november_moon

On an upcoming trip, I will be connecting through LHR - flying United from SFO and then BMI to Brussels. I've read that LHR is a bad airport to transfer through, but I am flying on an award ticket, so choices were limited. Does anyone have any advice to make the connection easier? My connection time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, so I shouldn't be rushed as long as my plane from SFO arrives on time - but just in case, I'd like to be prepared.

Thanks.

travelgourmet

Is this a single ticket? In other words, did you book this as part of your mileage redemption? If so, then stop worrying and have a great vacation.

november_moon

Yes, it is a single ticket. No, I am not worrying.

I asked a question seeking a bit of information.

janisj

What information do you want? You simply follow the signs for transit passengers. Your luggage will be checked through so not much of anything you can do to alter what happens . . .

yk

Hi november_moon

1) Find out which terminal you'll be arriving and which terminal you'll be departing

2) Go to BAA Heathrow website, then click on the link that says "FLIGHT CONNECTIONS" (in purple, on the R hand side of the screen). Enter your info about the terminals. The webpage will tell you exactly what you'll need to do (and expect) for the transit.

november_moon

Thanks yk - that is exactly the sort of information I was looking for.

janis - I am aware that there isn't much one can do to alter what happens, however, I was interested in information like will I have to collect my bags, go through customs and immigration, and then recheck them (similar to one's first arrival at a US airport, regardless of connections) or will they be checked through? Or will I need to change terminals and go through security again as at Hong Kong before making my connection? Perhaps my home printed boarding pass will be insuficient and I will need to go to the counter and get one printed before continuing through security. Upon arrival at Narita, international passengers are required to go through security upon exiting the plane. Connections are just easier when one knows of these sort of requirements in advance.

suze

Well personally, I love Heathrow. It's one of my favorite airports. I have always (5 trips, 10 times thru the airport) found it very easy and never had an issue there. You just follow the signage. Look at the map of the airport online in advance, or in the airline magazine just before you arrive.

Heathrow has absolutely world-class people watching, there's a place you can pay for a decent shower facility, great pubs, bars, restaurants, food to-go, loads of shops. I always buy an English tabloid newspaper because I think they're a hoot.

suze

Sorry november_moon, we were posting at the same time.

I can't help you with any of your detailed questions, as I don't know your exact situation. My luggage has always been checked thru, and yes I've always had to change terminals, but it was no big deal.

yk

Your luggage will be checked through. You are a transit passenger, so you DO NOT go through immigration or customs or retrieve luggage at Heathrow. However, you will go through security at your departure terminal.

UA and BMI are partner airlines/Star Alliance. When you check in at SFO, UA agent should be able to give you BOTH boarding passes. If for some reason you don't get the BP for your BMI flight, after you go through security check at Heathrow at your departing terminal, you will find airline desks where you can check-in for your BMI flight and get your BP.

misterfuss

I believe all Star Alliance carriers operate in the same terminal. You will have to go through security again though. I transferred at LHR a few months ago from UA to another carrier (Terminal 1 to Terminal 4) and it was easy. So, I imagine UA to BD would be easier.