Dec 19, 2014, 1:01 pm
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.
**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.
Baggage storage is also available outside of security.
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
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.
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
FAQ: Flying to London on DL
Jan 20, 2013, 3:40 am
#706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Jan 20, 2013, 11:46 am
#707
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
UPDATED: Changing tickets due to snow storm in London
dl.com: Snow Storm in London
All,
I've updated the dates below from my post the other day. Pretty big extension on the rebooked travel date.
Fingers crossed I make it out tomorrow...
All,
I've updated the dates below from my post the other day. Pretty big extension on the rebooked travel date.
Fingers crossed I make it out tomorrow...
Affected Destination(s) (To / From / Through)
LHR
Impacted Travel Date(s)
19-22 Jan 2013
Ticket must be Reissued On or Before
25 Jan 2013
Rebooked Travel must begin no later than
15 Feb 2013
When rescheduled travel occurs beyond Jan 21, 2013, the change fee will be waived. However, a difference in fare may apply. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity, one year from date of original issue.
LHR
Impacted Travel Date(s)
19-22 Jan 2013
Ticket must be Reissued On or Before
25 Jan 2013
Rebooked Travel must begin no later than
15 Feb 2013
When rescheduled travel occurs beyond Jan 21, 2013, the change fee will be waived. However, a difference in fare may apply. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity, one year from date of original issue.
Jan 20, 2013, 6:22 pm
#710
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here
Programs: DL GM, BA Silver, SPG Gold, HHonors Gold, PC Plat, Hyatt Gold, Accor Plat
Posts: 101
For those of you that must get back to JFK, you might want to think about taking the Eurostar to Brussels (2 hr train ride under the channel) then rebook on BRU - JFK. I just flew in from JFK on DL140 on Sunday and this flight usually has room on it.
I know taking the train to another city isn't the easiest but if you must get to JFK, it might be a good solution. My flight from JFK was full of people that had canceled flights that were trying to get to London/Paris doing the same thing but in reverse.
Good luck to those traveling today.
I know taking the train to another city isn't the easiest but if you must get to JFK, it might be a good solution. My flight from JFK was full of people that had canceled flights that were trying to get to London/Paris doing the same thing but in reverse.
Good luck to those traveling today.
Jan 20, 2013, 8:42 pm
#711
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: West of CLE
Programs: Delta DM/3 MM; Hertz PC; National EE; Amtrak GR; Bonvoy Silver; Via Rail Préférence
Posts: 5,384
For those of you that must get back to JFK, you might want to think about taking the Eurostar to Brussels (2 hr train ride under the channel) then rebook on BRU - JFK. I just flew in from JFK on DL140 on Sunday and this flight usually has room on it.
I know taking the train to another city isn't the easiest but if you must get to JFK, it might be a good solution. My flight from JFK was full of people that had canceled flights that were trying to get to London/Paris doing the same thing but in reverse.
Good luck to those traveling today.
I know taking the train to another city isn't the easiest but if you must get to JFK, it might be a good solution. My flight from JFK was full of people that had canceled flights that were trying to get to London/Paris doing the same thing but in reverse.
Good luck to those traveling today.
Jan 20, 2013, 8:46 pm
#712
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: West of CLE
Programs: Delta DM/3 MM; Hertz PC; National EE; Amtrak GR; Bonvoy Silver; Via Rail Préférence
Posts: 5,384
I'm hoping the weather improves markedly by 30 January; I'm going on my annual sports debauch to the UK--I got a BE ticket at the low rate DCA-ATL-LHR and return, and I have also paid for and received a BritRail pass. I'm headed for such outposts as the Parkhead district of Glasgow, Catterick, Wetherby and Kirkcaldy; and I am really, really looking forward to it.
Jan 20, 2013, 9:37 pm
#713
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
That is not a bad way to do it. You change at Midi station in Brussels for a regular SNCB train that goes direct to the airport; trip takes around 15-20 minutes tops (the station is in the basement of the airport). When we flew out of BRU three years ago, STE+ had privileges at the British Airways lounge out on the concourse beyond passport control and security.
As of a month ago, we still had ST E+ privileges at the BA lounge. BRU-JFK is (usually) an upgraded 763 so lie flats if in BE.
Now getting from LHR to St Pancras in a London snowstorm is something beyond my experience
Jan 20, 2013, 11:17 pm
#714
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Jan 21, 2013, 12:40 am
#716
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Feb 7, 2013, 12:25 am
#717
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Good morning from LHR.
Just to let folks know... There has already been discussion on extra security screenings at LHR.
Today, I was through very quickly, but my backpack got pulled for the random extra screening. Only one staff member was doing this and there were two pax in front if me. The wait and bag check added about 20 minutes for clearing.
Just something to keep in mind at Heathrow.
Just to let folks know... There has already been discussion on extra security screenings at LHR.
Today, I was through very quickly, but my backpack got pulled for the random extra screening. Only one staff member was doing this and there were two pax in front if me. The wait and bag check added about 20 minutes for clearing.
Just something to keep in mind at Heathrow.
Feb 7, 2013, 10:33 am
#718
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: West of CLE
Programs: Delta DM/3 MM; Hertz PC; National EE; Amtrak GR; Bonvoy Silver; Via Rail Préférence
Posts: 5,384
My Experience at the Yotel on 30 January '13
My flight, DL38, touched down at LHR on the stroke of 0700, although due to ground holds we didn't park at Gate 405 until 0716. Prior to landing, I was given a fast track card and an invitation to use the Yotel.
It took me only 19 minutes to deplane, pass through immigration, wait for and claim my checked bag, and pass through the green customs channel to reach landside at LHR. As I had planned to take the 1030 train from Euston station to Glasgow, I decided to check out the Yotel. It was easy enough to find--turning left from the customs exit, there are three ways one can go--out the door onto the street in front of the terminal; straight toward the entrance to the Heathrow Express station; or up an escalator, which places you at the entrance to a JD Wetherspoon pub called "The Windsor Castle" and at a short corridor which leads to the Yotel.
At the Yotel, the check-in desk is also a refreshment counter for guests there. The clerk asked me for my flight number, found my name on the list, and assigned me a "room"; another employee led me there and explained all the features of the "room". I was allowed to stay for free for 2 hours.
What I got was a cubicle roughly 7'x7'x7'. The right hand side was pretty much a full size bed with a TV installed into the wall at the foot end; the left hand side featured the "bathroom", with a toilet at the door end and a "monsoon shower head" at the other. There was a small table between the shower stall and the bed. I found the bed to be extremely comfortable, and I sacked out for an hour or so. The shower was refreshing with good water pressure and temperature. I departed at 0915 fresh and ready to go.
VERDICT: If you don't have to go on to your destination right away, and you have privileges to use it, by all means check out the Yotel. It was easy to find and clean; the staff there were efficient and courteous; and I had a nice break before resuming my travels.
It took me only 19 minutes to deplane, pass through immigration, wait for and claim my checked bag, and pass through the green customs channel to reach landside at LHR. As I had planned to take the 1030 train from Euston station to Glasgow, I decided to check out the Yotel. It was easy enough to find--turning left from the customs exit, there are three ways one can go--out the door onto the street in front of the terminal; straight toward the entrance to the Heathrow Express station; or up an escalator, which places you at the entrance to a JD Wetherspoon pub called "The Windsor Castle" and at a short corridor which leads to the Yotel.
At the Yotel, the check-in desk is also a refreshment counter for guests there. The clerk asked me for my flight number, found my name on the list, and assigned me a "room"; another employee led me there and explained all the features of the "room". I was allowed to stay for free for 2 hours.
What I got was a cubicle roughly 7'x7'x7'. The right hand side was pretty much a full size bed with a TV installed into the wall at the foot end; the left hand side featured the "bathroom", with a toilet at the door end and a "monsoon shower head" at the other. There was a small table between the shower stall and the bed. I found the bed to be extremely comfortable, and I sacked out for an hour or so. The shower was refreshing with good water pressure and temperature. I departed at 0915 fresh and ready to go.
VERDICT: If you don't have to go on to your destination right away, and you have privileges to use it, by all means check out the Yotel. It was easy to find and clean; the staff there were efficient and courteous; and I had a nice break before resuming my travels.
Feb 7, 2013, 10:36 am
#719
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: West of CLE
Programs: Delta DM/3 MM; Hertz PC; National EE; Amtrak GR; Bonvoy Silver; Via Rail Préférence
Posts: 5,384
Good morning from LHR.
Just to let folks know... There has already been discussion on extra security screenings at LHR.
Today, I was through very quickly, but my backpack got pulled for the random extra screening. Only one staff member was doing this and there were two pax in front if me. The wait and bag check added about 20 minutes for clearing.
Just something to keep in mind at Heathrow.
Just to let folks know... There has already been discussion on extra security screenings at LHR.
Today, I was through very quickly, but my backpack got pulled for the random extra screening. Only one staff member was doing this and there were two pax in front if me. The wait and bag check added about 20 minutes for clearing.
Just something to keep in mind at Heathrow.
Feb 7, 2013, 10:40 am
#720
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Orlando, FL, US
Programs: DL-Dirt Medallion;US-Cast Iron Preferred; HH-Gold; Avis First
Posts: 3,617
At the Yotel, the check-in desk is also a refreshment counter for guests there. The clerk asked me for my flight number, found my name on the list, and assigned me a "room"; another employee led me there and explained all the features of the "room". I was allowed to stay for free for 2 hours.