random flight questions
 

Hey there...just signed up, have enjoyed reading everyone's comments and trip reports. Figured I'd see if anyone would have any advice on my questions...

I'm going to London in October, and I am flying to Dublin the Monday I am there to visit, play golf, hit the pubs, etc. I am looking at booking my flight now.

I am thinking I want to do British Airways, as the cost isn't much more than Ryanair, but from what I can see, it's probably a better experience? I don't want to worry about being nickel and dimed for baggage or drinks or anything like that. It's my first trip over there, I don't really want to fight for seats or worry about stuff (ie, keep it as much like a US flight as possible).

As to carrying on or checking - it doesn't look like a bag the size that it has to be now will work for me, so I will probably check. Is this a somewhat easy process for British Airways, at least easier than other airlines?

Finally, my flight will be around 10-1030, I'll be leaving from my buddy's apartment near city center, taking the train. When would you suggest I arrive at Gatwick for a flight like this?

I guess overall I'm looking for if the $80-100 extra for a BA flight is worth it in savings on nickel and dime costs and ease of travel, etc.

Any other comments, as this is my first go round with this, would be really appreciated! Thanks!

I don't really have any comments regarding which airline to fly (although if it were me and I had the money I would probably spring for BA), but definitely arrive at Gatwick with lots of time to spare. The airport was a mess the few times I've been there, and gates are far away from the ticket counters. I would suggest getting there by 8:30 or 9:00, but definitely not any later. We flew out of Gatwick to go to Dubrovnik in November and the airport was a madhouse.

Tracy

I appreciate the reply. I'll definitely be getting there no later than 830. Hopefully everything will go smoothly.

I'm still wavering on whether or not to check - if I use BA it will be the only one I use over there (we're using them for our flight to Amsterdam on Fri), so I might be able to carry just the one bag, as they don't seem to have weight restrictions on the carry on, just size.

HI J,

Another poster has reported that they do weigh your luggage.

I would call BA.

((I))

No - BA does NOT weigh carry ons. They used to, but they changed their carry-on policies about a year ago.