Flight connections from T3 to T5 help
Oct 4, 2011, 6:38 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: UA 1K, AA EXPLAT, UA MM, DL Gold
Posts: 146
Flight connections from T3 to T5 help
Hello experts. I am a bit concerned about an upcoming connection I have this Friday morning. I am traveling UpperClass from Boston Thursday night on VS12 arriving at 7:20am Friday morning. I need to connect to T5 to catch the 8:50am departure of BA to Paris (economy). I booked as separate tickets and I know that BA and VS don't interline. I won't check bags, and I'm a fast walker.
I know that 1 1/2 hours is the minimum recommended connection time from T3 to T5, but are there any special recommendations to make my transfer as smooth as possible? I know that if my VS flight is delayed I will have a big problem. Your expect guidance or assurances would be appreciated. Special lines, secret time savers?
I know that 1 1/2 hours is the minimum recommended connection time from T3 to T5, but are there any special recommendations to make my transfer as smooth as possible? I know that if my VS flight is delayed I will have a big problem. Your expect guidance or assurances would be appreciated. Special lines, secret time savers?
Oct 4, 2011, 8:24 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Scotland
Programs: # Neodymium #
Posts: 968
Arriving into T3 off VS Upper Class - you should be given a fast track pass for immigration.
To get to T5, you will need to catch the Heathrow Express train. Head for signs for Heathrow Express.. check the correct platform (there are 2) for trains to Terminal 5. Train is free; no barriers or tickets or such req.
If you're running late, speak v nicely to BA check-in in T5.. they sometimes help you with getting a later flight if you're honest, humble and pleasant.
EDIT - Yes, I am completely wrong.. see below! Sorry!
I missed the "no check bags" bit. If you had baggage, then the above applies.
To get to T5, you will need to catch the Heathrow Express train. Head for signs for Heathrow Express.. check the correct platform (there are 2) for trains to Terminal 5. Train is free; no barriers or tickets or such req.
If you're running late, speak v nicely to BA check-in in T5.. they sometimes help you with getting a later flight if you're honest, humble and pleasant.
EDIT - Yes, I am completely wrong.. see below! Sorry!
I missed the "no check bags" bit. If you had baggage, then the above applies.
Last edited by McCoy; Oct 8, 2011 at 11:00 am Reason: EDIT - Yes, I am completely wrong.. see below! Sorry!
Oct 4, 2011, 9:10 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 37
Arriving into T3 off VS Upper Class - you should be given a fast track pass for immigration.
To get to T5, you will need to catch the Heathrow Express train. Head for signs for Heathrow Express.. check the correct platform (there are 2) for trains to Terminal 5. Train is free; no barriers or tickets or such req.
If you're running late, speak v nicely to BA check-in in T5.. they sometimes help you with getting a later flight if you're honest, humble and pleasant.
To get to T5, you will need to catch the Heathrow Express train. Head for signs for Heathrow Express.. check the correct platform (there are 2) for trains to Terminal 5. Train is free; no barriers or tickets or such req.
If you're running late, speak v nicely to BA check-in in T5.. they sometimes help you with getting a later flight if you're honest, humble and pleasant.
Oct 4, 2011, 9:58 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Los Angeles, New York, Lisbon-Portugal
Programs: BA Gold, UA Premier 1K, Amex Plat, GlobalEntry
Posts: 844
This is correct. And a question.
Follow the signs that say FLIGHT CONNECTIONS, don't use the FAST TRACK voucher (keep it for another flight). As long as you're not checking bags you can scoot right to the bus to T5 and you'll make the transition. Last time I did it within 30min tops.
Oct 7, 2011, 8:48 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: UA 1K, AA EXPLAT, UA MM, DL Gold
Posts: 146
Successful Transfer!
I just wanted to report back and let you know how things played out. It took 30 mins (just like Backdoc said) to get out the front door of my aircraft, walk from what seemed like the farthest possible gate to the transfer bus, transfer to T5, get my ticket checked, head up the escalator and make it through security. I didn't really encounter a line throughout the entire process. I did use my arriving Virgin Upperclass boarding pass to get me into the Fasttrack security line once in T5 which saved me a little time. There was also a point earlier where they do a document check that I could have also possibly tried the Fasttrack line but didn't bother.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.
Oct 7, 2011, 6:30 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Los Angeles, New York, Lisbon-Portugal
Programs: BA Gold, UA Premier 1K, Amex Plat, GlobalEntry
Posts: 844
:)
I'm glad it worked out since I'll be doing the same thing on Oct. 19th. 
It makes such a huge difference if you can just bring carry-on's since you don't have to enter the UK but just transit. The bus system works very well. Entering the country and then re-entering security after picking up checked bags is just a waste of time.
Steve
It makes such a huge difference if you can just bring carry-on's since you don't have to enter the UK but just transit. The bus system works very well. Entering the country and then re-entering security after picking up checked bags is just a waste of time.Steve
I just wanted to report back and let you know how things played out. It took 30 mins (just like Backdoc said) to get out the front door of my aircraft, walk from what seemed like the farthest possible gate to the transfer bus, transfer to T5, get my ticket checked, head up the escalator and make it through security. I didn't really encounter a line throughout the entire process. I did use my arriving Virgin Upperclass boarding pass to get me into the Fasttrack security line once in T5 which saved me a little time. There was also a point earlier where they do a document check that I could have also possibly tried the Fasttrack line but didn't bother.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.
Oct 10, 2011, 8:29 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Los Angeles, New York, Lisbon-Portugal
Programs: BA Gold, UA Premier 1K, Amex Plat, GlobalEntry
Posts: 844
??
Could you explain how you used your Virgin Upper Class Boarding Pass to get you into the Fasttrack line at T5? Did you use the Fasttrack voucher you got on board or your Upper Class boarding pass?
Inquiring minds want the extra time-savings for next week!
Thanks,
Steve
Inquiring minds want the extra time-savings for next week!
Thanks,
Steve
I just wanted to report back and let you know how things played out. It took 30 mins (just like Backdoc said) to get out the front door of my aircraft, walk from what seemed like the farthest possible gate to the transfer bus, transfer to T5, get my ticket checked, head up the escalator and make it through security. I didn't really encounter a line throughout the entire process. I did use my arriving Virgin Upperclass boarding pass to get me into the Fasttrack security line once in T5 which saved me a little time. There was also a point earlier where they do a document check that I could have also possibly tried the Fasttrack line but didn't bother.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.
Oct 11, 2011, 11:17 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Enough to travel better
Posts: 2,020
I just wanted to report back and let you know how things played out. It took 30 mins (just like Backdoc said) to get out the front door of my aircraft, walk from what seemed like the farthest possible gate to the transfer bus, transfer to T5, get my ticket checked, head up the escalator and make it through security. I didn't really encounter a line throughout the entire process. I did use my arriving Virgin Upperclass boarding pass to get me into the Fasttrack security line once in T5 which saved me a little time. There was also a point earlier where they do a document check that I could have also possibly tried the Fasttrack line but didn't bother.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.
I will say, however, that I have previously gone through the T5 process before and had experience lines at every point so was happy that it was rather quiet.