What time to get to LHR?
Dec 4, 2019, 5:47 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2018
Programs: Flying Blue, BAEC, VAFC, IHG Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 389
What time to get to LHR?
Planning for a February trip, flying from LHR to SPU via FRA, and the first leg is on LH, leaving at 0830.
Now, I'm conscious that this is non-Schengen to non-Schengen, and I figure that if there are any immigration issues it'll be at SPU.
Looking at night-before options, I have family in East London, or the option of an hotel in the LHR area, or the insane possibility of a drive down on the morning.
Would an arrival in the terminal of 0700 be enough, or would that be madness? Flight's out of T2.
Now, I'm conscious that this is non-Schengen to non-Schengen, and I figure that if there are any immigration issues it'll be at SPU.
Looking at night-before options, I have family in East London, or the option of an hotel in the LHR area, or the insane possibility of a drive down on the morning.
Would an arrival in the terminal of 0700 be enough, or would that be madness? Flight's out of T2.
Dec 4, 2019, 6:57 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,344
Schengen and immigration is not particularly relevant to when you arrive at LHR.
If you have fast track, no checked bags and have your boarding pass ready even an 0730 arrival into T2 would be acceptable. Obviously, you can't guarantee this if driving several hours. If travelling by tube from East London I would aim for 0700
If you have fast track, no checked bags and have your boarding pass ready even an 0730 arrival into T2 would be acceptable. Obviously, you can't guarantee this if driving several hours. If travelling by tube from East London I would aim for 0700
Dec 4, 2019, 10:10 am
#4
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK*G, Lots of Blue Elsewhere
Posts: 13,611
I always do 90 minutes at T2 (no fast track mostly, but no checked luggage either) and this is plenty time to settle down for a cuppa (or cannoli and chinotto from the Italian place) then get some food to carry on board.. Actually, as I'm usually flying SAS, I often have time for several cuppas...
But it's going to be how you get to the airport that's key. The M25 can throw up some nasty surprises even at 7am.
But it's going to be how you get to the airport that's key. The M25 can throw up some nasty surprises even at 7am.
Dec 9, 2019, 6:42 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2018
Programs: Flying Blue, BAEC, VAFC, IHG Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 389
Thanks very much for this. I'll have a look and see what options I have. I flew out of T2 about a year ago, and I seem to remember it's not a bad terminal as big airports go.