We have a return flight booked through AA in which they have put us on British Air for our flight from Malta arrives at Gatwick 1:25 but connects on AA flight out of Heathrow at 5:05 on a Monday afternoon. Is this going to be enough time using the bus??? Does anyone know if we miss the flight because it is two different airlines but booked through AA if they will take care of us? Thanks!
Posted by
Charleston, SC, USA
925 posts
That's a pretty tight connection considering you have to transfer airports. You have to go through immigration at Gatwick, take a bus for an hour and 15 minutes and then go through security at Heathrow. There is a pretty good post on this at TripAdvisor here:
In the post, they state: "Most airlines set a minimum connecting time of three hours for 'connecting ticketed flights'. (Meaning same airline on both legs). Having connecting tickets means the airline is responsible for you if the connection is not made. Your airline MUST rebook the next available flight for you FREE of charge and must pay expenses for hotels, food etc if required.
When using different airlines, you might want to consider four hours your minimum as neither airline, nor transfer operator, will assume responsibility for a missed connection, and all expenses would be at the passengers expense. "
For your situation, BA and AA often times codeshare flights so you are essentially on AA the entire trip. I do not know your specific flights, so I can't say whether codesharing is in effect. I would call AA and ask them specifically what they will do if you are unable to make the connection despite your best efforts. If you happen to be on the last flight out of Heathrow for the day, you will be stuck overnight if you can't make the transfer.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
Here is BA's page concerning the Heathrow-Gatwick run. https://www.britishairways.com/en-us/information/airport-information/flight-connections
It says the bus takes up to an hour and they run 80 a day so it may be a decent guess despite the foibles of London traffic. But your luggage is not transferred so you have to contend with a second check-in at Heathrow, part of the reason for the recommended three-hour time allowance.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5456 posts
The theoretical MCT is something ridiculous like 2.5 hours - but no one believes this today including airlines. Most work on 3.5 hours which indicates a little margin for you but not a lot.
Posted by
OP
Wilmore, Ky, USA
28 posts
Thank you for the replies! Going to cross my fingers and hope for the best.
Posted by
OP
Wilmore, Ky, USA
28 posts
Update we made the connection but by the time we got through security we arrived at gate just 5 minutes before boarding. A little to close for comfort. The international terminal is the last stop for drop offs! I would allow more like 4 hours so you don't feel like your on an episode of the Amazing Race:)
Posted by
Ohio
1601 posts
Thanks for the update.