liriope

We're flying into Heathrow from LAX on Thursday, 24 August. We have 2 hours to connect with an Aer Lingus flight to Cork. UA gates are in Terminal 3. Aer Lingus is at the far end of Terminal 1. Do we have enough time to make this connection? We'll have our carryon bags with us, but will have to check on Aer Lingus (we'll have too many).

Gardyloo

Given that delays in landing at LHR are commonplace, and with current security procedures, I strongly doubt you'll make it. Certainly you won't make it comfortably. Depending on which UA flight you're on I'd recommend phoning Aer Lingus and seeing if you can get on the following flight (either the 2:15 if you're on the early UA flight or the 6:25 if you're on the noon UA arrival.)

liriope

Thanks, Gardyloo. We'll be on the 12:15 UA flight, which has been on time or early the past few days. Our Aer Lingus flight is the 2:15 one. We checked with Aer Lingus and the next few flights are fully booked. Plus, they want a $400/ticket rebooking fee!
Our backup plan is bus to Reading, train to Swansea, ferry to Cork. Could be fun, or at least pleasantly different.

ParisEscapes

Lirope,

My husband flew this exact itinerary last week. He is returning this evening.

He transferred from UA to Aer Lingus last Saturday, when full security restrictions were in place, and had no problem making his connection. He had carryon bags with him that had to be checked also.

If you can wait before you make alternate plans, I'll ask him about his experience and post back later this evening. Right now, he is in the air flying "over the pond". - C

ParisEscapes

Hi,

My husband is back in the states and transferred through Heathrow on UA via Aer Lingus to Cork with the same 2 hour connection. He thinks, barring any unforseen delays (a mechanical in the states) that you will make it to your flight on time. He actually made it to the gate with an hour to spare each way.

However, on the way over although he easily made his flight, his checked luggage didn't make it but due to the delays in screening luggage at Heathrow. He advises carrying on anything that you can't live without.

Happy travels and don't stress. I'm sure you'll make your connection - C

liriope

Hi ParisEscapes,
That's mostly good news. Thanks so much. I hope his checked bags caught up with him quickly. This will be a B & B vacation, so we're booked in Kinsale (near Cork) the first night, and then are on the move. Maybe they'll have things a little more squared away with their luggage processing with a few more days of practice.