Layover Time in Heathrow? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Canadian Bacon** · 04-15-2009, 12:37 PM

OK - so here's the situation. I have a flight going into Heathrow, were I'm supposed to transfer to a flight to Dubai.

Is 2 hours and 15 minutes enough time to get my baggage and re-check-in, go through security and make it for my flight? Isn't 2 hours plenty of time?

Other people are telling me I need 3 hours minimum... what do you think? I've never been to Heathrow!

bertus · 04-15-2009, 02:40 PM

If your flight is into the same terminal then you are definitely fine, otherwise 2 hours and 15 minutes might be pretty tight for time. I have only flown through Heathrow 2 times however, so someone else might know better than I.

**space virgin** · 04-15-2009, 10:59 PM

Which airline? For your flight to Dubai you'll be leaving either from Terminal 5 if you're flying British or Terminal 3 for all others. I've flown into and out of all terminals except 2 several times, but I've never had to go from one to the other because I always stay in town for a few nights with my aunt.

IF you booked the two flights together you shouldn't have to go through customs/immigration or maybe even baggage claim. If, on the other hand, you booked them separate you will have to do that and the transit time may be tight.

British Airways is generally pretty good about getting people to their connections in a timely manner FYI.

Also check out WHICH TERMINAL to find out where you're flying into/out of.

**Canadian Bacon** · 04-16-2009, 06:21 AM

^ No they're going to be 2 separate flights, but they ARE leaving out of the same terminal....

That should be ok right? 2 hours to connect at the same terminal.

I am told that I will have to pick up my baggage and re-check it in...

**Esterina** · 04-16-2009, 07:55 AM

I found it pretty tight ! You'd probably end up spending only 30 minutes in London. I once had a 6-hour layover in London, and I remember it took around 45 minutes to check out, and reach downtown by subway.

**space virgin** · 04-16-2009, 06:56 PM

I think he's not going to be leaving Heathrow for his layover.

CB, yeah, if you're in the same terminal you'll be fine.

**Esterina** · 04-16-2009, 07:16 PM

^^^hahaha ! I sooo misunderstood!

Ok, then I too think you'll be fine, unless the first flight isn't on schedule...

polarbear · 04-16-2009, 07:21 PM

I have a flight arriving in Heathrow at 12:10 on may 18th. i will be flying into terminal 5
i am leaving Heathrow that same day at 2:15 out of terminal 1. going to dublin.

am i gonna have to run to catch my flight? how big is Heathrow? lol

**space virgin** · 04-16-2009, 09:59 PM

Heathrow is HUGE. If I remember correctly it's either the biggest airport in the world or the busiest.

Arriving at 12:10 and departing at 2:15 from different terminals is going to be tight. Did you book your flights together or separate? If you booked them together as one journey you won't have to go through customs/immigration and get your bag which will save a lot of time-- just follow "flight connections" signs when you get off the plane.

polarbear · 04-16-2009, 11:56 PM

i booked them separately, one through british airways and another through Aerlingus. although i wont have any checked baggage. maybe that will save me a few min to sprint to the next terminal lol

**Canadian Bacon** · 04-17-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esterina

^^^hahaha ! I sooo misunderstood!

Ok, then I too think you'll be fine, unless the first flight isn't on schedule...

Thanks Esther =)

**Canadian Bacon** · 04-17-2009, 12:35 PM

OK - problem solved. Thanks for your invite everyone, but after many many conversations with the booking agent, I managed to get the 2 flights on 1 ticket so I won't have to transfer my luggage... sweet.

I remember why I never had this problem before... I never checked anything in!!! This time it cannot be avoided however...