Sidny

I'm trying to book a flight on American using miles, AMS to ORD on 12/6, and all the options include either a change of airports or an almost 24-hour layover at LHR. If I had to transfer from LCY or LGW to LHR, which is the easier airport to transfer from (LCY or LGW)? And what is the easiest way to accomplish the transfer, and what would be the minimum time needed to make sure I don't miss my connection.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

janisj

LGW by far. You get on an express coach at LGW and get off at LHR.

Allow 4 hours absolute minimum if you have checked bags to collect - more would be better.

jamikins

The transfer between LCY and Heathrow is two hours by DLR and tube and requires two changes with lots of walking and stairs...not the greatest with suitcases. Just to give you the other option...again you will want to leave lira of time in case there are any issues on transport...

janisj

Just to clarify, the two hours jamikins mentions is just the transport time (the coach between LGW and LHR takes less time but can be affected by traffic on the M25)

I'd want a minimum of 5+ hours for LCY and 4+ for LGW (which IMO makes that 24 hr layover look more enticing - time to see a bit of London instead of dashing across several counties)

Sidny

Thanks for the quick responses. I'll be carry-on only so luggage won't be a concern, but sounds like LGW is the better option in any case.

If I did take a 24-hr layover and flew into either LCY or LGW, does one of those offer easier transport into Central London than the other?

jamikins

Yes LCY is actually in London and is only 20ish minutes from bank station on the DLR! And it's a very small airport so easy to manage.

PatrickLondon

Gatwick is 30 minutes by train from Victoria or London Bridge and stations through the City to St Pancras; but it's a much bigger and busier airport so expect more time in immigration queues.