Transit Query Heathrow

[Gredgy69]

Hey fellow travellers,

I have a question regarding transit time at Heathrow. We start our 2 month European adventure arriving into Heathrow (Singapore Airlines) at 05:55 and then will catch a flight to Dublin (Aer Lingus). I was wondering how much transit time we should allow between the flights. I believe that both airlines fly from terminal 2, which is handy and I was looking at either the 07:40 or the 08:50 flight. I would prefer the earlier flight, but think the timing might be too tight. I haven't been to London for 13 years so just looking for some advise from more knowledgeable and frequent travellers.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hey fellow travellers,

I have a question regarding transit time at Heathrow. We start our 2 month European adventure arriving into Heathrow (Singapore Airlines) at 05:55 and then will catch a flight to Dublin (Aer Lingus). I was wondering how much transit time we should allow between the flights. I believe that both airlines fly from terminal 2, which is handy and I was looking at either the 07:40 or the 08:50 flight. I would prefer the earlier flight, but think the timing might be too tight. I haven't been to London for 13 years so just looking for some advise from more knowledgeable and frequent travellers.

We landed on SQ at 1520 and had an onward connection with SAS (still part of star then, and leaving from T2) at 1700. We made that comfortably, I’m pretty sure with some lounge time too.

If it’s all on the one ticket I’d go for the early flight. Separate tickets the later one.

 

[AIRwin]

You may need:

Thread 'UK rolling out Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)'

Oct 17, 2024

The UK Govt (like the rest of Europe) is bringing in an electronic travel authorisation for non-British and Irish citizens, and has confirmed the start date.

"...from 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025."

Application page is here and it costs £10 to apply. Everyone traveling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. Should take up to 3 working days to process...

• aplmac
• Replies: 53
• Forum: Passports, Visas, Immigration & Customs

• 
• 

 

[Quickstatus]

@Gredgy69 one ticket SQ and EI or separate tickets?

 

[Gredgy69]

@Gredgy69 one ticket SQ and EI or separate tickets?

They will be separate tickets. SQ are J reward tickets (already booked) and El will be a cash one (will use the $400 Amex travel credit to purchase).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

They will be separate tickets. SQ are J reward tickets (already booked) and El will be a cash one (will use the $400 Amex travel credit to purchase).

Then almost certainly the later flight!

 

[jase05]

Then almost certainly the later flight!

Absolutely concur.

 

[Quickstatus]

They will be separate tickets.

The problem will be if there is not enough time to connect from SQ to EI. For example if SQ is delayed into LHR causing you to miss the connection.

I also note that the Amex travel credit applies only if you book through Amex Travel. What are the T&C if you missed the EI flight. Suggest check the type of ticket - non refundable? degree of flexibility?

 

[Gredgy69]

Thanks all for the input. I think I will play it safe and book the later flight but check T&C's of Amex Travel first.

 

[FlyingFiona]

You may need:

Thread 'UK rolling out Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)'

Oct 17, 2024

The UK Govt (like the rest of Europe) is bringing in an electronic travel authorisation for non-British and Irish citizens, and has confirmed the start date.

"...from 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025."

Application page is here and it costs £10 to apply. Everyone traveling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. Should take up to 3 working days to process...

• aplmac
• Replies: 53
• Forum: Passports, Visas, Immigration & Customs

• 
• 

Surely not in a transit situation though?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Surely not in a transit situation though?

Yes!

An ETA is required even for a transit!

 

[Scarlett]

Here’s how I would play it:
- Schedule arr LHR 0555, which implies SQ322. A look at FR24 shows three recent arrivals 0615-0630 and four others on time or earlier, so let’s plan on 0615.
- Off the aircraft and at immigration by 0630, but what if that has a queue. Again worst case, complete there by 0730.
- Bags collected and out into the terminal by 0800. (With a two month tour of Europe I’m assuming you’ll have bags to check)
- Now you need to check in with EI, but when do they close the check in desks? It looks like 45 minutes before departure at the airport. Aer Lingus
So you can’t have a flight before 0845.
- If you don’t have to change terminals that certainly helps, but do you know exactly where to go for EI check in?

If it was me, even the 0850 is cutting it too fine. I’d then add an extra hour, just in case and would want the next flight after that, say 1000-1100. Worst case is you go for a stroll in the terminal after a lot of sitting and waiting around, or have a cuppa and relax.

Travel with time up the sleeve is much more pleasant than being harried. Or being a no show for the EI flight and having to buy new tickets outright at last minute costs.

 

[Quickstatus]

ine. I’d then add an extra hour

Adding extra time yes but additionally, I also use boarding time for the next sector as my "departure time".

 

[TomVexille]

Also consider the TI implications on a misconnect. Based on my reading of the Amex insurance terms, they won't pay out on a delay of less than 4 hours, so your separate ticket would need to depart after 0955 for insurance cover.