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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 Jul 3, 2018, 6:54 pm
  #1651  
 
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My bad. I had interpreted your "can't understand the deposit fee" as can't understand it since I can get it refunded at LHR and still continue use that card.
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Old Jul 4, 2018, 9:49 pm
  #1652  
 
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Originally Posted by gooselee
Wait, does UC not give you fast track for immigration at LGW?
I assume you do get it, but I usually fly into LGW on easyJet so I don't really know.
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Old Jul 5, 2018, 4:09 am
  #1653  
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Originally Posted by gooselee
Wait, does UC not give you fast track for immigration at LGW?
You get it. if in Y as a DM/PM ask.
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Old Jul 5, 2018, 6:27 am
  #1654  
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Originally Posted by flyerCO
You get it. if in Y as a DM/PM ask.
Excellent. Thank you!
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Old Jul 8, 2018, 3:48 pm
  #1655  
 
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Originally Posted by flyerCO
You get it. if in Y as a DM/PM ask.
I've had it given to me automatically, as PM, but also not. I think if they know the line is long they give the passes automatically to DM/PMs, but it may also be a matter of the crew or coordination with the airport. Definitely ask if you're going to be in a hurry (or don't like lines).
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Old Jul 9, 2018, 12:35 am
  #1656  
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Originally Posted by ryanm
I've had it given to me automatically, as PM, but also not. I think if they know the line is long they give the passes automatically to DM/PMs, but it may also be a matter of the crew or coordination with the airport. Definitely ask if you're going to be in a hurry (or don't like lines).
So, I did ask the purser, and was told there is no fast track card at LGW. Appeared that nobody else in UC received a card either (though it also appeared that I was the only non-UK national in the cabin). I attempted the Premium line when I got to immigration and was turned away despite showing an UC boarding pass.

The general line only took about 15 mins, so no big deal, but a vastly different setup for UC folks vs. LHR.
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Old Nov 9, 2018, 7:35 am
  #1657  
 
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Upper Class Wing

If arriving by public transit and using the elevator to get up to the Upper Class Wing - does a Mobile DL boarding pass work, or do you need to get a printed one in order to open the door?
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Old Nov 9, 2018, 7:56 am
  #1658  
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Originally Posted by FlyAO2
If arriving by public transit and using the elevator to get up to the Upper Class Wing - does a Mobile DL boarding pass work, or do you need to get a printed one in order to open the door?
I've only ever used a printed BP, but if coming from the train it's maybe a 45 second detour to stop by the kiosks and pick up a paper BP before heading to the elevator.

Note that they will scan your BP again in the security line, so it's actually (IMO) beneficial to have a paper BP vs. fumbling your phone over to the security agent as the scanner is in a place you cannot reach on your own.
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Old Nov 9, 2018, 9:50 am
  #1659  
 
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Clubhouse Access LHR PM?

Hi there,

Trying to double check if something has changed. I'm going to be hitting PM towards the end of the year and part of why I'm excited is to access the Clubhouse Lounge in LHR when flying DL to the US. At the top of this page, the following is stated:
  • Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members can reinvigorate after your flight to London in the Virgin Atlantic Revivals Lounge, featuring showers, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, made-to-order breakfast items and clothes pressing.* Before you depart, enjoy complimentary access to LHR’s Fast Track security lane and your choice of the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse or the No.1 Lounges, Heathrow for you and one (1) guest.
So that make it seem like things are good to go for me as PM. But at the bottom of the page in the fine print, I see this:
Clubhouse lounge access: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounge access is available at select locations to Delta One® passengers, Upper Class passengers, and Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion Members with a same-day nonstop transatlantic flight between North America and the U.K. that is operated by Delta or Virgin Atlantic. Diamond and Platinum Medallion Members may access Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses in London-Gatwick, New York-JFK, Newark, Washington-Dulles, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco Airports. Gold Medallion Members may only access Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses within the U.S. (New York-JFK, Newark, Washington-Dulles, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco Airports). Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion Members are allowed to bring one guest. While access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in London-Heathrow is not available to Gold Medallion Members, these Members may enjoy access to No1 Lounges, Heathrow at LHR’s Terminal 3opens in a new window. Please travel with and be prepared to show proof of your Medallion status to the Virgin Atlantic representative to receive these benefits.
Note the absence of LHR in the section I bolded, but then the mention of not allowing GMs in at LHR. Does this contract the section above? Any recent reports of access? Apologies if this has already been discussed.
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Old Nov 9, 2018, 9:57 am
  #1660  
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Originally Posted by ElliottMB
Hi there,

Trying to double check if something has changed. I'm going to be hitting PM towards the end of the year and part of why I'm excited is to access the Clubhouse Lounge in LHR when flying DL to the US. At the top of this page, the following is stated:

So that make it seem like things are good to go for me as PM. But at the bottom of the page in the fine print, I see this:

Note the absence of LHR in the section I bolded, but then the mention of not allowing GMs in at LHR. Does this contract the section above? Any recent reports of access? Apologies if this has already been discussed.
This is probably just out of date. There was a period of time when Medallions weren't allowed in the LHR Clubhouse while it was being renovated to add more seats and thus didn't have the capacity, but those restrictions were later lifted and PMs/DMs do now have access again. Coverage from when the change was made: https://onemileatatime.com/virgin-cl...ta-medallions/
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Old Nov 9, 2018, 10:02 am
  #1661  
 
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That's what I figured! Just was a little nervous as its only stated on that one paragraph anywhere
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Old Nov 9, 2018, 1:25 pm
  #1662  
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Originally Posted by bgriff
This is probably just out of date. There was a period of time when Medallions weren't allowed in the LHR Clubhouse while it was being renovated to add more seats and thus didn't have the capacity, but those restrictions were later lifted and PMs/DMs do now have access again. Coverage from when the change was made: https://onemileatatime.com/virgin-cl...ta-medallions/
This +100. The DL website has been out of date for a while.

I just used the LHR Clubhouse (and the UC Wing security) this past Monday, flying in VS PE. They also admitted Mrs. Lee who was on my flight but on a separate PNR, without any questions/issues - just a quick glance at her BP to confirm we were flying together.

You will not have any issues accessing as a DL PM.
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Old Nov 9, 2018, 6:21 pm
  #1663  
 
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Originally Posted by gooselee
This +100. The DL website has been out of date for a while.

I just used the LHR Clubhouse (and the UC Wing security) this past Monday, flying in VS PE. They also admitted Mrs. Lee who was on my flight but on a separate PNR, without any questions/issues - just a quick glance at her BP to confirm we were flying together.

You will not have any issues accessing as a DL PM.
To second the above, I used the LHR Clubhouse this past Tuesday (missed you by a day, gooselee!), also as a PM flying in PE.
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Old Feb 20, 2019, 7:17 pm
  #1664  
 
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Mrs. ND76 and I were on DL28, ATL-LHR, on 19 February 2019. A couple of really nice things happened, despite our being in regular Y (we scored a row of 4 on the A330 for just the two of us).

About an hour out of LHR, while I was sleeping, one of the FAs came up to my wife (also a PM and a 1MMer), thanked her for our business, and gave her two Fast Track immigration passes and an invitation to the Revivals lounge. While the wait in the regular line (we entered the immigration hall in T3 roughly 0945) was only 20-30 minutes, this gesture was really appreciated by both of us.

The service at the Revivals lounge was great, as was the breakfast. A big thank you to the staff members who took such good care of us.
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Old Feb 24, 2019, 12:12 am
  #1665  
 
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Thumbs up

Originally Posted by ND76
Mrs. ND76 and I were on DL28, ATL-LHR, on 19 February 2019. A couple of really nice things happened, despite our being in regular Y (we scored a row of 4 on the A330 for just the two of us).

About an hour out of LHR, while I was sleeping, one of the FAs came up to my wife (also a PM and a 1MMer), thanked her for our business, and gave her two Fast Track immigration passes and an invitation to the Revivals lounge. While the wait in the regular line (we entered the immigration hall in T3 roughly 0945) was only 20-30 minutes, this gesture was really appreciated by both of us.

The service at the Revivals lounge was great, as was the breakfast. A big thank you to the staff members who took such good care of us.
That's really nice!
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