Hello,
For an upcoming trip, we arrive at Heathrow from Dallas at 9:30 AM and then have to catch another flight from Gatwick at 4 PM.
My worry: Is 6 hours enough time to collect luggage, do customs and immigration at Heathrow and reach Gatwick in time for the next flight? Or, should we just take carry-ons?
We are a family of 4 and plan to take a cab. Any suggestions for dependable, reasonable cab services?
Thanks for any help, advice and pointers.
Six and a half hours is more than enough time. We used to have to do the Gatwick-Heathrow transfer every time (the British Airways Denver-to-London nonstop used to fly into Gatwick), and I've done it the other way, too, and it doesn't take nearly that long to deplane, go thru immigration/customs, wait for your luggage at the bag carousel (except in the unlikely event your bag doesn't show up because it was lost or misdirected), make your way to Gatwick, and check in there. We always used the handy, fairly frequent bus that goes between the 2 airports, but it's been a while, so I have no idea what the bus costs now. Don't dawdle at Heathrow, just so nothing slows you down, but you won't have to be in any big rush. Having carry-ons guards against lost or damaged luggage, but can limit what you bring, and checking bags when you check in in Dallas won't prevent you from making your Gatwick flight.
I presume this is on separate tickets without protection. Nevertheless this amount of tiime ought to be plenty - should you not be heavily delayed of course.
For singles or couples I'd recommend the coach service but for 4 a private hire car would be quite reasonable. The car journey itself in good conditions is about 45 mins. Don't have any experience of this to recommend a company though. Ensure the car is going to be big enough for you all and your bags to be in comfort.
Thank you, Cyn.
Marco, thank you! Actually they are tickets with BA miles - ticketed together :) So, assuming they are protected too? !
Yes they will be protected in that case, if you arrive late at Heathrow. I guess it is a destination not flown from Heathrow or there was a lack of availability.
90 minutes is on the pessimistic side of 60-90 from touchdown to walking through the frosted glass doors at Heathrow and 90 is on the pessimistic side of 45 to 90 for the drive from Heathrow to Gatwick, so you should be at Gatwick ready to check in by 12:30 which is loads of time to have lunch and a relaxing afternoon waiting to board.
With 2 hours for a domestic European flight check in you have about 90 minutes of fudge time.
Especially as your second flight is protected, I'd say you are golden.
Thank you, Nigel! So 'yes' to one checked luggage? :)
Any taxi-service that you would recommend?
