LHR-HEL-TLL on BA/AY - mostly pictures
Apr 26, 2017, 2:22 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Egham, Surrey, UK
Programs: Mucci Champion des Champions, BAG4L, *A Gold, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz Gold, Avis President
Posts: 3,416
LHR-HEL-TLL on BA/AY - mostly pictures
The LHR-HEL-TLL run has become quite popular on the British Airways forum due to it's low price per TP and the fact that it can be easily done in 1 or 2 days. My wife and I have made this trip several times, staying overnight at the Hilton Tallinn.
After an early start we arrived at LHR T3 and quickly passed through Fast Track to the BA First lounge.
[IMG]
LHR BA T3 First Class Lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr[/IMG]
LHR BA T3 First Class Lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
We boarded early at Gate 27 onto a very quite business class. Only one other pax boarded just before take off. Very pleasant crew and well looked after. Only disappointment was the inedible breakfast.
Finnair Business Class A320 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Finnair Business Class breakfast by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Arrived early at HEL but not at the usual gate so missed the Premium Lounge and ended up at the Finnair Lounge next to Gate 22.
Finnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Finnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Finnair Lounge Helsinki buffet by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Finnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Finnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Finnair Lounge menu by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
The TLL flight boarded from Gate 21 and we took our seats in row 15. The plane boards and exits from the rear so row 1 is not the best seat. For once the flight was very quiet and we took the short, 20 minute, flight to TLL arriving on time.
NoRRA plane to TLL by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
We took a taxi from the airport to the Hilton Tallinn (€6) and checked in at the Executive Lounge while enjoying a glass of wine. As usual we were upgraded to a one room suite.
Hilton Tallinn suite by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Hilton Tallinn - view from lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Hilton Tallinn suite by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
As it was still early and a nice, if cold, day we spent a few hours walking around the Old Town enjoying the sights.
Tallinn Old Town by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Tallinn Old Town by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Tallinn Old Town by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
We stopped for an early supper at the Hell Hunt pub which is going to host a BA Forum "Do" in early May. Huge selection of beers and average food are on offer.
Hell Hunt, Tallinn exterior by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Hell Hunt, Tallinn interior by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Back to the Hilton for a few drinks in the lounge before retiring for the night. Great views of the sunset from the lounge.
Hilton Tallinn - view from lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Breakfast next morning in the lounge before heading back to the airport.
Hilton Tallinn Lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Hilton Tallinn - view from lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Arrived at TLL and checked in before using Fast Track. As TLL is such a small airport it doesn't really save any time. Up to the Finnair Lounge for a soft drink and a herring sandwich.
Tallinn Airport by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Tallinn Airport Finnair lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Tallinn Airport lounge - herring sandwiches by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Tallinn Airport - our plane coming in by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Tallinn Airport gate by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Tallinn Airport by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Very full flight this time and lots of bags which caused a few issues. Luckily we just had a small bag between the two of us. Took off slightly late and landed at HEL at 13:10 and went through passport control to the Premium Lounge for a very quick glass of champagne. It's about a 10-15 minute walk to the lounge from the TLL arrival gate.
Finnair Helsinki Premium lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Boarded at Gate 37 at 13:45 to a nearly full business cabin. After a few people changing seats we settled down to a comfortable flight and a nice lunch of beef with pumpkin mash and salsify. Better than many BA J long haul lunches and no danger of running out of champagne!
Finnair Business class lunch HEL-LHR by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr
Landed a little early at LHR and then the longest walk I can remember to a chaotic passport control. The only plus point is the long wait meant that our suitcase was already waiting for us.
And we are going to repeat this all again in a few weeks. ^
After an early start we arrived at LHR T3 and quickly passed through Fast Track to the BA First lounge.
[IMG]
LHR BA T3 First Class Lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on Flickr[/IMG]LHR BA T3 First Class Lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrWe boarded early at Gate 27 onto a very quite business class. Only one other pax boarded just before take off. Very pleasant crew and well looked after. Only disappointment was the inedible breakfast.
Finnair Business Class A320 by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrFinnair Business Class breakfast by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrArrived early at HEL but not at the usual gate so missed the Premium Lounge and ended up at the Finnair Lounge next to Gate 22.
Finnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrFinnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrFinnair Lounge Helsinki buffet by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrFinnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrFinnair Lounge Helsinki by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrFinnair Lounge menu by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrThe TLL flight boarded from Gate 21 and we took our seats in row 15. The plane boards and exits from the rear so row 1 is not the best seat. For once the flight was very quiet and we took the short, 20 minute, flight to TLL arriving on time.
NoRRA plane to TLL by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrWe took a taxi from the airport to the Hilton Tallinn (€6) and checked in at the Executive Lounge while enjoying a glass of wine. As usual we were upgraded to a one room suite.
Hilton Tallinn suite by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrHilton Tallinn - view from lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrHilton Tallinn suite by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrAs it was still early and a nice, if cold, day we spent a few hours walking around the Old Town enjoying the sights.
Tallinn Old Town by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrTallinn Old Town by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrTallinn Old Town by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrWe stopped for an early supper at the Hell Hunt pub which is going to host a BA Forum "Do" in early May. Huge selection of beers and average food are on offer.
Hell Hunt, Tallinn exterior by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrHell Hunt, Tallinn interior by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrBack to the Hilton for a few drinks in the lounge before retiring for the night. Great views of the sunset from the lounge.
Hilton Tallinn - view from lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrBreakfast next morning in the lounge before heading back to the airport.
Hilton Tallinn Lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrHilton Tallinn - view from lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrArrived at TLL and checked in before using Fast Track. As TLL is such a small airport it doesn't really save any time. Up to the Finnair Lounge for a soft drink and a herring sandwich.
Tallinn Airport by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrTallinn Airport Finnair lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrTallinn Airport lounge - herring sandwiches by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrTallinn Airport - our plane coming in by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrTallinn Airport gate by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrTallinn Airport by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrVery full flight this time and lots of bags which caused a few issues. Luckily we just had a small bag between the two of us. Took off slightly late and landed at HEL at 13:10 and went through passport control to the Premium Lounge for a very quick glass of champagne. It's about a 10-15 minute walk to the lounge from the TLL arrival gate.
Finnair Helsinki Premium lounge by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrBoarded at Gate 37 at 13:45 to a nearly full business cabin. After a few people changing seats we settled down to a comfortable flight and a nice lunch of beef with pumpkin mash and salsify. Better than many BA J long haul lunches and no danger of running out of champagne!
Finnair Business class lunch HEL-LHR by https://www.flickr.com/photos/46144772@N00/, on FlickrLanded a little early at LHR and then the longest walk I can remember to a chaotic passport control. The only plus point is the long wait meant that our suitcase was already waiting for us.
And we are going to repeat this all again in a few weeks. ^
Apr 26, 2017, 6:04 am
#3
formerly southsidesilver
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: San Diego,CA
Programs: BA Gold, UA Silver, HH Diamond
Posts: 996
Nice pictures there. I have my first of 5 trips coming up for this starting in June. I will get the entire range over the summer.
BA319 , AY319, AY350, ATR, ERJ
BA319 , AY319, AY350, ATR, ERJ
Apr 26, 2017, 6:07 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Egham, Surrey, UK
Programs: Mucci Champion des Champions, BAG4L, *A Gold, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz Gold, Avis President
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We didn't have a great deal of time at T3 and were quite happy with a glass of champagne and the BA breakfast.
Our next trip in June is on the A350 so we will definitely try the CX lounge as the timings are better.
Apr 26, 2017, 10:00 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Egham, Surrey, UK
Programs: Mucci Champion des Champions, BAG4L, *A Gold, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz Gold, Avis President
Posts: 3,416
Have fun in TLL
Apr 26, 2017, 10:51 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 63
Jun 7, 2018, 4:20 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 712
To resurrect an old thread, I'm flying LHR-HEL-TLL next week (for legitimate reasons - the Tallinn TP run days seem to be over!) and I'm curious if I can make it a perfect straight through the T3 lounges, A350 and the supposedly very good Helsinki lounge with sauna. I figure a fair few BAECer's have tried it...
But I understand there's the schengen/non-schengen issue to contend with. Is it possible to use the sauna, non-schengen lounge? I've almost a 3 hour layover.
But I understand there's the schengen/non-schengen issue to contend with. Is it possible to use the sauna, non-schengen lounge? I've almost a 3 hour layover.
Jun 8, 2018, 1:44 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 732
To resurrect an old thread, I'm flying LHR-HEL-TLL next week (for legitimate reasons - the Tallinn TP run days seem to be over!) and I'm curious if I can make it a perfect straight through the T3 lounges, A350 and the supposedly very good Helsinki lounge with sauna. I figure a fair few BAECer's have tried it...
But I understand there's the schengen/non-schengen issue to contend with. Is it possible to use the sauna, non-schengen lounge? I've almost a 3 hour layover.
But I understand there's the schengen/non-schengen issue to contend with. Is it possible to use the sauna, non-schengen lounge? I've almost a 3 hour layover.
Jun 8, 2018, 12:22 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Baltic Sea
Programs: AY, BT, DY and SK. Scandic, Radisson, Marriott and HHonors. ClubONE
Posts: 5,890
To resurrect an old thread, I'm flying LHR-HEL-TLL next week (for legitimate reasons - the Tallinn TP run days seem to be over!) and I'm curious if I can make it a perfect straight through the T3 lounges, A350 and the supposedly very good Helsinki lounge with sauna. I figure a fair few BAECer's have tried it...
But I understand there's the schengen/non-schengen issue to contend with. Is it possible to use the sauna, non-schengen lounge? I've almost a 3 hour layover.
But I understand there's the schengen/non-schengen issue to contend with. Is it possible to use the sauna, non-schengen lounge? I've almost a 3 hour layover.
Jun 9, 2018, 5:11 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 712
Jun 9, 2018, 9:33 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Baltic Sea
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Posts: 5,890
2.3 Non-Schengen to Schengen
For most travelers arriving from a non-Schengen country and then continuing to Schengen, you need to clear both security and passport control, in that order. If you arrive from a clean (trusted) airport in the USA or EU (UK, IE, BG, CY, HR, RO) you pass only immigration, no security, as the authorities have deemed those security checks sufficiently tight. If you arrive from any origination city not deemed secured, be prepared for long walk along the edge of the building without any access to any WC. (even if your arrival gate is same as your departure gate)
At security they sometimes devote the first few lines to passengers on short connections. Access is based solely on how tight your connection really is. Sometimes there is a sign with entitled flight numbers, and sometimes an airport staff member will direct you. If your incoming is late, then it might be a good idea to look for it. If you have a normal short connection, don't bother. After the security you will be airside, close to gate 32, i.e., still in the non-Schengen area.
For most travelers arriving from a non-Schengen country and then continuing to Schengen, you need to clear both security and passport control, in that order. If you arrive from a clean (trusted) airport in the USA or EU (UK, IE, BG, CY, HR, RO) you pass only immigration, no security, as the authorities have deemed those security checks sufficiently tight. If you arrive from any origination city not deemed secured, be prepared for long walk along the edge of the building without any access to any WC. (even if your arrival gate is same as your departure gate)
At security they sometimes devote the first few lines to passengers on short connections. Access is based solely on how tight your connection really is. Sometimes there is a sign with entitled flight numbers, and sometimes an airport staff member will direct you. If your incoming is late, then it might be a good idea to look for it. If you have a normal short connection, don't bother. After the security you will be airside, close to gate 32, i.e., still in the non-Schengen area.
2.4 Non-Schengen to non-Schengen
Since you are not entering into the Schengen area, you do not need to go through the passport check. However, you do need to go through the security check before proceeding to your departure gate, unless you are arriving from a clean (trusted) airport in the USA or EU (UK, IE, BG, CY, HR, RO).
Since you are not entering into the Schengen area, you do not need to go through the passport check. However, you do need to go through the security check before proceeding to your departure gate, unless you are arriving from a clean (trusted) airport in the USA or EU (UK, IE, BG, CY, HR, RO).