Just Back From Heathrow Transfer--PLEASE TAKE NOTE!
 

I just got back from a trip that required trasfer in Heathrow from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1 (trip was San Francisco to Helsiki through Heathrow). I was very surprised by what I encountered and want to share that with anyone making a transfer there!

Let's start with the conclusions:

1)Prepare for anything, expect change, and do not rely on any infornmation you receive from the airline itself. Things change from moment to moment.

2)Everything will take an inordinate amount of time---keep your cool!

3) Keep every piece of documentation, boarding pass stub, etc. until you exit your final airport.

So here's the story:

Leaving SFO, I checked my roller-board luggage that I normally put in the overhead. I carried 1 briefcase with my computer, and 1 nylon zip satchel with sundry items. I carried no liquids on board despite the current "relaxation" of that rule.

Upon arriving in Heathrow, we had to go through security screening to exit Terminal 3. This was similar security to the US with the exception of the hoards of people. This took almost an hour since they were processing every flight coming in at the same time---all through 2 lines.

Then the usual bus to Terminal 1. Nothing new here.

Upon arrival in Terminal 1, we had to go through security again. This security involved a full pat down. More interestingly, they also required that you consolidate everything you had into ONE BAG! I was lucky that I could stuff my briefcase into my satchel. Many people could not do that and had to discard the excess. The pile of things left behind was amazing.

In addition, although many people had liquids given the relaxed rules, there were no liquids allowed through this checkpoint. Again, alot of discarded items.

Picture many hundreds of people in an exceedingly hot room, trying to squeeze through 2 lines. There were 2 security guys standing on top of table yelling the instructions so people could hear.

In addition, many people were being asked for their boarding pass stub from their previous flight, and if they didn't have it were taken to another area. I was asked and just luckily had it in my pocket. I normally throw it away.

Given the heat in the room, the lack of liquid, and the time in line, a couple of people were having to sit or lie down. I swore under my breath to myself for having worn a sweater with nothing underneath.

The process going through this 2nd security area took about 90 minutes. I had 4 hours between flights and so had enough time. I don't know what folks did who had less.

On the return trip to the US, I came through Frankfurt. No problems there. I now know why all the outbound flights through Frankfurt were sold out. I won't make the Heathrow mistake again.

I hope this story helps in setting your expectations if transferring through Heathrow. If possible, it may be worth seeking an alternate route for those of you needing a gateway city in Europe!

Happy travels,

LisaG

Hi,
Thanks for sharing your experience.

I've found that the most reliable information re. security checks and what is/isn't allowed on board flights is to be found on the airport websites rather than from the airlines.

For instance, Heathrow airport website does state that passengers are only allowed one carry on bag, and that only liquids purchased after the security checkpoint are allowed on US-bound flights.

I recently flew back from London via Chicago. I'm glad I checked the websites for TSA, as well as DFT (the Department for Transport in the U.K.). Each had different rules. You're right. Flying out of England, just one bag is allowed, and it was smaller than the U.S. would allow. And the U.S. government now allows limited liquids. I wouldn't have known this, had I not checked the websites before I left England.

When I went through customs in Chicago, I transferred a small bag of toiletries from a checked bag into my carry-on, and I was very glad to have toothpaste and such. I gave some of my toothpaste to another woman in the restroom, who didn't know of the new relaxation of rules. And the airport gift shop had sold out. (Who knew toothpaste would become such a valuable item?) I even bought a souvenir tape measure in London so I could measure the carry-on before I left.

If you can, visit an internet cafe before you depart for home, and check the websites for any new restrictions. If you're headed outbound, just remember that the U.K. rules are different.

British Airways has made the "one bag" 'requirement' very prominent on its website for weeks however when I returned from heathrow to the US two weks ago that was certainly not being enforced at the head of the jetway so what is really "usual" IMO is that enforcement remains uneven and that definitely is not "new."

Thank you all for sharing your experiences, especially Lisa - I live in SF too! and plan a European trip for April.

Lisa, this is amazing! I hope the rest of your trip was enjoyable.

I'm keeping up on the British rules through the Gatwick web site - hope they relax before I'm there in March. I was all excited when US airlines started the "3 oz of liquids in a plastic bag" rule; then I realized that I connect in London to and from Barcelona, so that doesn't do me any good. It does mean that I can bring a small tube of lip balm for the long DFW-London flight, and just pitch it in London.

We connect at Heathrow on our return and have only 2 hours and 15 minutes; it's now worrisome to me, but I guess since (at least at the moment) US restrictions are more lax, things should (?) go quicker.

Checking the airport websites is always a good idea! I want to remind everyone that things are also subject to immediate change. For instance, I've never been asked for the boarding pass receipt from my last flight, and was is this instance. Some people were complaining that "this was not on the website" and were of course out of luck!

Regarding the 1 bag rule, please remember that this applies regardless of where you are coming from/to and regardless of the rules of the airlinge you are coming from/to.

Regarding liquids, they were not allowed regardless of the country of your destination. All liquids and gels were forbidden even if you were going on to a US destination. Again, people complained and were given no break.

LisaG

Are other London airports as bad, LTN, STN, LHR?

Thanks,
-e

Good information Lisa!

BTW, regarding keeping boarding passes after the flight is completed. I always keep the boarding passes until my FF miles are credited to my FF account. I was told a long time ago if your FF miles are not credited you need your used boarding pass to prove you took the flight. I don't know if that is still true any longer as I have always received the proper FF credits.

Oh, LoveItaly, I didn't know about it! Thank you!

Also, don't assume that TSA regulations will apply to other countries.

One small but very important travel tip (imo) is hidden in LisaG's post... in there in the mention of a sweater. I always travel in layers on the flight and thru airports, so I can bundle up with a long sleeve shirt and sweater or strip down to a tank top underneath as needed. I hate being too hot or too cold.

This was a very interesting post. Can anyone tell me how to check American Airlines restrictions when leaving Gatwick for the US? I mean, is there a way to check from the US. Thanks.

Go to AA website, click travel information, then carryon allowance, at the top of that page is a yellow bar..click there for in formation on return flights from various countries.

For example outbound from the US , you are allowed 1 bag , no more than 45 linear inches PLUS 1 personal item. Returning from the UK< you are allowed only 1 small bag total and NO personal item.

I am flying from Los Angeles to Amsterdam Via American Airlines. We stop in London to change planes on to British Air into Amsterdam. Do you think this connecting flight will a hassle?

Good point suze, the few times I haven't layered I have been miserable (to hot or to cold). Also, I learned the hard way once (drunk woman spilled her red wine all over my celery green colored dress) I wear black..it sure travels better IMO.

oh dear LI, your pretty green dress, what a shame. i usually do have one change of clothes in my carry-on, along with the 'layers' on my person... hadn't thought of that situation though.

Thanks, Jody. That was easy.

Hi suze, would you believe it was the first time in years I hadn't worn black.

I was flying SFO to AMS and then on to Venice. "Somewhere" while flying to AMS I was standing in line for the bathroom, a drunk woman came up, tripped and spilled her glass of red wine down the front of my dress. Horrified doesn't even begin to describe my feeling!

The FA's took me to the gallery and used the sodawater trick. Over the top of the dress, on the inside of the dress. We giggled so much you would have thought we were drunk. But noooo, the red wine stain would not come out.

And when I arrived in AMS guess what? The Italian aircontrollers were on strike and I was stuck at AMS for hours and hours. Good grief! I smelled like a winery, I was sooooo embarrased. I went to the ladies room and when I came out and went upstairs there were the FA's. They saw me and we ended up at the bar for ages, lol. Even the bartender was chuckling. Later I looked at clothes in the shops but I felt so unkempt and the clothes were so expensive (and no I didn't have a change of clothes with me, not a mistake I will ever make again) I said the heck with it.

When finally the strike was over and I was able to fly to Venice I wish I had a photo of the looks on my friends faces when they saw me in the arrival hall. As MasterCard would say "priceless". Worse experience ever, lol. And lesson well learned. Always wear black and always have something to change into.

< Flying out of England, just one bag is allowed, and it was smaller than the U.S. would allow. >

I take it it was about a month ago or more as the bag size now is the normal 56x45x20cm that applies to most interational flights - the same restriction BTW applies to flights from Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

I don't quite get the point of the original post other than they hadn't checked the current restrictions on luggage leaving the UK.

The fact that there are different rules for a flight coming to the Uk is irrelevant (the whole part about going through security to leave terminal 3). so what? they don't care how much luggage you are taking in that direction, the one-carry-on-bag restriction only applied to flights outwards...

Re-reading the original post I would be curious about a few parts (like the boarding pass from previous flight), I'm not sure exactly what the warning for us is?? Other than avoiding Heathrow in light of recent events???

LoveItaly~~ Pardon me for smiling but that is a REALLY good story, though I'm sure not at all funny at the time!

Suze, I'm guessing the warning is to not throw away the boarding pass because someone will ask for it.

LoveItaly ... brings new meaning to 'drinks on me' :-))

Nina

Any one with ANY fashion sense, knows that you always 'wear' white wine with celery green!

Nina

OK suze and Nina, I "knew" that my experience would bring a laugh or two later on ;;)

Carrybean- I only mean I've never heard of that. Having to produce a boarding pass for a previous flight. So yes, interesting information.

LoveItaly- One of those "we'll laugh about it someday" times that isn't particularly funny at the present!

LisaG, I'm curious about your flight from SFO. What airline was it and what time did it arrive at LHR?

Thanks for the heads up...I just booked a flight transferring through Heathrow, even though I'd read your post, as Frankfurt wasn't available. At least I'll know what to expect. I've always disliked LHR but United owns me until the FF miles run out and they fly to so few European cities from SFO nowadays.

Shellio,

Sorry for the delay is responding---was out of town.

To answer your questions: I flew on United, and transferred to a Finnair flight at Heathrow.

I arrived at Heathrow at about 7:30 AM, as I recall.

By the way, I returned through Frankfurt and had an entirely different experience altogether. The team of people I was meeting with at my destination all said that they had already figured out not to go through Heathrow, and to go through Frankfurt instead. All claimed that since the latest security changes at Heathrow, that airport had become untennable.

Hope that helps!

Lisa

LisaG,

Thanks for responding. Looks like I'm booked on the same United flight out of SFO, scheduled to arrive at Heathrow at 7:10 AM, in my case with a connection on BMI to CDG at 10:40 AM. I'm hoping that this will be enough time.

And I'm booked through Frankfurt on the return, luckily. Again, thanks for your very useful information. One can only hope things get better, but assume they will get worse.

Thanks for the heads up LisaG!

:-D