Some advice please. We will be flying into LHR on an overnight flight from the US on Virgin Atlantic. From what I can determine at this time (still a month out) this flight # lands at terminal 3. We have booked separate tickets, with a 4.5 hr layover to be safe. We fly out of (again at this point) terminal 3. We will need to collect bags and recheck the bags for the BA flight to Oslo. Do we have to exit security and then go through security again after checking bags? How about customs is that also necessary? This is only our second international flight so not sure how the check points work. Thank you!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8123 posts
If you need to retrieve your bags and recheck them, then yes, you will need to leave the secure area and then go back through security.
To do that, will mean going through immigration to enter the UK, then going to baggage claim, finding the check-in desk, rechecking bags, back through security, and on to your gate.
Immigration can vary greatly as to time. The new e-gates work really well, but if 5 or more planes land at the same time, there is still a line. Security back in can also vary greatly. I would think 4.5 hours would be sufficient, providing your US flight does not arrive late.
If you could manage to do carry-on only, and will have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, then it is much easier, you just look for the connecting flight signage, you will have a quick security check, but possibly no immigration. You stay in the secure area.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5865 posts
1) You will go through immigration (passport control). If you are US citizens you can use the egates. Pay attention to the signs so that you get in the right queue.
2) You will pick up your luggage from the baggage carousel and exit through customs.
3) You will go to the check-in area for BA and check your bags
4) You will go through security
5) You will wait in the post-security area of T3 until your departure gate is posted on the departures board; you will then proceed to the gate to board.
Posted by
OP
Florida
134 posts
Thank you! It sounds like it is lucky I booked a 4.5hr layover.