Help! 2 mobility challenged 'mature' ladies connecting Heathrow T5-T3

Posted by marci.pinkerton.mp on 08/27/17 06:09 PM

My sister and I will be returning from a river cruise next April and are routed through Heathrow. Our flight from Zurich (AA6470) lands 10:25 T5. We switch to AA0081 leaving T3 12:50 to DFW where I thought we would be going through customs.

Such a wealth of forum info that I'm lost. Get our bags or not? Go through customs or not? Customs in UK and US? How to get mobility transportation through the many steps in the connection process?
My sister's put me in charge of transportation...no pressure there (younger siblings - you'll relate). We're also investing $$$ for premium economy which is only available on AA0081 so making that connection is paramount!

Many thanks in advance,
Marci

Posted by Lola

Seattle, WA

08/27/17 06:47 PM

17429 posts

Your bags will be checked through from Zurich to DFW and you will transfer "airside" between terminals using a dedicated bus. You will not go through immigration or customs at LHR at all. There will be additional security checks at T3.

You can see the actual steps n the Heathrow "flight connections" page, but your April flights have not been loaded in yet.

If you are truly mobility-challenged, you could request assistance from the T5 gate of your first flight to the bus. T3, and then assistance from the T3 entry point to security and onward to the gate. Or just do the first part. T5 is huge and can involve a lot of walking.

Posted by Suki

08/27/17 06:50 PM

11569 posts

No passport control as you are not staying in the UK. No Customs to declare as you declare what you bought abroad when you enter US, if US citizens.
Go to the Heathrow Airport website and look for "Heathrow Connect." Enter your two flight numbers and it will guide you very clearly from terminal to terminal. They have this worked out so well with buses waiting to take you from your flight to the next terminal. I am pretty sure you go through security again. Your luggage will be tramsferred by your airline.
Let the airlines know that you have mobility issues. Call American Disabilty Assistance and talk to them to add it to your reservation if you didn't enter it at the time of booking.
Have a good trip!

Posted by Chris F

Basel, Switzerland

08/27/17 07:16 PM

8889 posts

VERY IMPORTANT. Make sure you tell the airline you are mobility impaired, and if you want wheelchairs.
To answer individual points:
As this is both "AA", I assume this is one through ticket. In which case:

You will get all your boarding cards at Zürich, no check-in at Heathrow.
You will go through passport control at Zürich for exiting the Schengen Area. This is where your passport will be checked and if necessary stamped.
Forget customs, no customs on exit, and customs on entry in Europe is nothing.
Your luggage will be checked through from Zürich to your final destination, you will not see it at Heathrow.
You will stay "Airside" at Heathrow. You will not (legally) enter the UK.
You will do an "airside" transfer between T5 and T3. This is where you need to tell them in advance that you are "mobility challenged".
You stay "airside" at Heathrow, so no passport checks.
You will do US immigration and customs when you land in the USA.