I'm ticketed to fly into LGW on an AA flight, arriving at 07:00, connecting to a flight leaving LHR at 14:00. The outbound flight is listed as "AA operated by BA". Will AA issue both boarding passes and transfer my luggage, or will I need to pick up my luggage at LGW? Would it be safer to pick it up at LGW? (I'll have one backpack and one daypack, total weight around 25 pounds).

Also, is there a transfer desk at LGW I should check in with, or do I just head outside and take the National Express coach? I'm hoping that seven hours should be enough time that I don't have to worry too much about making this, even with a rush-hour tie-up on the M25....

You need to collect, transport and check your luggage yourself. There are no luggage transfers between airports

And, there is no transfer desk--you're on your own to get to LHR. Once there you will check in for your onward flight and get boarding pass from BA.

&quot;<i>Will AA . . . transfer my luggage?</i>&quot; sorry, but couldn't resist.

&quot;<i>Is there a transfer desk at LGW I should check in with, or do I just head outside and take the National Express coach?</i>&quot; You make your own way to the Coach - and w/ 7 hours you will be totally fine.

YOU are the luggage trasferer. YOU are responsible for getting yourself LGW-LHR and responsible for the fare on the National Express coach.

And don't forget the 1-bag rule leaving LHR.

thursdaysd: yk makes a good point about the 1-bag rule. Weight is not a problem, but can you stuff the day pack inside the back pack at least long enough to get through security at LHR?

You are only allowed one item through the screening queue - after that you can have 2 bags in the departure lounge and on the plane. (this only matters if your backpack is carry-on sized)

Thanks. That's what I thought, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. I'm just as happy to collect my luggage at LGW, one less thing to go wrong.