Query --> We are flying SEA to LHR and landing @ 7am then catching a flight from LHR to FCO that departs at 8:30am (same day). When will we clear customs? Both in London and in Rome? and is that enough time? *They are on two separate tickets but both BA and we are doing carry on only. thanks!
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
RCO? I never know all these Airport initials. Does everyone else know?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Sorry typo - I meant FCO (Rome).
thanks!
Posted by
Sunnyvale, CA
149 posts
Obviously Julia meant FCO. I think the time is a little bit too tight. Even though your flight arrives on time at 7am, chances are it may sit on the tarmac for another 20 to 30 minutes to get off the plane. While you do not need to go through immigration, you are subject to clear security and it may get crowded very quickly. And, if you were lucky, you might be picked out randomly for an additional security check and end up being the last passenger to board your next flight.
Been there, done that 8-(
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Okay - thanks for the insight! appreciated.
warmly
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6860 posts
Short answer: nobody can say for sure, but that looks too tight to me. If anything goes sideways (outbound flight is delayed; headwinds enroute; gate is blocked on arrival and you sit waiting for a gate; etc.) you could easily miss the next flight. Gotta ask yourself: how bad would that be/what are the consequences?
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Customs is irrelevant, that is the check on the contents of your suitcase, which is a random check only, 95%+ don't get stopped.
What you should be worried about is immigration (passport control).
Q1) Are these flights from the same terminal?
Q2) Is there any way you can get BA to merge these into one ticket, or at least check in and get your boarding cards for both flights at SEA (wherever that is)?
- You should be able to get from one flight to the other "airside", without going through immigration. You then go through Schengen Area immigration in Rome.
- 90 minutes is borderline. If this is two different terminals it might not be possible.
- If you cannot get BA to merge the tickets, you risk loosing your Rome flight if your incoming flight is late (very possible for long haul) or there is any other delay.