Airport Question
 

I'm flying out of Chicago to London Heathrow on American Airline, then changing planes to Alitalia headed for Rome. Someone was telling me that my stop over in London (1.5 hours) many not be enough if the AA and Alitalia gates are at 2 different terminals. I'm told that AA flies into terminal 3 at LHR, does anyone know what terminal Alitalia flys out of from LHR? And please tell me its terminal 3 as well.

http://www.heathrowairport.com/

I believe Alitalia flies out of Terminal 2

Hi M,

90 min is a very tight connection, anywhere.

I think that you have a fairly good chance of making it. Your luggage might not.

((I))

Assuming your luggage is going to be checked through follow the signs to the FLIGHT CONNECTIONS CENTRE.

If it isn't then "have a little word" with the fool who booked your ticket

I had almost two hours at Heathrow last year and barely made my connection. I had to board a bus to get to the next terminal and stand in two security lines.... It will be close, but if you aren't delayed at all you might be okay.

I just spoke to Orbitz and they told me I will have enough time to get from terminal to terminal - otherwise they would not offer such a connection. And if by chance we miss the flight due to delays, American Airlines would have to get me to my final destination.

Actually I have 1hr 50 minutes - so I'm keeping my fingers cross.

BTW, Itilley what airlines did you fly and where did your flight originate?

Getting thru UK Customs can take a long time at London airports and security too.

Recently at Gatwick there was, according to airport info, a one-hour wait to get thru security even to get into the departure hall. Though the line had died away when i went thru a few hours later...you never know.

Many transatlantic flights arrive before scheduled arrival time. And IF there is a delay - the worst thing that can happen is that you have to take the next flight to Rome which may be three or four hours later.

Most travel sites book the first connection. If possible get a later flight. Is it worth missing your connection and dealing with an airline that will refer you to Orbitz for a missed connection? Do not play the odds, get a later connection! I fly all the time and see the results of missed connections, especially with tickets bought on discount travel sites. The airlines will give you a hassle everytime.

No customs and no immigration since the UK is not part of the Schengen agreement as far as border controls are concerned...

When getting off the plane at Terminal 3, follow the signs for flight connections and board the bus for terminal 2....the buses can be very slow as they don't run buses according to demand but rather every so many minutes apart...I had to wait 20 minutes one time to board a bus...they take you to the entrance to terminals 1 & 2 where you will have to go through security again, another queue...luckily that's it....you will then follow the signs into the departure lounge or to your gate depending on how much time it has taken....I went through this harrowing procedure about a year and half ago on a trip to Dublin via Heathrow and I had the additional misfortunate of a long queue to go through UK immigration as Ireland and the UK are part of a customs union or something to that effect...at least you bypass that and clear passport control upon arrival in Italy.

I flew British Airways for every leg, I don't remember what terminals though, but it was definately a rush to get to where I was going. This was also back in 2003, so maybe they've improved their security lines....

&quot;<i>Getting thru UK Customs can take a long time at London airports</i>&quot; Getting through customs is absolutely nothing - you just walk out under the green sign. But even that wouldn't affect the OP since he is just in transit.

But whenever one is transiting LHR it is a bit of a crap shoot. It is a VERY busy airport and landing/departure slots can be effected by all kinds of things. If you are all on one ticke and do happen to miss your flight, you will be put on the next available flight though

<i>And if by chance we miss the flight due to delays, American Airlines would have to get me to my final destination.</i>

Oh and try to get that one to stick...