How long should I expect to wait to get baggage and clear customs at Heathrow in July? I am booking a car pick up and want to know how much extra time I need after landing.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
No one can answer this question with exactness as your plane might be late. Getting to baggage claim is a bit of a walk.
Baggage arrival can be a wait.
Lines to at immigration could be short or long.
Give yourself an hour at the VERY minimum as you also have to account for the time you will wait for the shuttle to take you to Perimeter Road and the rental car office.
I always give myself a 2 hour buffer but that's just me.
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
"Customs" is usually about a 10 second walk through..........Immigration on the other hand can be unpredictable, depending on number of flights landing and amount of Border Control officers on duty. Most reputable Car Services will monitor your arrival time and are usually aware of hold ups in the airport.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you so much for the info. First time over in 35 years. We are landing at Terminal 3 and was booking with Meadway. This car service was suggested by a friend. Any thoughts?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Give it two hours. If early you can have a extra cup of coffee and being a little late should affect a car pick.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
No doubt the Meadway car service you are using will want to know your airline and flight number so that the driver can track your arrival time and judge his pick-up time accordingly. At least that's what car services usually do.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5554 posts
Car pick up drivers usually park up somewhere outside the airport to avoid parking charges. They will monitor your flight and make an assumption on immigration and baggage times before going to the airport to meet you. I don't know of any meet and greet driver who would not do such basics.