I am looking at return flights on A.A.
Flight details are as follows:

Lv Flr: 0750
Arr LGW: 0900
LV LHR:12:15
My question is: Is this enough time to deplane at Gatwick clear customs, collect luggage and bus it to Heathrow, check in, go through security and still make the 12:15 flight? This is a Saturday departure in late October. This seems to really be pushing it. But then again I have never done this connection. I am a little sceptical as I usually miss any connecting flight through Heathrow. But has anyone ever done this connection with American Airlines??

No idea.

I've got no idea:you've got no idea: BA's got no idea: the management of neither airport have the faintest either.

It's very very possible that you'll make this connection. it's slightly less possible you'll miss it. Depends on dozens of things that none of us can possibly predict.

You might make it: you might not. But does it matter? Since Meridiana is a One World member, I assume all this is on one ticket, and if AA is selling it, AA are declaring it a legal connection. If you miss it, AA is supposed to honour the booking and put you on the next flight.

I wouldn't dream in a million million years of risking this as separate bookings. But if AA are taking the risk ( they are the ones who will fly with an empty seat if they get it wrong), I'd call their bluff. Assuming your onward connection is to somewhere like New York with flights every hour or two.

flanneruk:
yes this is a ticket being sold by AA and all on one ticket. And yes it does matter if I make it or not as I am sure no one likes missing connecting flights.
My question simply is this: has anyone else had success with this connection. Also, what is the best to get from Gatwick to Heathrow

I'm not nearly as optimistic as flanneruk. You really have only 2 1/2 hours since you'll need to be checked in at LHR at least 45 minutes prior to departure. In that time you'll need to go through passport control, collect luggage, clear customs (not a time consumer), and catch the bus to LHR. You will also need to allow time for the plane to get to the proper gate and for you to disembark. The 9:00 arrival is when the plane lands not when you get off. IME airlines may well say it's a legal connection (even when it's not) and they really don't give care if you make the flight or not. They will put you on the next flight whenever that is, if there's room.

Hi

Haven't done it myself but see - http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/...s_transfer.htm

"The absolute minimum time between flights without contingency that you should contemplate making a transfer between Heathrow and Gatwick is 3 hours - and that is with a through ticket using Terminal 5 at Heathrow. If you are changing airlines with separate tickets then you probably need a minimum of 4 hours between flights."

I have done deplane at Gatwick to check-in at Heathrow in two hours (using the National Express coach), but that was with a UK passport and no traffic problems. I was told by an AA gate agent that I should allow 4 hours for that transfer.

Are there additional AA flights that day? There's only one LHR-RDU flight a day, so if I missed that I'd be stuck for 24 hours.

You are leaving FLR? Firenze? Why are there customs upon arrival in lgw?

"<i> Why are there customs upon arrival in lgw?</i>"

The OP probably means immigration (passport control) - not sure why so many confuse immigration w/ customs, but that's the way it plays . . .

"<i>My question simply is this: has anyone else had success with this connection.</i>"

What difference does it make if anyone has ever made this connection. Of course some have made it - but probably just as many have missed it.

"<i>Also, what is the best to get from Gatwick to Heathrow</i>" Assume you are asking the best <i>way</i> to travel between the two. If so, the only practical mode really, is the National Express coach.

BTW -- even IF the airline calls this a legal connection, you can still be SOL if you miss the connection. If its determined you dawdled unnecessarily they may not put you on the next flight.

I'd personally never try a LGW/LHR connection w/ less than 4 hours but even that doesn't guarantee anything. You need to clear immigration --could be short lines or could be looooong lines. Then collect you luggage - could be fast or could be a glitch. Then wait for the next coach. Then the drive which can be quick -- or there can be a wreck on theM25 and huge jam ups. Then security at LHR . . .

Is there really no alternative flight from Gatwick, or via Heathrow?

Or have you looked at flying from Pisa? It's an easy train ride from Florence to the Pisa airport, and there are more long-distance flights from Pisa than from the small Florence airport.

Thanks all for the sound advice. Yes there are alternatives but my ff miles are with AA. Also, I must be in Firenze on until late on the 2rd.
So with the advice above, I will seek other airlines
When I first saw the connections with the timing I had lots of doubts with being able to reasonably make everything on time without rushing,even if all goes smooth
Thanks again Fodorites.

Yes, this is totally unrealistic.... Especially with LHR being so infamous for those long chaotic security lines.... If your first flight is late, if there's heavy morning traffic... I wouldn't even consider it.

Ditto that... plus you'll be stressed your entire trip over over whether you'll make the connection on time. Every minute the plane is late leaving NY, every minute you're stuck behind a line of planes waiting to take off, frustration with passengers who are slow getting off the plane. There's no reason to put yourself through it.

Could you come one day earlier, spend a day in London, and then go on to your final destination?

ah, I see this is your return flight... Can you spend a day in London on your return from FLR and get back home a day later?

travelhorizons:

I actually did not think of spending a day in London, but that is an EXCELLENT idea. Yes I can return a day later. you are also correct about me not wanting to be stressed about slow pokes, etc
Thanks