I can't seem to get an answer from my travel agent. We have flights going to LHR with a layover of 1.5 hours with a transfer to Paris. Original flight is American and the second flight is BA. Will this give us enough time to get through customs.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5976 posts
Questions-
Is this all on one ticket?
Do you have checked luggage?
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
862 posts
Since American and British Airways are partners I’m assuming this is probably one ticket so that should give you enough time because your luggage will be checked through. Just follow the signs for connections.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I will have checked luggage. I assume one ticket since it is a partner airline.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5976 posts
Follow the purple signs.
Posted by
Chicago
734 posts
Your travel agent booked the flights and they can't answer the question??
The question about two separate tickets is important because if you have two
tickets and you miss the second flight for any reason, the airline may or may not
choose to accommodate you (more than likely they'd put you in the next flight,
but who knows).
The question about checked bags relates to the first question because if you are
checking bags on two separate tickets, you'll have to enter the UK (and perhaps
get an ETA) to claim the bags and recheck them to Paris. In which case your travel
agent should give up his/her commission immediately.
I don't think (although someone can correct me) that you will go through immigration
at LHR (you wouldn't go through customs in any case as that means you're entering
the country).
There is some chance you may need to go from T3 to T5 to catch your flight to Paris.
Just follow the "Flight Connection" signs and don't leave the secure area of either
terminal.
If it's all one ticket and you arrive at LHR on time, 1.5 hours should be ok.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
My travel agent didn't book the flights. Viking booked the flights.
Posted by
Portland, OR
1140 posts
1.5 hours is the minimum transfer time at Heathrow. That said, if you booked all on one ticket then it’s not really your problem. They will get you to your destination. I assume you land in and depart from terminal 5.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1196 posts
Whoever arranged the trip with Viking, be it you or a travel agent, needs to contact Viking to determine if the flights are on one ticket.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
862 posts
Actually, if you’re really worried, call American and ask them. If they can see the entire reservation then you’re done. It’ll probably be quicker to call them then go through Viking who’s probably isn’t even going understand the question so just call American
or take the confirmation number and go to the American website and put it in and look at the flights. I’d say your chances are very good this is one ticket.
And honestly, you can get through customs in about 30 seconds unless you’re smuggling. Now immigration if you’re having to come into France can take a while but since I expect all you’re doing is connecting, you shouldn’t be hung up there.