Hi - We are coming in on Virgin (T3) at 10:40 am and are looking at a flight that departs on British Airways (T5) at 1:45 pm. We will not be checking bags. Do you think this is enough time to transfer through customs, terminals, etc.? Thanks!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2791 posts
Maybe... I like 4 hours on non protected connections And the "we are not checking bags" should be considered the plan, but not a guarantee.. Every week I see bags being gate checked because the overhead bins are FULL. If your luggage gets gate checked it goes to baggage claim at your destination
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Where are you coming in from and where are you departing to? This will determine whether or not you go through immigration, which will affect transit times. Heathrow Airport's website has detailed directions on changing planes, including recommended minimum connection times to and from each terminal. Just start at this page and put in all your information: http://www.heathrowairport.com/heathrow-airport-guide/flight-connections/connection-guides The catch is, what if your Virgin flight is late and that causes you to miss your BA flight? If they are bought on separate tickets, you'll have to buy a new, last minute, likely very expensive BA ticket. Instead, I'd look at getting a flight all on one ticket. This way, if your incoming flight is late, you'll be put on the next available outgoing flight to your destination, at no extra cost. If you've already bought your flight to London and can't do this, I'd allow a LOT of time, just in case.