Timing - National Express?

[phabric]

I am arriving from Canada on Friday May 27 at 6:30am Terminal 5.  Before Covid, I was told to leave 90 minutes from arrival to book National Express ticket.

 

There is a 9:15am or 11:30am Coach from Terminal 5 to Southampton.  Which would be a better time?

 

Is it better to get Fully Flexible rate where you can make changes free on your booking, of course if there are available seats on the new Coach?  There is a difference from Standard to Fully Flexible of £12/ticket

 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by phabric

[PORT ROYAL]

6 minutes ago, phabric said:

I am arriving from Canada on Friday May 27 at 6:30am Terminal 5.  Before Covid, I was told to leave 90 minutes from arrival to book National Express ticket.

 

There is a 9:15am or 11:30am Coach from Terminal 5 to Southampton.  Which would be a better time?

 

Is it better to get Fully Flexible rate where you can make changes free on your booking, of course if there are available seats on the new Coach?  There is a difference from Standard to Fully Flexible of £12/ticket

 

 

Don’t forget the cost of a taxi from the coach terminal to pier. About £15.00 with tip

Enquire what the cruise line will charge from airport to pier.

 

[phabric]

Taking National Express from LHR to Southampton is less than half the price what Princess is charging even taking a taxi. Cruise line transfers are only on embarkment day, we are flying in the day before the cruise staying at Premier Inn West Quay.

 

I have taken National Express before.

Edited January 31, 2022 by phabric

[PORT ROYAL]

43 minutes ago, phabric said:

Taking National Express from LHR to Southampton is less than half the price what Princess is charging even taking a taxi. Cruise line transfers are only on embarkment day, we are flying in the day before the cruise staying at Premier Inn West Quay.

 

I have taken National Express before.

For Peace of mind, take the later coach.

[phabric]

Thanks, that was what I was thinking that way don’t have to rush to get to Immigration before everyone else.

[gnome12]

You have 2:45 before the earlier bus. I usually see them recommending 90 minutes to 2 hours, you have well more than that. 

[PORT ROYAL]

Know you’re booked in to the PI, but give future consideration to traditional English (Southampton) pubs which have rooms and a restaurant.  A more personal touch and they will value one’s custom.

No need to worry about hotel check in/out times, as one can take a pub lunch and drinks etc prior to checkin, or a long leisurely breakfast/brunch before checkout.

One to consider is The White Star, closed at the moment for a refurbishment, but will give one a better experience than a PI, for possibly a few pounds more.  
A thought?
 

[phabric]

Thanks for the suggestion 

[sddsddean]

If you stay at the PI, its only a 6 min walk from the coach station.

 

https://goo.gl/maps/SREpFGS73Nu3B8rD7

 

Simon

Edited February 2, 2022 by sddsddean