How hard is it to leave an airport on a long layover
Feb 7th, 2017, 10:11 AM
#1
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How hard is it to leave an airport on a long layover
I have 2 flights upcoming and I have a 5 hour and a 4 hour respectively layover in London and Madrid. I am considering, if feasible, Leaving the airports to see a tiny bit of the town, or grab a bite to eat. Any opinions or advice is greatly appreciated!
Feb 7th, 2017, 10:31 AM
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Personally I would not. In London, you could be looking at an hour (or more!) to get through immigration. Another 1-1.5 hours to get to central London, and the same to get back Then, you have to be in the airport at least an hour before the flight. That chews up all your time, and you will be frazzeled.
Check out the services offered in your departure terminal. There are now some good restaurants, there may be lounges that you can pay entrance to.
Check out the services offered in your departure terminal. There are now some good restaurants, there may be lounges that you can pay entrance to.
Feb 7th, 2017, 10:47 AM
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Who knows?
What passport do you hold?
Which London airport are you going to transit through (there are 4-5 to guess from)?
Where is your arriving flight originating from?
Are you checking bags?
Are your bags going to be checked through so you won't have to pick them up at the stopover airport?
Are the two stopovers on the same day?
In general, you're not going to be able to leave one of the three main London airports to "see a tiny bit of the town or grab a bite to eat" and make it back in time for your subsequent flight check-in in 5 hours.
What passport do you hold?
Which London airport are you going to transit through (there are 4-5 to guess from)?
Where is your arriving flight originating from?
Are you checking bags?
Are your bags going to be checked through so you won't have to pick them up at the stopover airport?
Are the two stopovers on the same day?
In general, you're not going to be able to leave one of the three main London airports to "see a tiny bit of the town or grab a bite to eat" and make it back in time for your subsequent flight check-in in 5 hours.
Feb 7th, 2017, 11:52 AM
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Neither London or Madrid is quickly and easily accessible from their major airports. On the other hand, Windsor is very near Heathrow airport, and if that's where you're landing, you might be able to take a taxi there and back, and have a quick walk around the town. I don't know what's in the vicinity of Barajas airport.
In general, a lot depends on your <b> next </b> destination. Extra security checks are required for flights to US destinations, for example; on the other hand flights from one Schengen-area country to another don't require exit or entrance passport controls. (The UK is not in the Schengen area, though.)
In general, a lot depends on your <b> next </b> destination. Extra security checks are required for flights to US destinations, for example; on the other hand flights from one Schengen-area country to another don't require exit or entrance passport controls. (The UK is not in the Schengen area, though.)
Feb 7th, 2017, 12:05 PM
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5 and 4 hours between flights yes can be much less - going thru Immigration/customs can take time, esp in Heathrow and then clearing security going back in to airport you never know how long that make take.
Heathrow has many amenities in most terminals and your plane could well be late.
Heathrow has many amenities in most terminals and your plane could well be late.
Feb 7th, 2017, 12:33 PM
#10
Which terminals?
But really no, you do not have time to leave . . . Especially at LHR. Sure Windsor is closer than central London, but it would still take half an hour to get there by taxi then you have maybe 45 mins for immigration and the same for security. Then there is queuing to leave your carry ons and queue to retrieve them (unless you want to schlepp around Windsor with your carry on). And what time do you land? if it is early AM, nothing will be open in windsor until after you need to be headed back to LHR. 7 hours, I'd say go for it. 5 - nope. But wait until the day to decide, perhaps you will land early.
But really no, you do not have time to leave . . . Especially at LHR. Sure Windsor is closer than central London, but it would still take half an hour to get there by taxi then you have maybe 45 mins for immigration and the same for security. Then there is queuing to leave your carry ons and queue to retrieve them (unless you want to schlepp around Windsor with your carry on). And what time do you land? if it is early AM, nothing will be open in windsor until after you need to be headed back to LHR. 7 hours, I'd say go for it. 5 - nope. But wait until the day to decide, perhaps you will land early.
Feb 7th, 2017, 12:45 PM
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One other suggestion is to get a 'day-room' at an hotel, as long as the hotel is attached to the terminal. Where are you coming from and how long is the flight? What hotel are you arriving/ leaving from?
I did this a few times when I flew from Vancouver into London on business and had a long lay-over. Not worth it if you only have a seven hour flight. It used to be cheap, but not sure how expensive now.
I did this a few times when I flew from Vancouver into London on business and had a long lay-over. Not worth it if you only have a seven hour flight. It used to be cheap, but not sure how expensive now.
Feb 7th, 2017, 02:26 PM
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Definitely, if you're planning to do this, don't take any more carryon items than you want to carry around with you. I would suggest a smallish daypack or a large purse.
Eastbound transatlantic flights often arrive early. If not, I wouldn't plan on doing anything.
If you don't have to store a bag, and since you don't need to wait to retrieve luggage, you should be out of the airport in an hour, maybe less if you're lucky. Then let's say half an hour to Windsor. If nothing's open, just walk around, and maybe get breakfast at a café. Leave Windsor at least 2 hours before your next flight.
Eastbound transatlantic flights often arrive early. If not, I wouldn't plan on doing anything.
If you don't have to store a bag, and since you don't need to wait to retrieve luggage, you should be out of the airport in an hour, maybe less if you're lucky. Then let's say half an hour to Windsor. If nothing's open, just walk around, and maybe get breakfast at a café. Leave Windsor at least 2 hours before your next flight.
