We arrive into Heathrow at 6:55 am and need to get our next flight out of LGW at 11:55.
This gives us 5 hrs after an overnight flight to go thru customs, collect luggage, get to LGW and go thru customs again.
Any ideas about how to make this an easier situation. We have to repeat the process on the way home as well. Many thanks for your help.

You might want to do a search on this: the fine-tuning of timing surrounding this has been commented on at length before. (If you are new and this seems daunting, just put your terms Heathrow Gatwick into the search box and SHAZAAM!)

Thsi question is asked just about every single day.

You have enough time - but being during the morning commute you really don't have hours to spare. The transfer itself could not be easier. clear immigration (it is immigration/passport control you have to factor in - not customs), collect your luggage and then follow the signs to the inter-airport coach. The bus will drop you right at the terminal at LGW.

Repeat the process on your return journey.

Hundreds of folks make this transfer every day - you'll be fine.

Thank you both very much. I've been studying the Croatia board and haven't come across the quest. When I checked with Heathrow information it was not very clear.

Try this:

http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/...k_transfer.htm

Just an FYI how Fodors works: &quot;<i>I've been studying the Croatia board and . . . </i>&quot; there is no Croatia board (nor a UK board, or Italy or any other country)

There is only &quot;Europe&quot;. All threads are lumped together on the same forum. Clicking on a country simply lets you search for some threads about Croatia.

If you go to the Heathrow Airport website - imaginatively named www.heathrowairport.com - you will find a section called &quot;to and from our airport&quot;. Clicking on this gives several other options including &quot;Travel between Airports&quot; which includes a section on getting between Heathrow &amp; Gatwick.

You could also check your airline's website as many also have this information

Googling with &quot;gatwick heathrow&quot; also gives the answer

&lt;&lt;&lt; I've been studying the Croatia board &gt;&gt;&gt;

That's because Heathrow and Gatwick are in the UK

Alan: that's quite an imaginative answer, good for a chuckle. To the rest of you, many thanks and I will use your suggestions.