hello, first time international flyer on the RS Heart of Italy tour in mid-September. Because I have a 'hefty' credit with American Airlines, I need to book thru them. There are somewhat limited choices going from FLR back to Seattle (at least that don't involve over 20+ hours of travel time). My primary choice is to fly from FLR to LHR and then a non-stop to Seattle. My question is there are 3 'reasonable" flights for this first leg; one has a 1h 20m connection window in LHR; the 2nd has a connection time of 2:40; the 3rd has a connection time of 8h. Do I book the first one and then if i miss it assume I can get on the 2nd or 3 flight? Too risky?? (having never flown into LHR I'm not sure what would be best and not make me super anxious about missing a flight). Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
thanks. unfortunately, flying to LHR would be just about my only choice from FLR...sounds like I should go with the 8h layover...sadly
Posted by
OP
21 posts
it would be a single ticket
Posted by
Bainbridge Island, WA
322 posts
I've made similar connections at LHR and I would avoid the 8 hour layover and take the 2 hr 40 min. connection - that should be plenty of time to make the connection even if the first flight is a little bit late. I've easily made connections at LHR with a 2 hour layover. The nonstop to SEA is definitely worth that LHR layover, IMHO. Also remember that they start boarding about 45-50 minutes before the scheduled takeoff.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
thanks. As long as I have your attention, how far out (or close) should I be purchasing. I'm thinking it's too early at the moment (9 months away); in your experiences is there an 'optimum' window?? (I've been checking everyday).
Posted by
Western Canada
3740 posts
I know nothing about American Airlines, but could you fly to Paris, Munich, Frankfurt or Amsterdam from FLR instead of to London?
Then home from one of those?
Or.. go to Rome , Milan or Naples by train from Florence, stay one night, fly home from there.
Lots of options other than London.
If choosing your London idea, the 2:40 connection will be fine, if both flights are booked on the one ticket.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
thanks everyone. very helpful.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1407 posts
How early in the morning is the flight for the 2:40 connection?
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7305 posts
Assuming FLR means Florence, that is most likely the problem. Florence has a very small airport and your options will be limited. Looking at flights from Milan will give you a lot more option. Even Pisa will probably be a better choice.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
it leaves FLR at 12:25pm; the Seattle bound flight leaves LHR at 4:30pm
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12343 posts
Is going to Rome and flying from there something you would consider?
If so, there are several flights from Rome that land in the US and then one more flight to Seattle.
Will you be in coach or something better? When I went through LHR ( precovid) biz class passengers had 'express lanes' to use getting from one gate to the next ( e.g., separate uncrowded escalators) No idea if that still exists to help expedite a transfer.
If you do select the 1 hr 20 min itinerary, I suggest using the restroom on the 1st flight before it lands so you don't have to 'detour' while making your way through the terminal. The 80 minutes is enough time but there is no margin for side trips.
Plug in you possible flights to see what the process is--
https://www.heathrow.com/connecting-flights
Posted by
OP
21 posts
yes, could go thru Rome, though adds time to the journey (florence to rome, rome to chicago, chicago to seattle). Alas, There's just no easy way to get back to the 'left' coast
Posted by
Land of La
9485 posts
Could you fly Rome to Heathrow and book a direct flight to LAX and then a separate flight back to SEATAC?
Posted by
Minneapolis
164 posts
There are plenty of options to Sea, it’s just that locking in OneWorld alliance is limiting you.
Since you are paying with a voucher, there’s no need to time your purchase. If you avoid basic economy, just get a voucher refund if the price drops.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1826 posts
Spend a hundred dollars and fly FLR to FRA. Then you have a 10 hour direct flight into SEA.
Don't forget, if you fly through the UK you now have added paperwork and a fee that has to be done prior to.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12343 posts
fly FLR to FRA. Then you have a 10 hour direct flight into SEA
AA does not fly FRA-SEA
OP states "Because I have a 'hefty' credit with American Airlines, I need to book thru them "...
I think OP has found the best solution with the FLR-LHR-SEA routing