4 hrs between Gatwick and Heathrow sound reasonable?
Jan 31st, 2008, 07:36 AM
#1
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4 hrs between Gatwick and Heathrow sound reasonable?
I am looking at booking flights on different airlines that would leave a connection time of 4 hours between LGW and LHR. This seems doable given my calculations (an hour to get out of LGW, 1 hr drive on the coach to LHR,arriving 2 hours before flight at LHR).
Ww will have carry-on only.
Thoughts?
Ww will have carry-on only.
Thoughts?
Jan 31st, 2008, 07:42 AM
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Many would argue it's not realistic.
Truth is, it all depends. With an EU passport, out of rush hours, from Gatwick North to T4 or T5, and having checked in online before the journey started: no problem. In business or first, and therefore able to use Fastrack: no problem at all, and you'll get bored hanging around.
If any two of these don't apply, it's getting tricky. Three or more not applying: no chance.
Truth is, it all depends. With an EU passport, out of rush hours, from Gatwick North to T4 or T5, and having checked in online before the journey started: no problem. In business or first, and therefore able to use Fastrack: no problem at all, and you'll get bored hanging around.
If any two of these don't apply, it's getting tricky. Three or more not applying: no chance.
Jan 31st, 2008, 08:07 AM
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flanneruk has given you the best case scenario under very specific conditions.
I'll give you another one. While having only carry-on luggage is in your favor, if your plane is late arriving at Gatwick and/or you run into heavy traffic on the motorway, your chances for making the connection are slim indeed. If your flight out of LHR is going across the Atlantic, the airline you'll be flying probably will want you to check in up to three hours before departure. Find out what the check-in deadline is and then make a decision. Personally, I wouldn't risk it.
I'll give you another one. While having only carry-on luggage is in your favor, if your plane is late arriving at Gatwick and/or you run into heavy traffic on the motorway, your chances for making the connection are slim indeed. If your flight out of LHR is going across the Atlantic, the airline you'll be flying probably will want you to check in up to three hours before departure. Find out what the check-in deadline is and then make a decision. Personally, I wouldn't risk it.
Jan 31st, 2008, 08:23 AM
#6
Since I won't book that connection w/o at least 5 hours - ever - your 6 hour connection would be my choice.
Better yet would be to fly into London the night before, since if you miss the flight you are totally out of luck. Barring that, take the 6 hour connection. Both airports can be absolute zoos . . . . .
Better yet would be to fly into London the night before, since if you miss the flight you are totally out of luck. Barring that, take the 6 hour connection. Both airports can be absolute zoos . . . . .
Jan 31st, 2008, 08:57 AM
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Even if I was a European, with hand luggage only, arriving on a domestic flight, on a weekend, travelling between North Terminal & T4/5, I wouldn't want to risk a 4 hour connection time if there's a long haul flight at the other end.
Doubly so if I booked the tickets separately and the airlines would just thumb their noses at me if I missed the flight
Doubly so if I booked the tickets separately and the airlines would just thumb their noses at me if I missed the flight
Jan 31st, 2008, 09:11 AM
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There are so many variables - and 4 hours will work only if everything runs like a swiss watch. Any of the following can make you miss your flight:
Incoming flight is late (where are you coming from and what is the flight's on-time record?)
Other flights are late and plane can;t get a gate
Long lines at immigration due to other planes arriving at the same time
Just missing the bus to LHR by a minute
Traffic
Accident on the road
bad weather
Long security lines at LHR
I agree that 6 hours is reasonably safe (but there are times when even that isn't enough)
Incoming flight is late (where are you coming from and what is the flight's on-time record?)
Other flights are late and plane can;t get a gate
Long lines at immigration due to other planes arriving at the same time
Just missing the bus to LHR by a minute
Traffic
Accident on the road
bad weather
Long security lines at LHR
I agree that 6 hours is reasonably safe (but there are times when even that isn't enough)
