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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 Mar 8, 2014, 1:04 pm
  #931  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 217
Originally Posted by rwoman
Are you planning to clear immigration and make your way to T4 landside? If not, you will not be able to access The Windsor Castle (Wetherspoon's branded pub). That said, there is a pub airside, but I cannot comment on its quality.
Yeah, got it. As I understood from above there are both airside and landslide options anyway.
naranjero is offline  
Old Mar 12, 2014, 12:51 am
  #932  
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL DM, SPG Gold
Posts: 832
Anyone able to give some guidance on minimum connection times here? I've never flown through LHR before and I am looking at an award ticket arriving on DL (BE) from USA connecting to an AF flight (F) to CDG.

Unfortunately my two options for connections are a 70 minute connection or a 4h55m connection. I'd obviously prefer not to spend five hours in the airport but am not sure I have another option.

The DL website seems happy to book me the 70 minute connection, but I'm not sure I trust it. Heathrow website seems to say I will be into T4 and also out of T4. This will be in July so T2 will be open.

1.) Is this connection at all possible? I'd guess I am looking at long walk + security + customs...
2.) If I miss this will it be easy to get rebooked onto the next flight (the 4h55m connection) or will it be a big pain to get DL service while in LHR?

I'm tempted to book the shorter one and use the later one as backup, assuming it's easy to get rebooked.
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Old Mar 12, 2014, 3:04 am
  #933  
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Originally Posted by matthew64832
Anyone able to give some guidance on minimum connection times here? I've never flown through LHR before and I am looking at an award ticket arriving on DL (BE) from USA connecting to an AF flight (F) to CDG.

Unfortunately my two options for connections are a 70 minute connection or a 4h55m connection. I'd obviously prefer not to spend five hours in the airport but am not sure I have another option.

The DL website seems happy to book me the 70 minute connection, but I'm not sure I trust it. Heathrow website seems to say I will be into T4 and also out of T4. This will be in July so T2 will be open.

1.) Is this connection at all possible? I'd guess I am looking at long walk + security + customs...
2.) If I miss this will it be easy to get rebooked onto the next flight (the 4h55m connection) or will it be a big pain to get DL service while in LHR?

I'm tempted to book the shorter one and use the later one as backup, assuming it's easy to get rebooked.
Per the LHR website, the transfer time is T4-T4 is 60 minutes and T3-T4 is 90 minutes.

Of note, as of March 30, 2014, DL flights to/from JFK, BOS, and SEA are supposed to move to T3. This may impact your arrival/departure.

T2's opening should have no bearing on your trip.
rwoman is offline  
Old Mar 20, 2014, 4:31 pm
  #934  
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM, SPG Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 88
I will be flying in BE and arriving at LHR in T4. Will Delta give me some sort of voucher to access the Yotel when I arrive in the morning?

Can I book the Yotel in advance and still receive complimentary access through Delta?

How many hours can I use the Yotel for?

Any help would be much appreicated! Thanks.
rraskopf is offline  
Old Mar 20, 2014, 5:00 pm
  #935  
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Originally Posted by rraskopf
I will be flying in BE and arriving at LHR in T4. Will Delta give me some sort of voucher to access the Yotel when I arrive in the morning?

Can I book the Yotel in advance and still receive complimentary access through Delta?

How many hours can I use the Yotel for?

Any help would be much appreicated! Thanks.
You will just need your boarding pass to gain entry to the Yotel. Complimentary access is one hour. You could book in advance; I believe the minimum booking is 4 hours. I'd be reluctant to make an advance booking in case the arrival is delayed or passport control is a mess v
rwoman is offline  
Old Mar 20, 2014, 5:04 pm
  #936  
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In july I am flying using DTW/MSP/AMS and then AMS to LHR on KLM then LHR/JFK/DTW back home at the end of the trip. Trip is booked on a delta ticket using SWU's but am in coach on the KLM portion.

Will I have access as a Delta Diamond on a KLM flight to yotel if I want to shower before heading to my hotel? Not even sure if KLM flies into T4 or not.
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Old Mar 20, 2014, 5:09 pm
  #937  
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Originally Posted by jamesteroh
In july I am flying using DTW/MSP/AMS and then AMS to LHR on KLM then LHR/JFK/DTW back home at the end of the trip. Trip is booked on a delta ticket using SWU's but am in coach on the KLM portion.

Will I have access as a Delta Diamond on a KLM flight to yotel if I want to shower before heading to my hotel? Not even sure if KLM flies into T4 or not.
Yes, KL uses T4. As you're arriving on a short haul flight, no Yotel access. There are showers in the KL club at AMS though.
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Old Mar 20, 2014, 5:30 pm
  #938  
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Originally Posted by rwoman
Yes, KL uses T4. As you're arriving on a short haul flight, no Yotel access. There are showers in the KL club at AMS though.
Thanks! If I need a shower I'll just take a change of clothes with me in a bag and shower at AMS.
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Old Mar 20, 2014, 6:39 pm
  #939  
 
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+1 for the AMS shower option. But get your name on the waiting list right away when you get to the lounge (and listen for your name being called). There can sometimes be quite a wait when the intercontinental redeyes arrive first thing in the morning.
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Old Mar 24, 2014, 11:35 am
  #940  
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Upcoming BOS-LHR flight on DL metal in BE, shortly after the move to T3 from T4. Any chance I'll be able to access the VS Revivals Arrival Lounge? Not prepared to trek over to T4 and use the Yotel (even if that is an option) but it would be nice to shower in case I can't check-in to my hotel until later.

Thanks.
AAerSTL is offline  
Old Mar 24, 2014, 12:32 pm
  #941  
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: ATL
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Originally Posted by AAerSTL
Upcoming BOS-LHR flight on DL metal in BE, shortly after the move to T3 from T4. Any chance I'll be able to access the VS Revivals Arrival Lounge? Not prepared to trek over to T4 and use the Yotel (even if that is an option) but it would be nice to shower in case I can't check-in to my hotel until later.

Thanks.
The Revivals Lounge recently turned me away after I arrived on DL metal, saying access was only available to those arriving on VS metal.

But that was before DL moved some of its flights to T3. It is unclear whether the access policy will change to allow arriving passengers on DL metal after the transition to T3. Would welcome any reports!
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Old Mar 24, 2014, 1:39 pm
  #942  
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
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Posts: 5,587
Originally Posted by lamont2718
The Revivals Lounge recently turned me away after I arrived on DL metal, saying access was only available to those arriving on VS metal.

But that was before DL moved some of its flights to T3. It is unclear whether the access policy will change to allow arriving passengers on DL metal after the transition to T3. Would welcome any reports!
Will report back-thanks.
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Old Apr 7, 2014, 1:03 am
  #943  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL DM, National Executive, SPG Gold, Global Entry, NEXUS
Posts: 263
Arrived just now on DL401. VS revival lounge packed with the morning commuter crowd. Flew in J and our names were on the list at the front desk. Just a quick boarding pass check at the door.

Lounge dining area is a mess in my opinion. Wonderful people, filthy tables. Showers are great.
alee0729 is offline  
Old Apr 7, 2014, 3:06 am
  #944  
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Originally Posted by alee0729
Arrived just now on DL401. VS revival lounge packed with the morning commuter crowd. Flew in J and our names were on the list at the front desk. Just a quick boarding pass check at the door.

Lounge dining area is a mess in my opinion. Wonderful people, filthy tables. Showers are great.
Thanks for the update!
rwoman is offline  
Old Apr 7, 2014, 3:19 am
  #945  
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL DM, National Executive, SPG Gold, Global Entry, NEXUS
Posts: 263
For those familiar with the Yotel process, it will be very familiar. Well, except the shower room is bigger than the Yotel pod. And someone irons your clothes.
alee0729 is offline  


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