We are traveling to Scotland and London and are looking to book our flights on British Airways. We would be flying into London Heathrow and then straight on to Edinburgh. Returning we are taking the train to London and flying home from Heathrow. When I look at the British Airways site offerings of flights they have one that puts us into Heathrow at 7:20 am and then on to Edinburgh at 10:15 am. That connection is their suggested offering. I am concerned that less than two hours between our flights will not be enough. Disregarding whether our transatlantic flight is late as I know that risk will be up to us to take or not, can anyone tell me if that is enough time to make our connection between the flights? We land at terminal 5 and the connecting flight leaves from terminal 5 but will we have to go thru immigration at that time or can we stay inside the security zone and not do that until Edinburgh? Also will we have to collect our luggage at Heathrow and move it to the next flight if both flights are booked at the same time with British Airways? It seems like a short time to make that connection if we have to do anything besides walk between the gates but it is the schedule they seem to be suggesting is best. I appreciate any help anyone can give me as I am tasked with making the arrangements.
Also, we are four mature ladies and when we return to Heathrow for the flight home we will stay at an airport hotel the night before but would like to know if there are any recommendations for a limo service from our central London hotel to the airport. We decided the cost would not be too bad split four ways and will be much easier than the tube or a bus. Or would a taxi just be better?
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
Two hours at Heathrow is fine for a connecting flight to Edinburgh.
You will you through immigration at LHR and, providing they let you in, you simply go to the connecting gate. Your luggage will be checked all the way through to Edinburgh, so no need to retrieve and re-check.
Regarding car services, www.blackberrycars.com and www.justairports.com are often mentioned on these forums.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17563 posts
Since BA is selling that ticket it is a legal connection. If for some reason your inbound flight is late and you miss the Edinburgh flight, you are protected because it is a single ticket. They will put you on the next available flight.
Posted by
824 posts
Judy,
You'll be fine. If there is a problem, there are plenty of other flights to Edinburgh so don't be too stressed.
You will be processing Passport Control which is technically the other side of security. You'll have to re-process security to get back to the air-side so make sure you are prepared with all electronics ad liquids out for inspection. Depending on how "mature" those in your group are, you could pre-arrange, with your airline, for mobility assistance for one or more in the group. This tends to expedite things a bit...
Unless you have a really early flight in the morning, I would stay in the city and ride the Heathrow Connect of Express in the morning of. It is quite convenient and you don't waste your last evening in an airport hotel.
Posted by
UK
1015 posts
Am I missing something? Getting into Heathrow at 7.20am then onto Edinburgh at 10.15 is a three-hour connection, not two hours.
Posted by
Freedonia
16420 posts
Go to the Heathrow Airport Flight Connections website, enter your flight information for both flights, and it will give you step by step instructions on what to do when you arrive at Heathrow.
Posted by
Washington DC
28249 posts
I was wondering about the time thing, too. We need for the OP to clarify whether one of the two times was a typo.
Posted by
OP
Palatine
72 posts
Sorry. I really didn't funk math but I apparently don't proofread very well. The Edinburgh flight leaves at 9:15 am. It sounds like the two hours will be enough time. I'm happy to know we don't have to worry about the luggage at Heathrow.
We're mature enough to think we should be spoiled but not mature enough to qualify for assistance. As for the car to Heathrow we're just trying to make everything as easy as possible and not have to worry about getting to the airport in the morning if traffic is bad.
Thanks for all the help.