<BR>I'll be flying into Heathrow and out of Gatwick for a trip to Marseilles, all on British Air the same day. I understand there is a bus that leaves frequently to connect the two airports. Is there any way of doing this without having to clear customs and pick up my luggage at Heathrow? <BR> <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance.

Nope - No way. You have to go through customs etc..both ends. Gatwick and heathrow are treated as separate airports.

They are also quite a distance from one another - like 40 miles or so. Make sure you've got a lot of time to make connections. Is there any way you can get on a Marseilles bound flight from Heathrow?

We flew British Airways to Naples last year which required a plane connection at Gatwick. They provided bus transportation (Speedlink) between Heathrow and Gatwick. It worked very smoothly. Airline personnel provided directions to catch the bus and it took about an hour or so between airports. We checked our luggage straight through to Naples. Sorry I don't remember customs requirements, but to the best of my recollection we cleared in Heathrow and not in Gatwick. Hope this helps. Joanne

Just to be more specific re luggage so you won't have to bother with it in London. At your airport of departure, check your luggage steaight through to Marseilles. We always check our luggage straight through to our destination when traveling in Europe and we have a plane change. So far it has always been there! Joanne

Pete: Just returned from France trip. Great trip in all ways except Heathrow/Gatwick connection. There was ample time between flights and we did check our luggage through from departure to destination, no problem. the problem was the inconvenience of deplaning from a 7 hr. flight to run around the airport to catch a one hour bus ride to board another 2-hour flight. In addition, our large suitcase stayed at Gatwick on both ends and we had a 24-hour wait for delivery. Missed our first-class train reservation to Paris the next morning due to the wait ffor luggage. Hd to pay a 10%service charge to the TGV.had to rent a car an extra day, and shortened our stay in Paris. Not a pleasant experience. Will not do that one again. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

We are visiting friends who live in West Sussex this summer. Will fly into Heathrow and they will pick us up at Gatwick. We've been told to use Speedlink, but to figure on seeing them probably 2 hours after we arrive! I would take my luggage with me, clearing in Heathrow, and just grin and bear it. I hate to have lost luggage and it's happened to us whenever we try to do something creative such as suggested above. Think Joanne has been very lucky! Apparently the Speedlink has big compartments underneath where you can stow luggage and there are refreshments on the bus. I think it's included if you fly BA.

Kam: Refreshments??????????? We were lucky to find a seat(sat on back bench next to wc) Afraid Speedlink does not supply goodies.