sfmasterG

My friend arrives from Newark at 10:10am. We depart Heatlhrow - Delta for AT at 12:50pm.

We haven't seen each other for years (live in different states) and it just seems like a fun chance to say hello, have a hug and a coffee.

Ideas for a meeting spot? Is this even possible give luggage and customs ... is it so different from the departures. We have just rolling small bags so we are pretty nimble.

Thanks for any ideas.

janisj

Probably not possible . .

W/ a 10:10 arrival your friend won't likely be through immigration/customs til 11:00 or 11:30 or so, and you will be in your departure lounge well before that.

There is no mixing of arrivees and departees airside.

sfmasterG

Oh boo - What if we're carrying on?
But yes boarding probably starts at noon and that's a pretty tight window even to get through security and to the gate.

janisj

If your friend carries on -- he won't have to wait for his bag. But he will still have to go through immigration and customs and go directly landside. Carry on or not makes no difference re you.

>>But yes boarding probably starts at noon and that's a pretty tight window even to get through security and to the gate.<<

That isn't how it actually works -- you will need to be at the airport and checked in between 2.5 and 3 hours ahead of your flight and then go through security and wait in the departure lounge until they display your gate # (usually 45-60 minutes before departure). Then you'll have a 10 to 15+ minute walk to your gate. Once you are airside you have to stay there.

Plus are you even using the same terminal? If you want to see your friend -- skype

Ackislander

Back when Heathrow was still London Airport (1956 or so) my uncle was in transit between Bangkok and London. He had diplomatic status, and my father was an American military officer stationed in England. No problem! We all went to a secure airside room with an immigration officer to have tea until my Uncle's flight was called!

It was a simpler time.

travelhorizons

Ditto the bad news. Most likely impossible.

In the best case scenario:

(1) Your friend arrives at the same terminal from which you depart.

(2) Your friend would have exactly 40 minutes to accomplish all of the following.

a) Ensure that his flight arrives on time (hah!)
b) Makes it off the plane first (have you noticed how long it takes for all the pax on a jumbo jet to get off the plane?)
c) Runs all the way to immigration, weaving his way through crowds
d) Doesn't have to wait in line for immigration where, typically, you can wait for 30 - 60 minutes
e) has carry on luggage so he doesn't need to wait for his bag
f) gets from the United (?) arrival area to the the Delta check in area without losing time, again in a busy, confusing airport, where
g) you'll already be in the check-in line by 10:50 a.m., and
h) he actually finds you in the long line in a crowded terminal

In the unlikely event he can accomplish the above in 40 minutes, there would be time for a hug. A cup of coffee? Never.


Bottom line: you don't want to risk missing your flight to Atlanta, or you'll be out big bucks purchasing a last minute ticket. So don't even think about it. Fly to New York sometime!

MmePerdu

If one of you has a full fare ticket, or otherwise can change a flight for no fee, I suggest that one change their arrival or departure so you can have a visit.

sfmasterG

Sad really... Thanks for all the advice though.

We live a 7 hour drive from each other so I think the fact that we could pass so close in Heathrow (1/2 way around the world) and still not connect will be the final KICK in the pants to take the drive and meat up and perhaps even a full meal!

But first more walking around Paris...so how sad can one be