featherwatcher

My mother is arranging a trip for us for next Spring. We are flying back from Athens to DFW by way of Heathrow on British Airways. It has a 1hr 25-minute layover in Terminal 5, changing planes only (not terminal). Is this sufficient time, in your experience? We are carrying on our luggage.

Thank you,
Barb

greg

Are you sure you are carrying-on your luggages? Heathrow has above normal carry-on restrictions.

featherwatcher

I checked the BA website and they are back to 2 pieces of luggage (one carryon plus tote bag/lap top size).

http://www.britishairways.com/travel...n/public/en_us

Is that not accurate?

Barb

travelgirl2

I'm not sure about the time needed to change planes in Heathrow, but what if your flight from Athens is delayed?

flanneruk

85 minutes, today, is below the BA legal time for a connection at T5.

But they've always said they intend reducing that minimum time as T5 beds in, and might well already have decided to do so for next spring.

It really doesn't matter much what people on this board think. What matters is whether BA will book this journey on one ticket. If they will, and there isn't some third party selling two separate tickets, then if your incoming flight is late, they'll move heaven and earth to get you to Dallas. If it's two separate tickets, the risk of something going wrong is there, and if you miss the flight you're on your own. At Heathrow, it's not just a question of walking from one gate to another. We don't trust foreign security checks, and all arriving passengers have to go through security again before being allowed on a plane.

Do triple-check, though, whether your proposed carry-ons meet the LHR rules. They are enforced, even if another airport's allowed excess carry on through.

eliza3

I wouldn´t risk it. I have been bumped by BA, on the one ticket, for missing my check in for the next flight by one minute. Did they move heaven and earth - quite the contrary, they seemed to enjoy that they had totally messed up my getting home for Xmas last year.

I avoid Heathrow, any terminal, at almost any cost. But if that is not possible, I would allow 3 hours.

featherwatcher

Thank you for your replies. I found out that this flight option is being offered with the cruise package. I'm not quite sure what to do since we're staying an extra day after the cruise and this was the only ATH to DFW option (through the cruise line) for our departure day. To book the flight home ourselves would cost twice as much. It's still 8 months away and more flight options may become available.

But now I see a stricter baggage requirement with our flight to Europe on Lufthansia: a carry-on 21.6 x 15.76 x 7.8 inches? 17.6 pounds? I pack light, but I don't find any bags offered that are less than 8" deep, and I know how gate attendants can be if they've got a frame like they do here where they'll test your luggage.

This is going to be a challenge.

halfpint

Flying anywhere is a challenge these days (but I will still be doing it), but it's true, your luggage requirerments change with whoever is at the gate, hard to figure. One person ahead of you will have gotten in with a larger bags, however it just is YOUR turn to not get yours on. Still great to be able to travel. Halfpint.

Jeff801

As of last week, BA would not allow me to book a 1:50 connection within T5, but would allow a 2:00 connection from T3 to T5.

Perhaps they have updated their computers since then.

When last I was at LHR, the only places I saw tester frames was at check in and security. If you get past those, there should be no problem at boarding.

BTW, be sure to print out your boarding passes on the ship the day before you depart from ATH. The BA desks are often very crowded for the 8:15 departure and the unsecured area at ATH is, like most airports, not particularly welcoming.

With your boarding passes, you will be able to go through passport control into the secured area, and if you have time, you may be able to get something to eat while you are waiting for your plane.

The BA gates are nearly at the south end of the terminal (to your right when you enter) and you should allow yourself some extra time to get there before departure. And, your bags will be screened before you go to the gate, not at the general entrance. Allow a little time before boarding for that process.

featherwatcher

Thank you for the informative replies. Air travel can definitely be a hassle but I won't give it up. I'm more concerned with getting to the cruise ship than getting home. The Heathrow connection is on the trip home.

If we're stuck waiting for another flight at Heathrow, then I'll have a chance to check it out and learn more about it. For the next time. My mom is the same way. It's why we're going together and leaving the husbands at home