Community
Wiki Posts
Search
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
Print Wikipost

FAQ: Flying to London on DL

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 2, 2017, 10:39 am
  #1516  
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 123
Delta One access to LHR Clubhouse: +1?

Greetings,

I know Delta Diamond and Platinum members are able to bring a +1 into the VA Clubhouse. Those traveling in Delta One also have access. But can someone traveling in Delta One bring a guest?

I am Diamond flying in Delta One with my wife (Delta One) and another couple (Y). Trying to figure out how to get the fourth person in....

Thanks!
chetdogleash is offline  
Old Jun 2, 2017, 11:02 am
  #1517  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Hilton Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,042
Originally Posted by chetdogleash
Greetings,

I know Delta Diamond and Platinum members are able to bring a +1 into the VA Clubhouse. Those traveling in Delta One also have access. But can someone traveling in Delta One bring a guest?

I am Diamond flying in Delta One with my wife (Delta One) and another couple (Y). Trying to figure out how to get the fourth person in....

Thanks!
No guests for non status passengers in D1.
flyerCO is offline  
Old Jun 2, 2017, 11:51 am
  #1518  
Marriott 5+ Badge
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,050
Originally Posted by chetdogleash
Greetings,

I know Delta Diamond and Platinum members are able to bring a +1 into the VA Clubhouse. Those traveling in Delta One also have access. But can someone traveling in Delta One bring a guest?

I am Diamond flying in Delta One with my wife (Delta One) and another couple (Y). Trying to figure out how to get the fourth person in....

Thanks!
Virgin used to offer something called Guest List where you could buy access to the Clubhouse as well as other premium ground services for a steep price (over 200 GBP) -- but I can't find any references to it on the website currently so I assume it may have been discontinued. Not to mention I'm not sure if it would have been possible for those traveling on a Delta flight anyway. So unfortunately not sure there will be any way to get all of you in.

Could try all showing up at the front door and asking if there is any way to pay ... but don't be surprised if they say no, and if they say yes, the price will probably be pretty steep, wouldn't be surprised if it's 100 GBP.
bgriff is offline  
Old Jun 2, 2017, 3:16 pm
  #1519  
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 123
Originally Posted by bgriff
Virgin used to offer something called Guest List where you could buy access to the Clubhouse as well as other premium ground services for a steep price (over 200 GBP) -- but I can't find any references to it on the website currently so I assume it may have been discontinued. Not to mention I'm not sure if it would have been possible for those traveling on a Delta flight anyway. So unfortunately not sure there will be any way to get all of you in.

Could try all showing up at the front door and asking if there is any way to pay ... but don't be surprised if they say no, and if they say yes, the price will probably be pretty steep, wouldn't be surprised if it's 100 GBP.
Got it. Thanks!
chetdogleash is offline  
Old Jun 3, 2017, 12:31 am
  #1520  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,192
The 'guest list' service ended last year. IIRC minimum price was in the range Ł250 - Ł300 per persona but it also included a car to the airport and use of the Upper Class Wing and private security channel.

pay on the door entry - IF available and it's certainly not always - is Ł60 at LHR
UKtravelbear is offline  
Old Jun 3, 2017, 5:02 pm
  #1521  
LHG
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold and hotel status through their credit cards as needed :)
Posts: 268
Dl #36 (pdx-lhr)

Has anyone flown on this new flight since it launched a week or two ago?
I am trying to decide whether or not it is worthwhile to rebook in Business or keep my award ticket (AF miles used) in the back. Figured it might be easier to have an extra seat next to me as it is a seasonal flight and new this year.
Any advice on picking a seat or paying to upgrade to E+?
I have no status on DL as I usually use AS.
Am flying early in July.
LHG is offline  
Old Jun 3, 2017, 6:05 pm
  #1522  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
Originally Posted by chetdogleash
Got it. Thanks!
Thou could always try finding another DM or PM to help you guest. It's definitely a gamble
hiima is offline  
Old Jun 3, 2017, 8:24 pm
  #1523  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: DL DM PM
Posts: 2,033
Originally Posted by Lomapaseo
Many thanks for the replies. I shall return the favor for others after I try out some of these routes.

Since we have onward rail connections we wont be stopping in the arrivals lounge. Instead we expect to exit the customs hall sluffing roll-on bags and go past the arrivals lounge looking for the exit down to the Heathrow express.

We have some some sort of paper printout with a bar code on it hoping that's all we need get on board the express to Paddington.. The wife is keen on tacking a taxi from Paddington to Euston because of the bags.

At Euston I have yet another printout ticket with a bar code on it good for our first Cl Virgin passage on to Chester.

I'm in need of getting a two-together rail pass and multiple onward rail journey FAST Ticket printouts of previously paid bookings om the Virgin East IT site. I assume I have to do this at a main station ticket site like Euston?

Is there any chance that the Euston station Virgin first Cl lounge can do any of this? issue ticket, rail cards etc. ?

I would forgo your barcode HEX and get the tube from LHR to Kings Cross, which is basically co-located with Euston. Yes, it's the tube, but so much easier than HEX + taxi imho.
NotHamSarnie is offline  
Old Jun 4, 2017, 4:05 am
  #1524  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
Originally Posted by NotHamSarnie
I would forgo your barcode HEX and get the tube from LHR to Kings Cross, which is basically co-located with Euston. Yes, it's the tube, but so much easier than HEX + taxi imho.
I'd take the Tube almost any day over the HEX.

St Pancras is co-located with KGX. Euston is ~.5 miles away - if bag dragging or the weather is meh, could be a pain. That said, Piccadilly Line to street level can be done step free and there's no shortage of taxis to get over to Euston if the weather is garbage. And likely far cheaper than the HEX and a taxi from Paddington.
rwoman is offline  
Old Jun 4, 2017, 7:13 am
  #1525  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: DL DM PM
Posts: 2,033
Originally Posted by rwoman
I'd take the Tube almost any day over the HEX.

St Pancras is co-located with KGX. Euston is ~.5 miles away - if bag dragging or the weather is meh, could be a pain. That said, Piccadilly Line to street level can be done step free and there's no shortage of taxis to get over to Euston if the weather is garbage. And likely far cheaper than the HEX and a taxi from Paddington.
Very easy walk though, no real crossings or roundabouts. I've done it with luggage without blinking. Agree on Tube vs HEX.
NotHamSarnie is offline  
Old Jun 4, 2017, 11:22 am
  #1526  
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: South Korea
Posts: 100
Can also say the tube is not bad compared to the HEX. Took be roughly 1 hour from Aldgate East to LHR T3. HEX is expensive.... Tube was much cheaper.
sbr7d is offline  
Old Jun 4, 2017, 12:39 pm
  #1527  
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: AVL
Programs: DL 2MM, Plat; Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 214
Originally Posted by sbr7d
Can also say the tube is not bad compared to the HEX. Took be roughly 1 hour from Aldgate East to LHR T3. HEX is expensive.... Tube was much cheaper.
1 hour for the tube compared to 15 minutes on HEX. It comes down to saving money versus saving time. Besides, if he already has the printout with the barcode, he has already paid for HEX.
dlffla is offline  
Old Jun 4, 2017, 7:40 pm
  #1528  
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: South Korea
Posts: 100
Originally Posted by dlffla
1 hour for the tube compared to 15 minutes on HEX. It comes down to saving money versus saving time. Besides, if he already has the printout with the barcode, he has already paid for HEX.
I was not directing my post to the poster, hence why I did not quote them. Just saw some chat about HEX/Tube and tossed my 2 cents in.
sbr7d is offline  
Old Jun 4, 2017, 8:23 pm
  #1529  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SAN
Programs: DL DM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 351
Hi All,

I tried searching but I can't find the answer - Delta PM flying VS SEA-LHR in PE, with a 5-hr layover and then onward from T2 onto LHR-OSL via SAS on a separate reservation. A few questions (please keep in mind that PMs can again access the LHR Clubhouse as of 6/1/17 and I am in no rush to get to T2, as I have no lounge access there):

1) If I'd like to use the VS Clubhouse, NOT the arrivals lounge, prior to heading over to T2, may I do so by simply walking over to the Clubhouse after landing like I would do at most airports in the US or do I follow the purple signs for connections or go through security, etc.?

2) Alternatively, to access the Arrivals lounge only, I presume I exit and not follow the purple sign for connections?

Thanks in advance for any help or insight anyone can offer - I really appreciate it!
ab_initio is offline  
Old Jun 4, 2017, 8:43 pm
  #1530  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: DL PM 1MM
Posts: 3,439
Originally Posted by dlffla
1 hour for the tube compared to 15 minutes on HEX. It comes down to saving money versus saving time. Besides, if he already has the printout with the barcode, he has already paid for HEX.
It's only 15 minutes on HEX *if* the destination is Paddington...
mnbp is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.