zorn

Due to YOW-YUL shenanigans today we were rebooked on YOW-YYZ-LHR-MXP (key upgrade kept intact)

I haven't done a AC-BA transfer in a dog's age.

Is it best to transfer by bus? Does this avoid a security check?

UKtravelbear

There will be security to clear whether you remain airside (follow the purple flight connections signs) or clear the UK border and make the terminal switch using the landslide route.

lhrsfo

There's always a security check at UK airports when transferring from abroad - we don't trust any other country, just like in the US! As a general rule it's faster in T2 than T5 though.

TravellingChris

It's fascinating that the reverse isn't true. Canada treats UK aviation security as equivalent and certain itineraries to specific Canadian airports don't have to re-clear security after landing. For example, a passenger flying from London to Vancouver to Winnipeg on Air Canada will remain in the secure area after landing at YVR, make their customs declaration and then proceed to their gate for YWG without additional screening. At present it's only for AC itineraries from the UK, not British Airways or WestJet.

Canada has an official two-way agreement with the EU to recognize aviation security, whereas Canada unilaterally views US and UK security as equivalent to Canadian standards. But again, it's only with certain airlines and airports. (Most Canadian airports don't yet have sterile international-to-domestic transfer facilities.)

lhrsfo

So true, but the whole question of reciprocity seems to be alien to the powers that be. A good example would be the use of e-gates....

KARFA

yes i would stick to the airside route. going landside would mean having to go through immigration on arrival so an extra step really.

as this is one booking any checked bags should be checked thro.

as noted, on arrival to T2 follow the purple signs for connections to T3/4/5, get the T5 bus, and in T5 go through flight connections which will involve a bp check and security.

JimInOhio

One exception: the US trusts Canada security.

danib62

The US also trusts security in the Bahamas, Bermuda, Aruba, Ireland, and UAE.

UKtravelbear

Those are all locations (plus many Canadian airports) with pre clearance so you arrive in the US as a domestic flight,

You can bet your last $$$ that those locations make darn sure they meet US Security requirements.

ieChicago

Interestingly, until this year Ireland (DUB) had a second security check for all US-bound pax to fill in the gaps needed for US compliance - primarily removing shoes! This is now bypassed for pax originating in DUB, and only used for connecting passengers. It's a particularly confusing checkpoint as it has no magnetometers or body scanners, just X-ray machines for bags (and shoes), which greatly added to the chaos of the whole process.