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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 Apr 2, 2011, 1:57 pm
  #61  
 
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I've also booked 5A both ways from MIA-LHR in July/September. Can't wait!
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 5:30 am
  #62  
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Originally Posted by Flyiboy
Sooo..I just booked my seats on DL 271/270 for 23 July and returning 15 Aug. Booked on the bulkheads 1D and then 1B and 1C.. A few questions...How are the flatbeds on the bulkheads ? On the seat maps it looks like there is a small bar in front of row 1..?? Is this correct ? Anyone have pictures of Row 1. Are the galley's and the Lavatories separated by curtains into the main cabin ?

Thanks for help..
The lavatories are at the back of the BE cabin - there is a curtain that is supposed to keep the pax from Y out, but it depends on the crew if it is enforced or not. I've had many flights where it was a free for all and others, like LHR-BOS yesterday, where they made repeated announcements about Y pax not using those lavs.

As far as row 1, some like it for the privacy while others think it can be noisy. It seems to be personal preference.
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 3:36 pm
  #63  
 
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Originally Posted by mtkeller
If you're arranging your own transport to Oxford, National Express runs coaches (UK word for buses that are nicer than a typical city bus). However, it will take about four hours. Frequent trains run from Paddington to Oxford and take about an hour. Advance tickets can be just as cheap as the coach and considerably faster. (Of course, you'll have to pay a bit more to deal with the LHR-Paddington portion on HEX or HEC.)
I would like more specific advice, mtkeller. Do I use PM or post on the global forum part of FT or go a bit OT here?

To rwoman, I find it distracting that the lavs are in the back and open to excessive traffic.
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 6:00 pm
  #64  
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thanks OP. When did DL start giving out fast track passes to BE customers? I'm doing a MR in May, MIA to LHR in J and its good to know fast track is to the left of immigrations.
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 6:10 pm
  #65  
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Originally Posted by mtkeller
They've both got flat beds in J, and DL is pushing the fact that every seat in J has direct aisle access. BA can't claim that. Sure, BA has WT+ (and I'm guessing F, but not sure on this route), but DL is comparing J to J and hoping that they can steal some passengers.
Delta should have no problem stealing customers away from AA . Those customers who desire a complete BE experience will opt for DL.

On the BOS to LHR route, AA offers two daily 757's on their own metal. The seats are angled lie-flats, no direct aisle access. You'd have to be nuts to fork over the money AA wants to fly BE on a 757 when you can take DL, get a true flat bed with direct aisle access.

British Airways; can seatguru be right? BA's business cabin seats 8 across? So, if you don't want AA's cramped BE 757 cabin and want to choose BA's 747 BE cabin, then your faced with an even more cramped cabin with no direct aisle access.

Last edited by DL2SXM; Apr 3, 2011 at 6:16 pm
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 6:37 pm
  #66  
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[QUOTE=cottonpatch;16147417]
Originally Posted by Xeno

This is a diversion of the issue, isn't it? There are a lot of reasons why I don't use headphones - issues that aren't really relevant to the point. Slamming doors is not necessary to provide the world class service that Delta claims to provide. That's the point. A little consideration by the staff for the customer would be greatly appreciated when half of the cabin is trying to sleep. Most passengers I would say were NOT wearing the headphones by the way.
Not sure how that happened--but that is NOT my quote. But no, I don't use headphone, as they aren't exactly ideal for side sleepers.
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 6:51 pm
  #67  
 
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[QUOTE=DLNYC;16154115]
Originally Posted by cottonpatch

Not sure how that happened--but that is NOT my quote. But no, I don't use headphone, as they aren't exactly ideal for side sleepers.
And your quote is not from Xeno. In my case I wonder if IE9 is part of the equation.
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 6:56 pm
  #68  
 
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IT glitch.
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Old Apr 3, 2011, 9:39 pm
  #69  
 
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Originally Posted by nypdLieu
thanks OP. When did DL start giving out fast track passes to BE customers? I'm doing a MR in May, MIA to LHR in J and its good to know fast track is to the left of immigrations.
DL also gives the fast track passes to ST E+ paxes in Y. That's only for immigration though. ST E+ in Y don't get fast track access to the security line to enter the terminal though, but they will apparently let you in if you wave your ST E+ card (worked 2 of 2 for me).
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Old Apr 4, 2011, 3:59 am
  #70  
 
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DL 270- Random thoughts

I just landed at LHR on DL 270 from BOS and it was my first experience on the 764. First off, the 764 lie-flat is not nearly as comfortable as the 777-LR bed that DL offers on super long-haul, which is much larger.

Also, BOS-LHR is a very short flight and the service was horrendous. It took 2 hours to get through dinner leaving only 4 hours to sleep. As such, I suggest skipping dinner and going right to bed (the food isn't worth waiting for anyways...)

The plane was nearly full in BE with 35 of 40 seats taken. Economy was the single most empty economy intercon i've ever seen, with no more than 40 passengers in both Y cabins combined.

I do hope that over time this flight gains in popularity as, regardless of my reservations, the product is far better than AA's, as other FT'ers have noted.
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Old Apr 4, 2011, 4:03 am
  #71  
 
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Boarding in BOS

They board through 2L in Boston
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Old Apr 4, 2011, 4:20 am
  #72  
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3 Apr BOS-LHR

Originally Posted by finny52
I just landed at LHR on DL 270 from BOS and it was my first experience on the 764. First off, the 764 lie-flat is not nearly as comfortable as the 777-LR bed that DL offers on super long-haul, which is much larger.

Also, BOS-LHR is a very short flight and the service was horrendous. It took 2 hours to get through dinner leaving only 4 hours to sleep. As such, I suggest skipping dinner and going right to bed (the food isn't worth waiting for anyways...)

The plane was nearly full in BE with 35 of 40 seats taken. Economy was the single most empty economy intercon i've ever seen, with no more than 40 passengers in both Y cabins combined.

I do hope that over time this flight gains in popularity as, regardless of my reservations, the product is far better than AA's, as other FT'ers have noted.
I was on this flight too - but in Y! Bumpy flight last night!!! We boarded/deplaned from 2L.

There were 41 pax in Y per the GA. First time I've had THAT many options for rows of 2 or 3. Our food service was quick...

Last edited by rwoman; Apr 4, 2011 at 7:45 am
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Old Apr 4, 2011, 4:21 am
  #73  
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Fast Track

Originally Posted by Arthur Randolph
DL also gives the fast track passes to ST E+ paxes in Y. That's only for immigration though. ST E+ in Y don't get fast track access to the security line to enter the terminal though, but they will apparently let you in if you wave your ST E+ card (worked 2 of 2 for me).
Of my 20+ TATL in the last 6 months or so, I have only had this happen ONCE when traveling in Y and returning to Heathrow. I do not think it is policy. On the outbound through security it has not been an issue.
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Old Apr 4, 2011, 4:22 am
  #74  
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Originally Posted by nypdLieu
thanks OP. When did DL start giving out fast track passes to BE customers? I'm doing a MR in May, MIA to LHR in J and its good to know fast track is to the left of immigrations.
It's happened since at least August 2009 - my first BE trip to LHR.
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Old Apr 4, 2011, 8:02 am
  #75  
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Originally Posted by OrangeCountyCommuter
I have noticed that... I am not sure why they call it "Fast Track" It seems slower to me (not to mention that you get behind the MR person who is spending two hours in the airport which seems to raise the "curiosity" of the agents )
Don't blame the person doing a MR. They're a paying customer just like anyone else. Blame immigrations. If they want to take their sweet a$$ time then thats their problem.
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