Checking in luggage
Dec 2, 2008 | 6:58 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 1
Checking in luggage
Travelling BMI to Heathrow and then South African airlines to J'burg. On 2 separate tickets. Just been told can't check luggage all way through. Not enough time at Heathrow. Travelling with a 2 year old. Any advice?!!
Dec 2, 2008 | 7:08 am
#2
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: LCY
Posts: 1,224
bmi have unfortunately been unwilling to check through luggage on separate tickets for a few years now - it may be worth throwing yourself on the mercy of the check-in agent when you check in -- or the better option if possible changing to an earlier connecting (domestic?) flight to give yourself enough time at Heathrow.
Its probably worth doing that anyway given that delays are fairly regular and you may run the risk of losing the onward ticket given they are separate.
bmi and South African are both in Terminal 1 at Heathrow so you may not need as much time as you think to change.. but its best to allow more just in case.
Its probably worth doing that anyway given that delays are fairly regular and you may run the risk of losing the onward ticket given they are separate.
bmi and South African are both in Terminal 1 at Heathrow so you may not need as much time as you think to change.. but its best to allow more just in case.
Dec 2, 2008 | 11:51 am
#3
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
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Posts: 71,446
Welcome to Flyer Talk jaxthelass 
stewardo has some good advice. How long is your connection? On separate tickets even as a seasoned traveller who doesn't check bags I would be uncomfortable with anything less than 2 hour connection at London Heathrow. With checked bags I would want 3 hours or more.
Yes it is a pain having a long connection when travelling with young'uns but it will be more of a pain if you miss the onward flight and your ticket to South Africa (or beyond) is cancelled for not showing up in time.
stewardo has some good advice. How long is your connection? On separate tickets even as a seasoned traveller who doesn't check bags I would be uncomfortable with anything less than 2 hour connection at London Heathrow. With checked bags I would want 3 hours or more.
Yes it is a pain having a long connection when travelling with young'uns but it will be more of a pain if you miss the onward flight and your ticket to South Africa (or beyond) is cancelled for not showing up in time.