exit doors.
  • T3: As you exit customs into the arrivals hall, follow the lane around - the ramp to the Underground and Heathrow Connect/Express will be on the left. Hotel bus shuttles (Hoppa bus) and the taxi rank are also to the left and outside.
  • T4: Go to the left for the Heathrow Connect/Express trains and go to the right for Underground trains (The Underground (AKA the Tube) is the cheapest way into London via the Piccadilly Line; Heathrow Connect to Paddington with a few stops in between is in the middle; the Heathrow Express is the most expensive direct service to Paddington). Rental car and limousine desks are to the right. Rental car and hotel shuttle buses (Hotel Hoppa) are outside of the terminal - follow posted signs.


Baggage storage is also available outside of security.
  • T3: Left Luggage is near the WH Smith in the arrivals hall.
  • T4: Exit to the right and it is across from the escalators that go down to the Tube station.
It currently costs 5GBP/item for 0-4 hours, 11GBP/item for 4-24 hours storage, and 5GBP/item for each additional 24 hours.

Lounges:

Arrivals @ LHR T3:

D1, DM, and PM can use the VS Revivals Lounge on the mezzanine level. Unlike with departures lounges, DM and PM are not allowed to bring a guest along to the Revivals Lounge (unless flying in D1/Upper Class).

Departures:

LHR T3: Delta One passengers, DMs, and PMs have access to the VS Clubhouse lounge. DMs and PMs may bring one guest who is traveling on the same flight. A 3rd party lounge (the "No. 1 Traveller" Lounge) is offered to GM traveling in economy or Premium Economy.


NOTE: Although the dl.com Sky Club Locations page states that Sky Club members get access to the SkyTeam lounge at LHR, I've had agents at the desk there tell me that my SC card does not matter and my ST Elite+ status is what gets me access unless flying in J.
FT Discussion:
Paid SC Member Denied Access to LHR Sky Team Lounge

Check in and security at LHR T4 (AF, KL, and other SkyTeam partners):
Check in for SkyPriority and J pax is at the desks used for SkyTeam pax.

As far as time for check in, Delta Check In Time Requirements. On that note, I have family (Medallions) who have checked in (with checked baggage) right at 60 minutes before the flight and made it through security and to the plane with a few minutes to spare.

FastTrack for the security checkpoint - The FT lane is to the left if looking at the main security queuing point. Pax flying in J can use FT. I have been able to use FT when flying in Y by showing my DM card. Not sure if it is the policy, but I last used it on March 2013 with no issue. Others have also reported success using the FT lane by showing their credentials.

NOTE: Increased security measures at LHR security checkpoints are creating delays - Email I received from DL LINK

If flying AF or KL from LHR, the latest check in time changes effective 1 Feb 2012: Changes to Latest Check-in Time at LHR on AF/KL
More discussion on London and the UK:
FT UK & Ireland Forum - LINK
UK Air Passenger Duty

DL paid ground transfer JFK-EWR/LGA on TATL flights - LINK

Delta and Virgin Atlantic (VS) Partnership:
dl.com: VIRGIN ATLANTIC PARTNERSHIP FAQS
FT thread: Delta Virgin Atlantic Partnership

NOTE: At LHR, DL and VS use T3 while other SkyTeam carriers use T4. These terminals are not connected air or landside.

VS Fare Classes:
VS fare classes do not align with DL fare classes. VS fare buckets:
Upper Class - J, C, D, I, Z, G (G is an award & upgrade fare class)
Premium Economy W, S, H, K, P
Economy Y, B, R, L, U, M, E, Q, X, V, N, O

Note that because Virgin Atlantic uses the same G fare class for both award tickets and upgrades, if using miles or GUCs to upgrade a Virgin Atlantic flight, it will be rebooked in G and may thus show up to Delta as ineligible for mileage earning with SkyMiles. This is incorrect, as upgraded tickets should earn miles based on the original coach ticket -- so if upgrading Virgin Atlantic flights, pay close attention to your SkyMiles earning and be ready to follow up with Delta to get the miles credited correctly.

dl.com - earning miles on VS (VS is a Tier 1 partner.): LINK

Medallion Benefits flying on VS (DM, PM, GM):
- Priority Check-In
- Priority Baggage Handling
- Priority Security
- Priority Boarding
- Baggage fee waiver for one additional piece up to 23kg (~50lbs)
- VS Clubhouse access with a same-day TATL flight on DL or VS (GMs: only at BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO, not LGW/LHR; PM have access at LGW, but not LHR unless in J; DM have access at LGW and LHR)

NOTE: VS J pax (and presumably Medallions) are now eligible for Fast Track security for connections, departures, and arrivals at LHR T3: LINK.

Clubhouse (Lounge) Access:

DL/VS J passengers get access to VS Clubhouse lounges at LGW/LHR and BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO with a same-day TATL flight on either DL or VS.

GM in W or Y have access to the BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO lounges but not LGW/LHR.

DM or PM in W or Y may use the LGW and LHR Clubhouse lounges as well as BOS/EWR/IAD/JFK/LAX/SFO, and may bring 1 guest traveling on the same flight with them.

DM/PM/GM in W or Y at LHR T3 have access to "No. 1 Traveller" lounge instead of, (for DMs in addition to), the VS Clubhouse.

LHR T3:
al330729's pics from the VS Clubhouse at LHR T3 - LINK

JFK:
As a DM flying JFK-LHR, I was able to use the VS Clubhouse at JFK. For pics, please see:
- Lounge - LINK
- Food - LINK
- Showers/Spa - LINK

VS Revivals (Arrivals) Lounge at LHR T3:
alee0729 had no issues accessing the VS Revivals Lounge following a DL arrival into T3. Shower pic - LINK

On Dec. 21, 2013, I stopped by the Revivals Lounge to get clarification on access for DL Medallion members. Per the agent, only pax flying Upper Class (Business) can currently access the lounge due to space issues; DL Medallion status does not = access. This may change once some DL flights start using T3 in Spring 2014.

Upgrading on VS-Operated Flights:
Virgin Atlantic Code Share Flight Questions
Using SM to Upgrade on VS

Access to Extra Leg Room Seats / Exit Rows on VS-operated Flights:
Possible Improvements to the DL-VS Relationship
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FAQ: Flying to London on DL

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Old May 19, 2011, 2:57 pm
  #151  
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
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Originally Posted by rwoman
Things were so dead at that time on Tuesday that IRIS was closed...it is sometimes strange to talk to a person when I return.
I got a bunch more questions than usual today. Usually it's just "Where do you work?", but today I also got "How long have you worked there? Who funds you? Where are they located?" If she'd seen my Saudi visa, I could see those questions, but I'm pretty sure she was just looking at the UK visa and landing card. (Although, the landing card did indicate I'd come in from RUH.) Also got pulled aside at customs asking where I was coming from and if I needed to declare anything. Altogether, a weird arrival day.
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Old May 19, 2011, 2:59 pm
  #152  
 
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Originally Posted by k2
Boy was it ever. I got in around 8am on the DTW flight and the line was the worst I've ever seen it. Nobody was handling fast track but we made it happen and I'm sure it saved me a solid 1-2 hour wait. When they hand out fast track cards pre-landing I always ask for 2 and now have a decent little stockpile for the times I enter on non DL flights.

Downside was the Yotel was once again fully booked when I showed up (3rd time in 2 months), had to wait 45 minutes to get a cabin.
At 0800, I'd just made it into the tensa-barrier section, despite having been there since 0650. FastTrack was clearly a mess, and I saw a guy need at least an hour to get through it.

One time I saw the BAA people counting FastTrack passes and one was confused that they'd gotten DL ones in the evening. The other said to just go with it. I figured it was probably someone taking the approach you did (or stockpiling them from when the queue is short).
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Old May 24, 2011, 4:09 am
  #153  
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Updated arrivals lounge options @ LGW and linked to DL agreement to use No. 1 lounge @ LGW.

Last edited by rwoman; May 24, 2011 at 5:15 am
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Old May 28, 2011, 7:50 pm
  #154  
 
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In two weeks I will do MIA-LHR then take a bus to Oxford. I just did a quick run through LHR two weeks ago where I switched to terminal 3 to catch SK to ARN that went very well in no small measure due to advice in this thread.

The bus - http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/main.php?page_id=24 - to Oxford apparently departs from central bus station, bay 14A (terminal 1 & 3) or terminal 5, bay 11. Any advice on making this work well? Could someone in the Yotel lounge assist with tickets or probably better just to purchase online?

Do I need to be alert to anything when I leave Oxford early on a Saturday for a 9:40 am departure to MIA?

Last edited by Xeno; May 28, 2011 at 8:01 pm
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Old May 28, 2011, 11:34 pm
  #155  
 
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Originally Posted by Xeno
In two weeks I will do MIA-LHR then take a bus to Oxford. I just did a quick run through LHR two weeks ago where I switched to terminal 3 to catch SK to ARN that went very well in no small measure due to advice in this thread.

The bus - http://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/main.php?page_id=24 - to Oxford apparently departs from central bus station, bay 14A (terminal 1 & 3) or terminal 5, bay 11. Any advice on making this work well? Could someone in the Yotel lounge assist with tickets or probably better just to purchase online?

Do I need to be alert to anything when I leave Oxford early on a Saturday for a 9:40 am departure to MIA?
You can use the bus (I know the 490 does it, but I think others do, too) for free to transfer between T4 and T5. Takes about 10-15 minutes plus time waiting for the bus (might be 10 minutes). HEC can also get you to Heathrow Central for free. However, the trains only run every 30 minutes, so even at the extreme end of the bus waiting time, the bus is faster.

When boarding a bus at T4, note that the routes stop there in both directions. Fortunately, the ones you'd want are signed for Heathrow Terminal 5, so knowing which one to get on is easy. (Don't get on a 490 that says Richmond Pools on the Park, for instance.)

Not sure about tickets, but I would not expect help from in the Yotel. Online is probably easiest. Do note that immigration at T4 has been pretty awful on my last couple of arrivals, so if you're pre-booking a specific bus, allow plenty of time to get through UKBA. (And now I've virtually guaranteed that you'll breeze through in five minutes.)
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Old May 29, 2011, 4:06 am
  #156  
 
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Thanks mtkeller for another award-winning post.
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Old May 29, 2011, 9:28 am
  #157  
 
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if you are 3 passengers on paid J to LHR....2 adults and one child....can you get one YOTEL room for 3 hours??
also am I to understand you first collect all your luggage and then shlep it to the yotel??? out connecting flight is at 1pm on Air Lingus and we are getting into LHR around 8am from MIA.
Thanks
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Old May 30, 2011, 12:08 pm
  #158  
 
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Are there any TR 's ? I couldn't find any
Thanks
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Old May 30, 2011, 12:38 pm
  #159  
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Originally Posted by dravi
if you are 3 passengers on paid J to LHR....2 adults and one child....can you get one YOTEL room for 3 hours??
also am I to understand you first collect all your luggage and then shlep it to the yotel??? out connecting flight is at 1pm on Air Lingus and we are getting into LHR around 8am from MIA.
Thanks
Yotel - You get 1 hour for free in the (small) standard cabin - the minimum paid time is 4 hours, which you could book in advance. The advantage to making a booking is you'll have guaranteed space - sometimes folks using the Yotel as an arrivals lounge have to wait.

If you're on a connecting flight, you can see if DL has an interline agreement with Aer Lingus and just have your bags automatically transferred. If not, you'll have to collect your baggage (after passport control) then re-check your bags with Aer Lingus.

Have a good trip!
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Old May 30, 2011, 12:41 pm
  #160  
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Originally Posted by mtkeller

Not sure about tickets, but I would not expect help from in the Yotel. Online is probably easiest. Do note that immigration at T4 has been pretty awful on my last couple of arrivals, so if you're pre-booking a specific bus, allow plenty of time to get through UKBA. (And now I've virtually guaranteed that you'll breeze through in five minutes.)
I would not expect the Yotel to do so...staff is helpful, but not sure what their capacity is for concierge type services. You could call them in advance and ask.
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Old May 30, 2011, 12:41 pm
  #161  
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Originally Posted by Flyiboy
Are there any TR 's ? I couldn't find any
Thanks
TR for London (given the purpose of this thread) or somewhere else?
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Old Jun 1, 2011, 8:33 am
  #162  
 
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Originally Posted by rwoman
Originally Posted by Flyiboy
Are there any TR 's ? I couldn't find any
Thanks
TR for London (given the purpose of this thread) or somewhere else?
TR from BOS-LHR-BOS
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Old Jun 1, 2011, 8:55 am
  #163  
 
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Originally Posted by rwoman
Yotel - You get 1 hour for free in the (small) standard cabin - the minimum paid time is 4 hours, which you could book in advance. The advantage to making a booking is you'll have guaranteed space - sometimes folks using the Yotel as an arrivals lounge have to wait.

If you're on a connecting flight, you can see if DL has an interline agreement with Aer Lingus and just have your bags automatically transferred. If not, you'll have to collect your baggage (after passport control) then re-check your bags with Aer Lingus.

Have a good trip!
One strategy, assuming the room is big enough for the three is to book a single room in sequence - that is, you get it for the first hour, your SO for the second, and the child for the third. This is no different than each getting a single for one hour. If the Yotel dragon can't do the maths, they need to get a new dragon.

good luck.
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Old Jun 1, 2011, 8:59 am
  #164  
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Originally Posted by Bicostal
One strategy, assuming the room is big enough for the three is to book a single room in sequence - that is, you get it for the first hour, your SO for the second, and the child for the third. This is no different than each getting a single for one hour. If the Yotel dragon can't do the maths, they need to get a new dragon.

good luck.
3 people are not going to realistically fit into a Yotel standard cabin...
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Old Jun 1, 2011, 8:59 am
  #165  
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Originally Posted by Flyiboy
TR from BOS-LHR-BOS
I have not seen any TR's posted, but I've flown this routing several times. If you have questions, I'd be happy to help!

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