Hello,
We’re flying from Edinburgh to London (Heathrow) on BA, landing at Terminal 5. We then fly out of Terminal 2 on United to return to the US. I’m getting conflicting info about whether we can use the bus to transfer between terminals. Any advice? We have several hours between flights. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Freedonia
19226 posts
There are a few variables.
I'm guessing these are two separate tickets.
Do you have checked luggage? If yes, then you will have to retrieve the luggage and then check it in with United at T2. So, no bus since the transfer area is before baggage claim.
If you just have carry on, and you have the United boarding passes, you can use the bus.
However, even though you are coming from another UK airport, by using the bus transfer you might still have to go through security at T2.
Posted by
OP
Kansas
14 posts
Thanks for replying. We have carryon luggage only. Cheers!
Posted by
422 posts
you go through security even within the flight transfer area (as well as at Edinburgh). The real question, which doesn't seem to be answered on the Heathrow website is departure passport control because you won't go through that at Edinburgh. But if you have the United boarding pass there is no reason why you can't try following the purple Flight Connections signs, the worst that can happen is that someone will say no. Actually the website does say that you can obtain the boarding pass at a desk inside Flight Connections if you can show the itinery to security but tends to assume that everyone travels with one airline and has checked bags.
If you are foiled in your attempt to use the airside transfer you still get a free transfer - but by train. Leave T2 arrivals and go to the central public transport area and either the Underground or Heathrow/Express entrances. With Underground to open the gates you tap in with a contactless payment method and tap out at T5 - this is recognised as a free ride but if you don't tap out you get charged the daily maximum. With Heathrow Express/Elizabether line ignore all the HX ticket touts in the tunnels and also the main ticket machines, next to the gates are some different machines for free transfer tickets, just press the button and take the ticket to work the gates. Make sure the train is going to T5!
Posted by
Freedonia
19226 posts
At Heathrow, if you arrive from a UK airport, and depart from the same terminal, you don't go through security. I have done this.
I have yet to see a flight transfer desk at Flight Connections.Have your boarding pass as they will check.
If you have to use the HEX or Elizabeth Line, all trains stop at T2,3 from T5. The same for the Underground.
The entrance to the Underground is closer to T2 than the HEX/Elizabeth line. I passed it about 45 minutes ago.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1514 posts
If you look at the Heathrow website, they have a Connections Guide. You enter your two flights, and they tell you everything step-by-step.