The joys of Heathrow, part 1

Hmm.

In July 2022 Couldn’t been easier at LHR flying back to LAX. Long line outside Terminal 3. Virgin Airlines employees handing out water. One of them looked at me and asked “ carry on?” I said “ yes.” She said
“ follow me.” Passed everyone standing in line. Went through the terminal doors, turned Left and she pointed to some stairs. “Take those to the 2nd floor, turn right and keep going. You’ll enter the VA departure area. Have a safe journey.” VA has been my preferred LAX to LHR airline since Branson began the company.

The return arrival just as good:

July 2022 trip was the Easiest and fastest departure I have ever had from “ Hell on Earth: LAX”

Carry on luggage. Off the plane, 15 minute walk, easy Global Entry moment, used the hidden restroom, walked outside and immediately boarded the shuttle to the Uber/Taxi island. Never had such a positive LAX experience in 30 years of flights from there.

Thanks for this info. Flights I'm considering for later this year are Delta and Virgin and I had been wondering about this.

Claudia I agree, I really enjoyed my VA flight (if such a thing is possible). In premium econ we got an amenity kit, comfy seats, great legroom, and good food with real plates and silverware.

The salt and pepper shakers were shaped like little airplanes, I thought how cute I bet a lot of people keep those and sure enough on the bottom is printed NICKED FROM VIRGIN ATLANTIC.

OK, so you've got your boarding pass. Now the fun continues at the British version of TSA. Be prepared to empty almost everything you own into the small ziploc bag the airport employee will give you. They are stricter than our TSA about what they have to inspect, it's basically any kind of toiletry you would buy at a Boots - not just liquids, but gels and creams and solids like Chapstick. They have lots of signs posted and the employees are chanting a list of do's and don'ts, the rule of thumb here is to overshare and let them tell you walk it back. Also be prepared to remove belts and shoes, and take your time reassembling after you've run the gauntlet.

Once into Terminal 3, you'll think you're in a giant shopping mall. They really really push the duty free and shopping aspects of your trip. Do some research beforehand if you're tempted, I read a recent article that said duty free really isn't such a thing anymore except sometimes on booze and ciggies. But then you have to remember to fetch said items and then you have to schlep them home. Also be aware that the first few stores seem to be the only ones, but as you walk on you will see endless rows of designer brand locations. It's actually hard to buy something like just a magazine or a bottle of water with all the high end shopping.

If you've got lounge access, follow the signs. Most of the lounges are clumped together, but not all. And if you're doing Amex lounge through a credit card, they are way way across the terminal all alone - I guess they were the last in and got the worst location.

The gate for our flight wasn't posted for the longest time, as in starting to get worried. Finally they put up the number, and I noticed that several other flights had the same gate number which was odd. It turns out that at Heathrow they play a little game where you get to your "gate" and in fact it's a series of 3 or 4 "gatelets" so be doubly sure you're standing at the right gatelet for your flight. This is also when we discovered that we would have the pleasure of waiting for a bus to take us to our plane which is docked at a remote stanchion. Again, keep your eyes and ears open when a bus pulls up because it might not be for your flight; the communication here was poor.

After driving for what seemed like an hour (I expected to see Big Ben appear), we got to our plane and now the new adventure was ... no jetway! Yes, at a major airport with a major airline, we climbed a long steep flight of stairs outside onto our plane. Very old school, and so not good if you have mobility issues (they must have a way to deal with that but I didn't see it). So don't necessarily pack away your winter clothing or raingear since you might need it. They really should have warned us about that.

My rule of thumb is to go to the counter of the airline operating the flight, not necessarily the one you bought your ticket through. Regarding the bus to the plane, welcome to Heathrow. I most often fly to Heathrow from Baltimore and the plane always parks away from the terminal and one takes a bus to the terminal, then start the walk to immigration. On our September trip we waited on the plane for 35 minutes before the busses showed up. I’ve waited as long as an hour for the busses to show up. The flight from Washington Dulles always goes right up to the terminal; no bus. Everything you’ve mentioned is typical Heathrow and probably very informative to anyone who hasn’t experienced it.

This brings back memories, especially the line about having a hard time just buying a bottle of water and a magazine. And the bus ride that seems interminable; ITA (that used to be Alitalia) likes to use buses at FCO and you’d swear your back in the city by the time you disembark.

I guess I’ve been lucky. I don’t recall having to use a bus for any of my long haul flights at Heathrow. Only for a short haul intra UK flight to Scotland. It can be a long walk to passport control but I do not have any trouble walking and after a long flight from the west coast it feels good to stretch the legs and get the blood flowing again. My last arrival there in May 2022 I was off the plane, through the e gates and baggage claim and on the inter terminal train in 30 to 40 minutes. I’ve spent longer than that just waiting in the passport control line in the pre e gate era. So I’m not complaining.

For water, snacks magazines and books look for the WHSmith stores. Boots will also have water. Pret will have water and food. Pret’s lines can be long but they seem to move quickly.

If you are flying Virgin business class or have status do spend some time in their lounge which they call their clubhouse. Very nice place to relax have a nice meal. Spacious and very good service when I was there.

I use flighaware to check flight status. It has an easy to use function where I can see if the aircraft my flight is scheduled to use has arrived, is in flight or delayed. I believe it also shows the gate number before the monitors in the terminal do. But it is probably preliminary and subject to change.

Oh phred, thanks for the memories! So funny, that I just read your posts out loud to my favorite guy! With the exception of the boarding pass debacle, we’ve shared your adventures with Heathrow security and the last minute gate number posts. I am a rule-follower, and always do my best to respect what’s needed from me, but it’s never been enough for Heathrow security. I’ve had my carryon searched in detail, removed electronics per the sign only to be told with distain, “Don’t pay attention to the sign!” and I’ve been “dusted” for explosive residue twice. By the time they post gate numbers, we usually are almost running, and we always wonder how folks who might have to move a bit slower even get there in time! And on a bus to board a flight…the bus driver got lost on the tarmac!
Soooo..we try to avoid Heathrow lol!

"now the new adventure was ... no jetway! Yes, at a major airport with a major airline"

Many of the World's major airports use remote stands and its not restricted to LHR; AMS, SIN, FRA and CDG spring to mind. Try doing it in 30 > 40 degree heat at DXB, MNL and AUH.

The reason you didn't have TSA on your bosrding card is probably because they didn't have your trusted traveler number. A quick trip back to the VA counter could have fixed this.

When buying a codeshare flight, it's best to think of the selling airline (Delta) like a travel agent and deal exclusively with the operating airline (VA). All you need to do is get your operating airline's record locater. It will be different from the one given by the selling airline.

The same for check in. Operating airline rather than selling airline.

Heathrow security is strict. I'm stopped 9 out of 10 times because the want to look at something small. Two days ago I went through secutity with a lot of little things I was returning to the U.S. Sailed through.

Normally shoes don't have to be removed at Heathrow security but you'll see American after American doing so.

If you have TSA pre-chek you might see it printed on your boarding pass out of the UK even though it's not available there. Yet, there are always those demanding to know where it is. And nasty when told it's not available. They wave their boarding card.

Chapstick is considered a gel so it needs to go in the 3-1-1 bag.

I like the Heathrow 3-1-1 bag. It has handles.

Also be prepared to remove belts and shoes, and take your time reassembling after you've run the gauntlet.

In all the years post 9/11 I have only had to remove my shoes at Heathrow on one occasion and that was in the early days when security concerns were so heightened. Belts, yes, still have to do that now simply because there are so many belts available for sale with concealed knives.

As for the bus and steps to the aircraft scenario, I have never experienced that at Heathrow. Most likely because it's almost always either BA or Virgin that I'm flying and they pay the most for the slots. If you find yourself having to take the bus and stairs to your aircraft then blame the airline, they're not paying enough!

@JC - our flight from Baltimore that always pulls up to the stand is British Airways. The bus to T5 is about a 5 minute ride. I’ve love to know how it decides which flights stay out at a stand and which pull up to the terminal.

If you know how Heathrow operates, then none of this is as big of a deal as this post makes it out to be. I suppose it could seem strange to someone who had never been there before or read multiple posts here on the forum about how to transit the airport.

Key things to be aware of
1. Security: Make sure all liquids are in their plastic bag and easy to access when you pack your bag. It takes just a minute to pull out the bag and place it in the bin. No big deal. Empty any water bottles you filled in flight. Put out tablets and laptops.
2. Gates are announced closer to the time of departure. Start moving to the gate area as soon as it is announced.
3. Sometimes remote stands are used.
4. Use the Underground if you need to transfer between terminals.

The e gates at passport control are well signed and easy to use. It has made passport control far quicker and easier than before..

@JC - our flight from Baltimore that always pulls up to the stand is British Airways. The bus to T5 is about a 5 minute ride. I’ve love to know how it decides which flights stay out at a stand and which pull up to the terminal.

That's interesting. We flew BA from Baltimore way back in 2016 however I'm struggling to remember the arrival process so whilst I have no recollection of ever deplaning by stairs and bus at Heathrow it may have been the case back then.

BA almost always uses the bus for international flights. Every time I come to Heathrow, I get to ride the bus. Entertainment can include entitled people from Club World getting angry at attendants and bus drivers when they have to ride with Premium Economy passengers. Had one family who accused the BA attendants of racism because the bus filled with Club World passengers left without them and they were "forced" to ride with lower class passengers(true story).

As for the rest, as a frequent transfer passenger I've always found the signage and people at Heathrow quite helpful about where to go. Just wish they opened gates a little earlier like the US. I

BA almost always uses the bus for international flights

That's simply not true. They have almost exclusive use of T5 and pay the premium for slots at the other terminals. Whilst there may be flights that use a bus the vast majority arrive at a gate. I've been flying BA internationally from Heathrow for over 25 years (15 of which included flights to and from the US) and cannot recall ever having to take a bus to the terminal.

Just to follow through on the codeshare confusion ... the best rule of thumb is to stay flexible. If you start with Airline A and they say no you need to talk to Airline B, talk to Airline B. Don't be surprised when they say Oh no you need to talk to Airline A, so go back and talk to Airline A. Eventually you will get a boarding pass which is all that matters.

Last year leaving CDG, we dealt with Air France both beforehand and at the airport and then boarded a plane which was ... Delta metal with a Delta crew, which made sense since we had booked through Delta. Again, it's part of the joy of travel.

Yes we could have gone back to Virgin and asked for new boarding passes with Precheck on them, but seriously ... we were already halfway into the TSA's maw and were not about to go back and start over.

Phred, I like your description of 'gatelets'. I almost got on a flight to Newark, not SFO, last month at Heathrow (Terminal 2) – the long boarding lines for both were merging together, and I asked someone if this was 'boarding group 2' and they said yes, so I quickly got in line ... got up to the final check (after which you go into the jetway thingy) and my ticket scanned red – oops, that was the flight to EWR, boarding at the same time at the same gate (!). Phew! scurried back to the line for SFO, which was literally about 6 feet away.

Thanks for this discussion Phred.

I am getting ready to book round trip travel.

I can fly either Delta or American. Delta will put me on Virgin to London and American will put me on BA. I will be coming home from Lisbon. American will put me on American and I am not certain who Delta puts me on. Maybe Delta???

Delta will cost me about $300 more but I do not need to pay for choosing a seat. If i fly American, I will have to pay extra to choose my seat on BA in advance.

Phred, what do you suggest. And anyone else I am glad for your opinion.

I have asked for advice about air travel previously but now I am ready to do it. I have done the research and want to book but I can not decide Delta or American.

I'm a BA person, but I'd go with Delta and Virgin just for not having to pay for a seat.

I can fly either Delta or American

What cabin will you be flying?

If it's business and the flight is with BA I'd pick BA if the aircraft has the new suite as it's a huge improvement on their old product. If it's the old style then Virgin Upper Class is much better.

Premium Economy, I'd go for Virgin likewise Economy.

From Baltimore I fly BA because it’s a non-stop flight. Since Covid, there are times of the year the BA flight doesn’t fly from Baltimore and I’ll fly the non-stop BA out of Dulles (1.5 hours drive). That flight pulls right up to the terminal. No bus! For the past couple years we’ve been flying premium economy for the extra legroom.

When flying to other parts of Europe and if wanting a non-stop flight, it’s normally United out of Dulles, but United is usually more expensive than some other airlines. For an upcoming trip we’re flying BA from Baltimore to Heathrow then on the Frankfurt. Even after paying for seats it was less expensive than the United non-stop out of Dulles. Now we just have a layover in LHR.

We flew in and out of Heathrow recently, no problems at all. Much like any other airport. No buses on arrival, a short tube ride to our gate for departure (Terminal 5, BA). Those asked to remove their shoes, of which I was one, triggered the airport scanners. If anyone really wants to complain, try using Pearson Airport.

I flew Virgin prem econ and heartily endorse it. In fact I endorse all premium cabins because you get a better seat, I couldn't care less about the other "amenities." It's money (or miles) well spent.

Been flying VA ( LAX to LHR ) since forever.

Gave up Economy in the Clinton years.

Premium Economy. Chose the same seat each flight.

Worth the money IMHO.

My favor LAX story was on my return from Turkey during the Obama years. The immigration guy looked at my arrival card and thrice asked “ why you bring in Turkey?” I kid you not. Explained I had visited Istanbul in the country of Turkey. He didn’t get it till I raised my voice saying “ the country of Turkey, “ and the adjacent immigration officer walked over, smirking and informed his colleague I was to be admitted.

Thinking Geography wasn’t that Immigration employee’s best subject.

One nice thing about Heathrow is that their giveaway plastic bags are a bit roomier than our quart Ziplocs, so I got a couple extras, and that’s what I’ve used for liquids/gels/pastes on every flight, everywhere. Easier for that extra Chapstick, slightly talked shampoo container, etc.

One less-nice thing about Heathrow Terminal 3 the perfume sellers at the “shopping mall.” The last time there, many sales clerks were spraying competing brands of fragrances at us while we walked down the passage - the only route thru the terminal at that point. They weren’t sparing the spraying. It was as if we were being fumigated, and was pretty unpleasant. Someone with breathing problems would have likely fared even worse.

With all the varied perfume brands being sprayed simultaneously, it was hard to identify one aroma from another, so even if the spraying had been appreciated, it couldn’t have been an effective marketing strategy for a particular fragrance. Bombs aren’t allowed at airports - and that should include perfume bombs.

J C

I always fly an economy or main cabin. I always fly one that allows me to choose my seat, allow one carry on and allow one checked. I never fly the least expensive but close.

I also have an American Citi credit Card and Delta American Express credit card so I get perks when i use my credit card.

But if I book through American, I believe that I get. senior discount since there is an option for Seniors over 65 years old when you type in number of passengers . However I may have to prove age so that means I would have to check in at counter which could hold me up. Info says I might have to prove age so I do not know what is mean by might .

Oh for the days someone expected me to prove I was a senior……….

Believe me, Carol.

You can look at me and see that I am no Spring Chicken. All you need to do is look at the face but still I might be required to show I D with my birthdate on it.

We also love Virgin PE. Whenever I go through Heathrow, I grab a few extra bags. That way, I can organize my liquids in them when I pack instead of in the TSA line.

But if I book through American, I believe that I get. senior discount since there is an option for Seniors over 65

American doesn't have senior discounts ... that's probably a way to collect data on who's flying.

Hi DQ

American does offer senior citizen discounts but it is not widely advertised.

I am attaching one link about AA's program.

https://www.flycoair.com/blog/senior-citizen-discount-on-american-airlines

I have to put in my age when I book a flight. There is an option for 18 - 64 and then 65+. When I choose 65+, I get a notification that I might have to prove my age.

I am not told there is a discount but I assumed there was. Why then would I have to spend time at the counter checking in to prove that I am over 65.

Unfortunately, that link above is NOT to any respected travel source but a link to Flycoair.com, a third party (and likely third-word) online travel agency that has horrible reviews and has no reason to know and pass on any discounts on the tickets that it buys and re-sells

Larry

I book directly through the airline i.e. aa.com. I never go to a third party. This was just one of many links that write about getting a discount of aa if you are over 65.

I am adding another link about AA's discount for seniors.

https://www.joincake.com/blog/american-airlines-senior-discount/

I have regularly used American, as Philadelphia is my home airport and it is the major player. there I am over 65. AA does not ask on their booking for 18-64 or 65+, simply number of passengers. I dutifully give AA my DOB when completing bookings as this is required for identification. No discounted price has ever been given for senior status. Nor has any other airline provided a discount for me for 65+.

I believe this is all wishful thinking from airline bloggers, as I have yet to see any airline itself directly advertising "Seniors over 65 get discounts."

Hello Larry & D Q

I went through another trial run with American

Immediately I got an option for passenger 1 and age was broken down to between 18 - 64 or 65+

I continued with 65+ and I got the following message:

"Age verification may be required at the airport for Child & Senior fares."

The above message is while I am still on aa.com and "booking travel" or pretending to

I have a Citi Credit Card that partners with AA and I am American Advantage. Or maybe it is the flight that I am booking. I am flying to London and flying home from Lisbon.

Maybe that is why I am possibly allowed some kind of discount on AA. I am never told that I am getting or have gotten a discount.

BostonPhil ... do 2 separate tests, one with the 65+ checked and the second without ... the fares will be the same, no senior discount.

thanks DQ

It does not tell me that I was given a senior discount. I may try the test. In any case, the amount of the air fare is acceptable discount or no discount

I continue to also consider Delta which puts me on Virgin and Delta says nothing about any discounts

Okay, this will be my first time flying into Heathrow, and only my second time internationally (Rome, pre-COVID). What's a 3-1-1 bag?

Thanks!

@ Charlie Spencer
https://www.tsa.gov/videos/travel-tips-3-1-1-liquids-rule

Safe travels.