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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 Nov 11, 2015, 7:40 am
  #1291  
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 647
Originally Posted by jamesteroh
I'm going to be flying JFK/LHR next month which will mean I am flying into T-3. In the past I've always flown DTW/LHR and landed in T-4 and could use the Yotel. Is there an arrivals lounge in T3 if I want a quick shower and cup of coffee before heading into the city?

Also wondering how the underground works at t-3. At T-4 it was simple to get to, is that the case at t-3?

Unrelated flying question, can you buy an Oyster card at the Kiosk? I can't find mine and need replace it.
Yes, there is a DL arrivals lounge and a VS arrivals lounge at T3. See this thread and DL.com regarding which one you can access.

Re Oystercard, the issue might turn on whether you have a chip-and-pin credit card.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 7:58 am
  #1292  
 
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Originally Posted by Hoyaheel
re: the Delta arrivals lounge at LHR, I tried to follow rwoman's link in an older post but a photo isn't active - just want to clarify that it's at/after the baggage claim? (eg order after deplaning would be 1 Immigration 2 baggage (as needed) 3 customs 4 Arrival lounge)
Yes, it's after all that, and in fact you leave the terminal building to get to it (entrance is outside). Head to your left after customs.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:08 am
  #1293  
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Originally Posted by Hoyaheel
re: the Delta arrivals lounge at LHR, I tried to follow rwoman's link in an older post but a photo isn't active - just want to clarify that it's at/after the baggage claim? (eg order after deplaning would be 1 Immigration 2 baggage (as needed) 3 customs 4 Arrival lounge)

First trip on Delta international business in January and I want to make sure to avail myself of any & all perks possible Scheduled a longish layover at JFK so we can have time in the Virgin Clubhouse^ (I would have gone to the Delta club as well but it will be late/dark/cold and I'd wanted to experience the outside deck, so I'll have to do that on another trip)
Originally Posted by NotHamSarnie
Yes, it's after all that, and in fact you leave the terminal building to get to it (entrance is outside). Head to your left after customs.
Pictures links are now updated and should be visible.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:16 am
  #1294  
 
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Originally Posted by flyerwma
Yes, there is a DL arrivals lounge and a VS arrivals lounge at T3. See this thread and DL.com regarding which one you can access.

Re Oystercard, the issue might turn on whether you have a chip-and-pin credit card.
Are Delta passengers arriving in T-3 still allowed to use the Virgin lounge since Delta has an arrivals hall now for T-3 arrivals? The wiki still indicates we can. I haven't flown into T-3 since they opened the Delta arrivals hall.

I've never been asked for a pin when refilling my Oyster card at a kiosk in London. I'm thinking it will be the same for purchasing one as well. There are also sites the OP can use to have an Oyster card mailed but the charges are pretty heavy. Something I recommend for people visiting London only occasionally is to have a friend loan them their Oyster card and use that and avoid paying the deposit.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:19 am
  #1295  
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Originally Posted by ILovetheReds
Are Delta passengers arriving in T-3 still allowed to use the Virgin lounge since Delta has an arrivals hall now for T-3 arrivals?

I've never been asked for a pin when refilling my Oyster card at a kiosk in London. I'm thinking it will be the same for purchasing one as well. There are also sites the OP can use to have an Oyster card mailed but the charges are pretty heavy. Something I recommend for people visiting London only occasionally is to have a friend loan them their Oyster card and use that and avoid paying the deposit.
No. VS pax can use the VS lounge; DL pax can use the DL lounge. I don't remember the exact rule for PM/DM flying VS in Economy/Premium Economy...will just blame jet lag.

As far as the Oyster card, while it does require a deposit, it is refundable.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:25 am
  #1296  
 
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Originally Posted by rwoman
As far as the Oyster card, while it does require a deposit, it is refundable.
I know the deposit is refundable. I fly to London at least once a year so I just keep the card. But if one wants the deposit back doesn't that have to be returned in person to an agent? AFAIK there is no place to return the card at LHR for the deposit refund if you are using the Oyster card to return to LHR for your flight home.

Even if someone is unable to return the card for the deposit back, the fare savings realized for the typical London tourist with the card will more than pay for the deposit.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:29 am
  #1297  
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Originally Posted by ILovetheReds
I know the deposit is refundable. I fly to London at least once a year so I just keep the card. But if one wants the deposit back doesn't that have to be returned in person to an agent? AFAIK there is no place to return the card at LHR for the deposit refund if you are using the Oyster card to return to LHR for your flight home.

Even if someone is unable to return the card for the deposit back, the fare savings realized for the typical London tourist with the card will more than pay for the deposit.
I thought it could be returned at the manned info desk there at LHR. As I've kept my Oyster Card, have not attempted to give it back.

Looking at the TfL site, if the balance is less than £10, you can get a refund at a machine.
https://tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payment...icket-machines
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:35 am
  #1298  
 
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Originally Posted by rwoman
Pictures links are now updated and should be visible.
Thanks! I'd seen a sign on another blog but nothing to indicate the entrance is on the outside of the terminal - your photos are much more precise. As an over-planner going in to unfamiliar situations, I appreciate that^
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:38 am
  #1299  
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Originally Posted by Hoyaheel
Thanks! I'd seen a sign on another blog but nothing to indicate the entrance is on the outside of the terminal - your photos are much more precise. As an over-planner going in to unfamiliar situations, I appreciate that^
I take it for granted that I just blindly know where to go. That said, I usually just walk on by as I go catch the bus to get back to my car.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:50 am
  #1300  
 
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Muscle memory is strong! And often hard to specify to others what you just *know* how to do!

Looks from the signs that we would continue along the same path to get to Heathrow Express as well? (I can ask specific questions in the London forum, but since we're talking about Oysters & other transport....)
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 8:52 am
  #1301  
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Originally Posted by Hoyaheel
Muscle memory is strong! And often hard to specify to others what you just *know* how to do!

Looks from the signs that we would continue along the same path to get to Heathrow Express as well? (I can ask specific questions in the London forum, but since we're talking about Oysters & other transport....)
Once you're done in the lounge, just come back into the arrivals hall and take the underground walkway to the HEX (also goes on further to the Tube).
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 12:23 pm
  #1302  
 
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Arriving at T3, have to connect to another flight, separate ticket/airline, at T4.
Is there an advantage in following the connection lane and take the airside bus, rather than going through immigration at T3 and take the train to T4 ?

I'm asking because in the first case we wouldn't be able to check bags.
Wondering if the hassle of lugging them around is worth the convenience of the transfer bus.
In particular, with transfer, do we have to go through security again ?
Connection is not particularly thight and it is to a Schengen country.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 12:30 pm
  #1303  
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Originally Posted by thesaints
Arriving at T3, have to connect to another flight, separate ticket/airline, at T4.
Is there an advantage in following the connection lane and take the airside bus, rather than going through immigration at T3 and take the train to T4 ?

I'm asking because in the first case we wouldn't be able to check bags.
Wondering if the hassle of lugging them around is worth the convenience of the transfer bus.
In particular, with transfer, do we have to go through security again ?
Connection is not particularly thight and it is to a Schengen country.
If bags are not checked through or you're not carry on only, you'd have to clear passport control, collect your baggage, and schlep your bags to T4. It's a walk to the Heathrow Express platform and the a short train ride to T4.

Either way, you'd clear security again at LHR.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 12:32 pm
  #1304  
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Also, going to a Schengen country has no bearing in this instance since the UK is not in Schengen. You'll clear passport control at your destination.
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Old Nov 11, 2015, 12:39 pm
  #1305  
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Is the arrivals lounge at T3 better than the Yotel? I'm particularly interested in knowing if there are food offerings at the lounge. If there is I may just tell the FA if I'm asleep during the breakfast service I don't mind skipping it and just get a little extra sleep on the plane and eat on the ground. If it's like Yotel I'll just eat on board and go to the hotel and hope my room is ready.
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