JDP1970

We値l be arriving in Business Class at LCY on BA8496 at 10:05 (Thursday in May). Having never used LCY before, I知 wondering how long we should allow to clear passport control (both UK citizens), collect our baggage and clear customs?

We値l be travelling onwards from Kings Cross & my plan is to take a Taxi/Uber from LCY to Kings Cross. I知 trying to work out a safe time to book the train from Kings Cross.

Any advice would be appreciated, though I must stress, we値l have 4 large suitcases plus hand luggage between the pair of us. So, I致e pretty much ruled out the DLR & Tube to Kings Cross.

Ldnn1

20 mins would generally be fine, 30 more generous. Obviously subject to any flight delays.

As you're from the UK I assume you're familiar with train ticket options, but in any post-flight situation it's generally better to book a flexible (Off-peak/Super Off-peak/Anytime) so you can jump on any train as needed. If you're buying an Advance, make sure the saving is worth it and you're leaving yourself padding room for delays.

chriswiles

I've not been to LCY for a couple of years, but when I did (2021) it was always super-quick. Almost zero delay coming through the airport and bags always delivered fairly quickly too. No customs to clear? Bit confused about that part.

SpurMan

Border control is usually only 5 - 10 minutes, and baggage claim depends a bit on which stand you come in to. That usually is only about 20-25 minutes though on a very busy day. If you say 40 minutes for both, that'll be more than ample time for even the slowest baggage delivery. In some cases I've been through UKBP and got my bags and been out the airport in 10 minutes!.

fluffymitten

There's not really much of a customs clearance to worry about. I actually don't remember it at all from my last flight into LCY from AMS. I'm sure some presence was there!

layz

Depending where they're going from King's Cross LNER might not offer (super) off-peak tickets.
They are doing a fares 'simplification' where only three types of ticket are available:

• Advance (booked train only)
• Semi-flex (up to 70 mins before or after booked train)
• Anytime (flexible)

This has meant at certain times of day trains are more expensive as you now need the anytime if you want any real flexibility.
The routes this trial is running on are London to Newcastle, Berwick and Edinburgh Waverley.
There is a trick though, if you book to a local station the old pricing is in force and you can get the (super) off-peak tickets.
For example instead of London to Edinburgh book London to Haymarket. Instead of London to Newcastle book London to Heworth you can still alight at your intended station doing it this way and then it avoids the 'simplified' fares.
Another way of doing it is split ticketing as the only time these trial fares appear is if you book exactly onto a trial route.

ROE100

To add to details about LNER - I bought advance tickets and yes left a large gap between arrival into LCY to Kings Cross but of course no delay on the plane and for us DLR so went to the LNER customer service desk at Kings Cross and asked if we could get a earlier train - Yes that will be ｣10.00 and was able to get 2 reservered seats facing forward. So instead of waiting for over 2.5 hours for our booked train we were on our way within 30 mins of the change of ticket.

corporate-wage-slave

I was in LCY yesterday, and there were agents in the Customs channel area - however they were checking bags that had been delayed from a previous flight, so no customer to collect them. It's the area immediately after the e-gates - the baggage area is straight on but you have to double back into the customs zone to get to the exit door.

Ldnn1

Thanks for this. I knew LNER was scrapping return fares but didn't know about the new semi-flex replacing off-peaks. As a fan of OP/SOP fares generally, I doubt I'll want to see this more widely.

fluffymitten

That sounds familiar! I'm glad there's always someone here with a far better memory for these things.

flarmip

In a sense there's no harm in booking an Advance. If everything goes to plan you save money. If you're running late, you can change your Advance to a different train (provided you do so before departure time) and just pay the difference to the cheapest available fare - worst case scenario it's the walk-up fare you would have paid anyway. Normally you also have to pay a ｣10 admin fee, but if you book using CrossCountry's website or app this is free.
@layz 's suggestions re: LNER's sham "trial" are also worth noting to avoid being overcharged.

EJetter

If so that means things have changed since Tuesday, when customs was to the right of the baggage carousels and led out in between Pret and Soul and Grain. The area after passport control was an empty space previously housing the border. I'm struggling to picture where an alternative exit in this space could emerge landslide.

corporate-wage-slave

Yes, the exit point is the same, I may be not describing it very well, but in the final stretch of space before the doors which most people would walk through before getting to landside / Pret, the customs desk is to the right.

JDP1970

Thanks to all who have replied. Based on what's been said, I'm going to book advance fares on LNER for 12:33.

rcspeirs

Getting from LCY to Kings Cross will be quicker (and much cheaper) by DLR then Northern Line. Bank station has had major work over the last couple of years and the interchange from DLR to Northern (which used to be horrid) is now very easy, multiple escalators or lift available. So it's entirely feasible with luggage unless you really are hauling steamer trunks.
Obviously traffic at 10am isn't the worse, but nor will it be free flowing, especially as you approach Aldgate area.
If it is any encouragement, LCY has the highest public transport use of any London airport. More than two thirds of passengers use the DLR.
Where do you need to get a train to? You can still buy off peak tickets for LNER - for example if you need Edinburgh you can buy an Off peak ticket to Haymarket.