Best UK/EUR Airport with UA Service to Land At?
Jan 8, 2018, 12:22 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,901
Jan 8, 2018, 12:22 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,585
from LAX to ???
Hello folks! Knowing only enough to be dangerous I hope this basic question will not irritate much. Mods, please feel free to move it if its not in the right place.
I am trying to plan a trip to England/Scotland in 2019.ADD: Thank you for the questions LAX Planning to fly J, no status, will have access to UA club via Chase Bank charge account. Final destination (still up in air): St. Andrews, Scotland or London itself.
I am trying to plan a trip to England/Scotland in 2019.ADD: Thank you for the questions LAX Planning to fly J, no status, will have access to UA club via Chase Bank charge account. Final destination (still up in air): St. Andrews, Scotland or London itself.
I get that you have not been to Europe before. Let me tell you - any European airport I have visited is better than LAX.
Let's see. LHR, BRU, MUC, MXP, DUB, VIE, BUD, VCE, CDG, CPH, & OSL are all much nicer than LAX (IMO). Seriously, if I was in your shoes, I would try to avoid cnx. in FRA & KEF where its crowded (like in LAX).
BTW, if you are reading the headlines, try to avoid cnx. in JFK as well!
Last edited by Antonio8069; Jan 8, 2018 at 12:23 pm Reason: addition
Jan 8, 2018, 1:02 pm
#19
Community Director
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Norwich, UK
Programs: A3*G, BA Gold, BD Gold (in memoriam), IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 8,476
LHR T2 has probably the quickest security of any in Europe, with the possible exception of the First Wing BA operate in T5. I would be amazed if there’s more than a 3 minute queue through Fast Track.
I do have the advantage of an UK passport, and therefore are less affected by immigration queues, but I don’t particularly ever recall seeing massive queues in non-EU lines.
So yes, there is a reasonably long walk from T2B after you land - but you’re looking at 10 minutes, not half an hour. The Underground station is extremely close. I would expect to be in central London within an hour of stepping off the plane.
Going back out, the UA lounge is absolutely excellent. There’s no issue getting a seat. T2 is operating well within capacity so there’s never a problem at the gates - it’s a well designed terminal.
Whatever you’ve read on the internet, disregard it.
I do have the advantage of an UK passport, and therefore are less affected by immigration queues, but I don’t particularly ever recall seeing massive queues in non-EU lines.
So yes, there is a reasonably long walk from T2B after you land - but you’re looking at 10 minutes, not half an hour. The Underground station is extremely close. I would expect to be in central London within an hour of stepping off the plane.
Going back out, the UA lounge is absolutely excellent. There’s no issue getting a seat. T2 is operating well within capacity so there’s never a problem at the gates - it’s a well designed terminal.
Whatever you’ve read on the internet, disregard it.
Jan 8, 2018, 1:10 pm
#20
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Gold, BA, HHonors, Avis
Posts: 192
Hmm, I found check-in pretty unpleasant, but that was for either Lufthansa or Swiss I think. No space at all with long lines of pax getting in each others way. After check-in it was okay but I think I'd choose LHR terminal 2 any day.
Jan 8, 2018, 1:26 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 13,573
What Antonio said - I find LAX far and away worse than any of the UK airports. I am not super keen on CDG, so wouldn't recommend that - I certainly think Heathrow is better than CDG.
if you ultimate destination is Scotland, then both Glasgow and Edinburgh are fine - not particularly fancy, and certainly a lot smaller than Heathrow. Cannot comment on United lounge / flight connections though.
I would fly to where you want to go, and rest assured that there is nothing that bad about UK airports. Especially with a business class ticket!
if you ultimate destination is Scotland, then both Glasgow and Edinburgh are fine - not particularly fancy, and certainly a lot smaller than Heathrow. Cannot comment on United lounge / flight connections though.
I would fly to where you want to go, and rest assured that there is nothing that bad about UK airports. Especially with a business class ticket!
Err, let's see if I have this correct? You want to fly out of LAX, and are worried about conditions in European airports??
I get that you have not been to Europe before. Let me tell you - any European airport I have visited is better than LAX.
Let's see. LHR, BRU, MUC, MXP, DUB, VIE, BUD, VCE, CDG, CPH, & OSL are all much nicer than LAX (IMO). Seriously, if I was in your shoes, I would try to avoid cnx. in FRA & KEF where its crowded (like in LAX).
BTW, if you are reading the headlines, try to avoid cnx. in JFK as well!
I get that you have not been to Europe before. Let me tell you - any European airport I have visited is better than LAX.
Let's see. LHR, BRU, MUC, MXP, DUB, VIE, BUD, VCE, CDG, CPH, & OSL are all much nicer than LAX (IMO). Seriously, if I was in your shoes, I would try to avoid cnx. in FRA & KEF where its crowded (like in LAX).
BTW, if you are reading the headlines, try to avoid cnx. in JFK as well!
Jan 8, 2018, 1:46 pm
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 51
Err, let's see if I have this correct? You want to fly out of LAX, and are worried about conditions in European airports??
I get that you have not been to Europe before. Let me tell you - any European airport I have visited is better than LAX.
Let's see. LHR, BRU, MUC, MXP, DUB, VIE, BUD, VCE, CDG, CPH, & OSL are all much nicer than LAX (IMO). Seriously, if I was in your shoes, I would try to avoid cnx. in FRA & KEF where its crowded (like in LAX).
BTW, if you are reading the headlines, try to avoid cnx. in JFK as well!
I get that you have not been to Europe before. Let me tell you - any European airport I have visited is better than LAX.
Let's see. LHR, BRU, MUC, MXP, DUB, VIE, BUD, VCE, CDG, CPH, & OSL are all much nicer than LAX (IMO). Seriously, if I was in your shoes, I would try to avoid cnx. in FRA & KEF where its crowded (like in LAX).
BTW, if you are reading the headlines, try to avoid cnx. in JFK as well!
. If you reread the post I am answering the questions asked by the person who wrote the first response to my question, and he has "LAX" in his screen name.
Jan 8, 2018, 2:03 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YQR
Programs: Nexus/GE, UA/MPG, Bonvoy Tit, LTP
Posts: 1,294
Jan 8, 2018, 2:39 pm
#24
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Maine
Programs: UA Gold, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Plat, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 706
Thank you for your responses so far, I greatly appreciate them.
Since the Internet never lies
I have read on several different sites (airliners.net is one I read often) that UK airports are truly awful, mostly for the reasons I stated in my first post. And while I know some of may information may be vague it is because finding J awards f4rom the US to the UK/Europe are very, very difficult to find, and I am really not interested in exploring Scotland/England when the temperature is from 0-5 C! I would be willing to make the sacrifice of a multi-hour train ride from CDG (for example) to get the tickets, especially if an open jaw or excursionist perk is more likely that a direct A-B flight.
Since this might be my only opportunity to see part of Europe/UK, if I had to go somewhere else to get where I want to go that is not necessarily a problem. Better to be flexible than commit to only one place, it seems to me. That's why I asked if there is an airport that has a level of ease of use/service than others.
For example, LHR is probably a great airport in many ways for a foreign tourist to use, unless the crowds are massive, security/immigration is slow, and transport out is a problem. I don't mind long walk in airports, but I do mind having to stand around because there are no seats at a gate, or if there are so many stores travelers trying to make a gate are delayed by shopping or other roadblocks that shouldn't be there (IMO). Maybe I just read too many posts by too many jaded flyers who fly so much there is little joy left in the experience of flying, or remember a idyllic time in the past when things were different/better than they are now.
Since the Internet never lies
I have read on several different sites (airliners.net is one I read often) that UK airports are truly awful, mostly for the reasons I stated in my first post. And while I know some of may information may be vague it is because finding J awards f4rom the US to the UK/Europe are very, very difficult to find, and I am really not interested in exploring Scotland/England when the temperature is from 0-5 C! I would be willing to make the sacrifice of a multi-hour train ride from CDG (for example) to get the tickets, especially if an open jaw or excursionist perk is more likely that a direct A-B flight.Since this might be my only opportunity to see part of Europe/UK, if I had to go somewhere else to get where I want to go that is not necessarily a problem. Better to be flexible than commit to only one place, it seems to me. That's why I asked if there is an airport that has a level of ease of use/service than others.
For example, LHR is probably a great airport in many ways for a foreign tourist to use, unless the crowds are massive, security/immigration is slow, and transport out is a problem. I don't mind long walk in airports, but I do mind having to stand around because there are no seats at a gate, or if there are so many stores travelers trying to make a gate are delayed by shopping or other roadblocks that shouldn't be there (IMO). Maybe I just read too many posts by too many jaded flyers who fly so much there is little joy left in the experience of flying, or remember a idyllic time in the past when things were different/better than they are now.
Jan 8, 2018, 4:17 pm
#25
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Portugal
Programs: *G, VS Silver, HH Diamond
Posts: 631
In regards to EU/UK airports, after flying MCO, EWR, JFK, ATL, and IAD, etc I'd take both MAN and LHR over the American airports any day... I have a thing about T2 LHR right now though so I'm biased. KEF is pretty bad at times regarding crowds. CPH is wonderful if you're down by the C/D gates (before you reach passport control). Luggage can be a bit slow but I've had checked bags some 15 times with SAS last year without any issues whatsoever. LGW reminds me of MCO in not a good way. Nothing like American airports in my opinion.
Last edited by AStarr; Jan 8, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Jan 8, 2018, 4:26 pm
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,026
The more I read about UK airports the more I'm convinced they are across-the-board awful, with massive problems everywhere from baggage claim to security to tiny seating areas at gates because the airport authority turns their concourses into malls to sell stuff, making getting around the airport a pain.
Jan 8, 2018, 7:22 pm
#27
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Houston
Programs: UA 1K and Million Miler, *A Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hertz Five Star,
Posts: 1,301
Thank you for your responses so far, I greatly appreciate them.
Since the Internet never lies I have read on several different sites (airliners.net is one I read often) that UK airports are truly awful, mostly for the reasons I stated in my first post. And while I know some of may information may be vague it is because finding J awards f4rom the US to the UK/Europe are very, very difficult to find, and I am really not interested in exploring Scotland/England when the temperature is from 0-5 C! I would be willing to make the sacrifice of a multi-hour train ride from CDG (for example) to get the tickets, especially if an open jaw or excursionist perk is more likely that a direct A-B flight.
Since this might be my only opportunity to see part of Europe/UK, if I had to go somewhere else to get where I want to go that is not necessarily a problem. Better to be flexible than commit to only one place, it seems to me. That's why I asked if there is an airport that has a level of ease of use/service than others.
For example, LHR is probably a great airport in many ways for a foreign tourist to use, unless the crowds are massive, security/immigration is slow, and transport out is a problem. I don't mind long walk in airports, but I do mind having to stand around because there are no seats at a gate, or if there are so many stores travelers trying to make a gate are delayed by shopping or other roadblocks that shouldn't be there (IMO). Maybe I just read too many posts by too many jaded flyers who fly so much there is little joy left in the experience of flying, or remember a idyllic time in the past when things were different/better than they are now.
Frankly, if I am J class seats for the trip I can live in anything that is a lie-down seat. So flying EWR-EDI on a 752 or 763 instead of a 789 EWR-LHR doesn't matter,
Your answers are very helpful and thank for taking the time to answer my questions.
Since the Internet never lies
I have read on several different sites (airliners.net is one I read often) that UK airports are truly awful, mostly for the reasons I stated in my first post. And while I know some of may information may be vague it is because finding J awards f4rom the US to the UK/Europe are very, very difficult to find, and I am really not interested in exploring Scotland/England when the temperature is from 0-5 C! I would be willing to make the sacrifice of a multi-hour train ride from CDG (for example) to get the tickets, especially if an open jaw or excursionist perk is more likely that a direct A-B flight.Since this might be my only opportunity to see part of Europe/UK, if I had to go somewhere else to get where I want to go that is not necessarily a problem. Better to be flexible than commit to only one place, it seems to me. That's why I asked if there is an airport that has a level of ease of use/service than others.
For example, LHR is probably a great airport in many ways for a foreign tourist to use, unless the crowds are massive, security/immigration is slow, and transport out is a problem. I don't mind long walk in airports, but I do mind having to stand around because there are no seats at a gate, or if there are so many stores travelers trying to make a gate are delayed by shopping or other roadblocks that shouldn't be there (IMO). Maybe I just read too many posts by too many jaded flyers who fly so much there is little joy left in the experience of flying, or remember a idyllic time in the past when things were different/better than they are now.
Frankly, if I am J class seats for the trip I can live in anything that is a lie-down seat. So flying EWR-EDI on a 752 or 763 instead of a 789 EWR-LHR doesn't matter,
Your answers are very helpful and thank for taking the time to answer my questions.
Jan 8, 2018, 7:45 pm
#28
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: WAS-ish
Programs: UA 1K-MM + UC, Marriott Plat, National Exec
Posts: 1,341
Just to confirm what others have said: there is nothing at all wrong with Heathrow. Especially if you are in J. Arrivals Lounge access when you arrive, Fast Track security and immigration, a very good United Club when you depart, and direct access to the London Underground as well as the Heathrow Express train to a major train station.
Plus, United has a LOT of flights from LHR, so if yours is cancelled or delayed, no problem getting rebooked.
Plus, United has a LOT of flights from LHR, so if yours is cancelled or delayed, no problem getting rebooked.
Jan 9, 2018, 6:11 am
#29
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold, Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 2,330
In all honesty, I think that both LHR T2 & T5 are far better than most of US terminals.
I think OP refers to recent problems with snow & ice in Winter which can happen everywhere (FRA was also closed but I'll take LHR T2&5 any time over FRA T1 or T2).
I think OP refers to recent problems with snow & ice in Winter which can happen everywhere (FRA was also closed but I'll take LHR T2&5 any time over FRA T1 or T2).
Jan 9, 2018, 6:15 am
#30
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
What about United airlines 'service' at European airports?
For example, there are dedicated agents at LHR to handle IRROPS or weird situations. Less at outstations (usually limited to +/- 4 hours to when a flight is departing). Is this something you as a traveler take into consideration when you travel on United? Or do you rely on the 1K line?
For example, there are dedicated agents at LHR to handle IRROPS or weird situations. Less at outstations (usually limited to +/- 4 hours to when a flight is departing). Is this something you as a traveler take into consideration when you travel on United? Or do you rely on the 1K line?