Arrival time to GLA airport

It's less than a 15 minute drive in early morning, according to Google Maps. You would need to be at the airport 2 hours before your flight, since it is a domestic flight. So a taxi around 0545 should be fine. Make it 0530 if you want to pad the time.

Glasgow Taxies are who our company uses if a taxi is needed. At that time in the morning you will need to book.

For the departure, my guess is 'international'.

Just checking August 5 departures, there are 18 flights leaving the hour before your time and 21 flight leaving the hour after. It sounds like a busy time.

Mustlovedogs, have you thought about getting an airport hotel for that last night? When I was in Scotland, my flight from Glasgow left around 6:30 AM, and I did not want to have to deal with coming from town. So I booked a room at the Holiday Inn Express there. The price was very reasonable, the room was very clean and comfortable, and best of all, they started serving a continental breakfast at 4 AM. So I was able to grab something to eat before I took the 3 minute walk to the airport. It was so much nicer than having to worry about getting the train to the airport. They also had a decent restaurant there so I was able to get something to eat in the evening.

In terms of timing, I got there at 4:25 AM, but that’s because the gate agents don’t get there until 4:30. For an 8 AM flight, I believe you would be required to be there three hours earlier. .

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. I had forgotten I posted this question on flyertalk, too, way back when I got the tickets, so more advice, but different opinions.

The folks on there suggested getting to the airport 2 hours early. One reply said the desks don’t want people checking bags before then due to space and you would just hang around the airport if you got there earlier than that. Hmmmm. I am feeling I would feel more secure pushing it closer to 3 or maybe splitting the difference and arriving at the airport 2.5 hours early- at 5:30 am. So book the taxi at 5:15 am from the hotel?

Mardee, I had considered doing that stay near the airport. Still might rethink it. As we will have Wednesday part day in Glasgow (coming from Edinburgh in the am), with Thursday is our Rabbies tour, Friday was going to be our full day in Glasgow. I was thinking if we stayed in town on Friday, we could see more of this city and not have to worry about checking out then getting to a new hotel on our last night. But… being close the morning before has its advantages as you discussed.

I’m sitting here watching videos of “How to make connections at Heathrow”. This is our first international connecting trip. Earlier tonight I TRIED to pre-book the taxi using Glasgow Taxis app.(thanks MC) I ended up actually booking the taxi at that moment. I thought when I hit continue it would take me to a page where I could pick a date/time…. No. I get “Your taxi is on its way”. I scared the dog when I started saying “ No, no, no!” Fortunately I could immediately cancel. The struggle is real with this travel novice, you guys! :)

Let me think on this one a bit.

Just adding an opinion, although I haven’t flown out of Glasgow. While Mardee’s idea of an airport hotel is a good one - and one I use from time to time - it could be that it doesn’t match your scenario. It would be convenient in one way and inconvenient in another since you would have to check out, leave luggage, and change locations. Both are doable - so it’s just a personal choice. For the 2 or 3 hour airport arrival question, I would most likely split the difference.

Just an FYI while you decide on your arrival time - the GLA website FAQ states that all flights within the UK are considered domestic, with a 2 hour arrival time. Up to you if you want to get there earlier.

I scared the dog when I started saying “ No, no, no!” Fortunately I could immediately cancel.

LOL, this fellow novice appreciates this story! ;)

And don't be too worried about your connection at Heathrow. Just follow the signs and you'll be good. It's not that intimidating in real life. I've done in twice in the past 2 years, most recently this past April. And it was easy peasy.

London Heathrow Connecting Flights

While Mardee's approach is valid I think it is ultra-conservative given how close the airport is to the City, and she certainly wouldn't have been taking the train as GARL was never built.
It isnt in the middle of nowhere, like many airports.
While everyone takes the Kingston Bridge route there are a couple of other routes.
If I aimed to be there at 5.30 I might leave at 5, just in case the bridge was closed and I had to go round the houses.
Doing a pre ordered taxi may be needed if starting from home. Starting from Central Station I would be a bit less bothered. There is a rank at Central Station. I've been there at 4am for the first London train, and there has been no taxi shortage even then.
The back up plan is the airport bus, which runs 24/7- half hourly from 0335.

This is all great information, thanks so much. I’ve decided I’ll just stick with the plan of staying at the Motel One and securing a taxi for early the next morning. If I can pre book ahead of time I think I’ll still do that, but it’s comforting to know there is a taxi rank with availability, too, just in case. Good points, Stuart, about road/ bridge closures; they mentioned that over on the flyertalk website as well. Might ask for a 5 am- yawn- pickup.

I had a dream last night that involved LHR morphing into a Glasgow taxi driver arriving at our local grocery store trying to find me for pick up to go to the airport. I was at the refrigerated section when I heard the Scottish accent. Lol

We’re getting so excited for our trip, though! Appreciate all of the support!

My take as someone who has flown out of Glasgow a few times.

First thing to do is find out what time the BA desk opens. Don't assume it's going to be open at 6 AM.

I would try to check in online. Even with checked baggage this will save you time. If you can get your boarding passes ahead of time, you can go directly to the bag drop area with your luggage. If you can't check in online, use one of the kiosks at the airport to check in. Then go to the bag drop area. It is faster than trying to check in and check your bag at the same time. (Slower line than just bag drop.)

The last time I departed Glasgow a few months ago was an international flight and I got to the airport two hours ahead of time. Granted, I only had carry on, but i still had a full hour in one of the lounges before heading to my gate. The airport isn't that big.

Are you taking a BA flight to home and to what airport?

Your flight from Glasgow arrives at T5. If you are departing from T5, then you will just go to your next gate. If you depart from another terminal, follow the Flight Connection signs and you will be driven by bus, airside, to the next terminal. There is usually someone there to help you figure out which way to go if you have any questions. You shouldn't have to go through security.

Hi Frank, most of the information I have read about the BA desk in Glasgow (the airport website, etc.) says the desk opens 2 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before. If we got to the airport at 5:30 by taxi, then that should work. I will try to check us all in online before as you suggested. I assume that Motel One has kiosks in which to do that and print boarding passes? I booked all three tickets under my name. I downloaded the BA app, but have never used the digital boarding pass option, so that may be too out of my comfort zone. Hopefully I can get this done at the hotel to save time.

We connect at LHR then onto Dulles. It’ll be a long day for sure, but not as long as some of you all have had to do when going to the Midwest or West Coast. That’s a long day!