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Heathrow layover/connecting flight - timing

Posted by on

Hello -

Will be flying from Zurich to LHR in later September, then connecting for flight to Denver/USA (I'm a US citizen), then on to Los Angeles. On the flight to Denver, I'm lucky enough to be flying First on a BA flight. I would like to be able to take advantage of lounge access, etc. at Terminal 3. Some info/questions:

  • BA flight from Zurich arrives LHR at 11:15am at Terminal 5.
  • Departing BA flight is at 2:40pm from Terminal 3
  • The process to get to Terminal 3 looks pretty straightforward, but any tips would be appreciated.
  • I assume there's no 'secure' way to get to Terminal 3 - so will have to go through security again, yes?
  • Will be checking bags in Zurich. Will they be checked all the way to Los Angeles? Flight from DEN to LAX is on American if that makes any difference.
  • What is approximate time it will take to get from plane at Terminal 5, through Customs and over to Terminal 3? I realize this may fluctuate due to other planes landing same time at Terminal 5. Just a rough idea,

Thank you

Posted by
2588 posts

The following assumes that Zurich to LAX is all one ticket.

The Heathrow flight connection planner explains what happens at LHR.

https://www.heathrow.com/flight-connections

You will go through security but not passport control as you do not cross the UK border.

How long will it take from T5 to T3? Long enough to make the transfer but don’t hang around in T5, get yourself promptly to T3.

Bags checked at Zurich will be collected at your point of entry in the US (Denver).

N.B. If the itinerary is made up of separate bookings then the above does not apply and you’re on your own.

Posted by
5436 posts

The UK CAA doesn't trust anyone else's security so you will always need to go through it on transfer, unless starting from another CAA regulated airport.

Do the change airside though via the buses on the transfer route.

You can use the first class lounges of any Oneworld airline in T3 - or hop between them if you have time.

I echo the above in this is suggestions for connecting flights, not two separate back-to-back ones.

Posted by
17284 posts

You do not "go through customs" at all if you bag is checked through. You follow the purple Flight Connections signs directing you to the bus that will transport you airside to T3. You will go through security there, as Marco explained. There should be a Priority line you can use as you are traveling First Class. You will then be free to find the BA lounge in T3 to await the posting of the gate for your flight.

We have done the transfer from T5 to T3 in 45 minutes, gate to gate.

Posted by
9 posts

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Marco - I don't quite understand this: 'Do the change airside though via the buses on the transfer route.'

Posted by
5436 posts

In other words follow the transfer route, not arrivals.

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