Change of terminals at LHR

[Ms Understood]

I Will arrive at terminal 3 from Vienna with just under 2 hours to connect to flight to jfk leaving from terminal 5. All flights are on BA if that makes any difference. Any suggestions re making this connection as stress- free as possible? First time having to change terminals here so kind of concerned about it.

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Helen

[Keith1010]

Helen, I would print out a map and also write down where you go to get from one terminal to the other.

 

Keith

[Zach1213]

After you exit the aircraft in T3, make your way to Flight Connections, where you'll find a bus to T5. There will be buses to each of the terminals, so make sure you get on one to T5. The bus ride is about 5-10 minutes. Once you get dumped at T5, you will need to go through security. The whole process can take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on how busy it is. Mornings tend to be chaotic, especially in the security re-clearance line. I would plan on 60, as the 30 minute transit was a lucky encounter by me during a very quiet time.

Edited December 22, 2015 by Zach1213

[Gardyloo]

After you exit the aircraft in T3, make your way to Flight Connections, where you'll find a bus to T5. There will be buses to each of the terminals, so make sure you get on one to T5. The bus ride is about 5-10 minutes. Once you get dumped at T5, you will need to go through security. The whole process can take between 30 and 60 minutes depending on how busy it is. Mornings tend to be chaotic, especially in the security re-clearance line. I would plan on 60, as the 30 minute transit was a lucky encounter by me during a very quiet time.

I think my record on a T3 <> T5 transfer was 40 min from T3 plane to T5 shopping mall (or vice-versa) but that was when I walked right onto the bus at the Flight Connections Centre. Minimum connection time published by BA is 90 min. and it's never taken me close to that, assuming the flights are on time. So with two hours you'll have plenty of time at T5 for shopping (or lounging if you're in business class.)

[FawnRiver]

When we flew BCN to LHR, LHR to YYZ (both on BA) our inbound flight was late due to a storm over Spain. It didn't matter much to us, I purposely picked a long layover so DH could stop at the pub in T5, but when we came off the plane in T3, BA had staff at the gate with signs with other flight numbers, presumably to collect people and get them to their short connection flights. They weren't there to pick up people for the earlier flight to YYZ and we heard a page for a couple who may have been on our flight. They only paged them once, so I hope that means they made their flight.

If you don't get an escort, just remember to look for the purple connections signs and get on the bus to T5. It's pretty easy and they have good signage. Security is a bit of bear, though but if you're organized you should get through okay.

Good luck.

[Northern Aurora]

.....

If you don't get an escort, just remember to look for the purple connections signs and get on the bus to T5. It's pretty easy and they have good signage. Security is a bit of bear, though but if you're organized you should get through okay.

Good luck.[

 

/QUOTE]

 

Even though we had directions in hand it did take us about 90 minutes to make the terminal change last September with the greatest delay going back through security. But it seemed to me that the signage has definitely improved over the situation a few years ago.

[Ms Understood]

Thanks everyone! I am on my way to the first flight shortly. Merry Christmas!

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Helen

[Ms Understood]

Made the connection with about 20 minutes to spare but ONLY because we had biz class. The line at security was ridiculous and they were calling for anyone whose flight was leaving in an hour or less to come to the front. Don't think I would ever again book less than 3 hour connection at this airport, just FWIW

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Helen

[jollyjones]

Made the connection with about 20 minutes to spare but ONLY because we had biz class. The line at security was ridiculous and they were calling for anyone whose flight was leaving in an hour or less to come to the front. Don't think I would ever again book less than 3 hour connection at this airport, just FWIW

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Helen

 

Ah! You didn't mention that you were travelling at one of the busiest times of the year at LHR or previous posters might have suggested a longer connection time.

 

Anyway, glad you made it!

[iancal]

Good for you.

 

We have had the misfortune to change terminals during a security alert. Lot of suits running about, long line ups to clear security, and many people missing TA flights.

 

We avoid changing planes at LHR (or CDG) if at all possible. Even if it means a slight inconvenience. No issue flying in or out, just connecting.