Transfer from Heathrow T5 to T1 and back

[Bmused55]

Ok, so I took advantage of the 28K Avios I have with BA and booked myself an EDI-LHR-HAJ flight.

Trouble is, the EDI-LHR flight arrives at T5
While my HLR-HAJ flight departs from T1

How does one transfer and if there are different ways, what is the quickest?

I have about 2 hours between the flights. I'm confident that will be enough.

[cloud_9]

As someone who works at LHR, I can help you with this...

Transferring between terminals is not that difficult as long as you prepare yourself in advance. 2hrs should be enough time to connect, although I am not exactly sure of the recommended minimum connection time between T5 and T1.

Assuming your not checking in any luggage and that you will have checked-in online and printed your boarding passes off prior to travelling, you can get off your EDI-LHR flight in T5 and follow the purple Flight Connections signs, where there is a free inter-terminal bus service to all other terminals. It will deposit you at security in Terminal 1.

If you have got luggage checked-in, but do not get a boarding pass for your onward flight, make sure you have a copy of your reservation handy as you can still use the Flight Connections option but sometimes Security can ask to see proof of your onward travel details.

If you are checking luggage, this should be checked all the way through to your final destination so you wont need to collect it in LHR and re-check it in, however if for whatever reason it is not checked-in to your final destination, then you will need to clear immigration in T5, pick up your luggage and then head for the Heathrow Express train and get off at the next stop for Terminal 1. This is also a free service.

Hope this helps, any further questions, please ask away and I'll try to help.

[Bmused55]

Awesome info, thanks. The inter terminal bus seems simple enough.

I assume the person behind the check-in desk in EDI will tell me whether or not my luggage is checked in for the connection. I'm still undecided about taking anything more than hand luggage. Might not be necessary.

[cloud_9]

Yes, in theory the person behind the check-in desk in EDI should tell you whether or not your luggage is checked-in for the connection (well at least I always make a point of telling customers who I serve that this is the case!), but I would always recommend you check your baggage coupons before you leave the check-in desk just to make doubly sure...as long as it says HAJ on it then it should be transferred automatically. If not, enquire with the check-in agent, plus I would also recommend that you speak to the gate agent once you have arrived in Terminal 1 @ LHR to check to see if they have recieved the baggage from your previous flight because a flight will always leave without bags in order to preserve an airline's punctuality statistics, and if you know in advance that they have not recieved it, then it saves a bit of time as you know to go straight to the Lost Luggage desk rather than stand around waiting for your bag at the carousel.

[Bmused55]

Ah yes, I remember the trick with with stub. On my EDI - LHR - ATL adventure. There was a woman sitting at a computer on the gangway to the ATL flight, I asked her to scan the stub and confirm the bag was onboard which she did.

It's all coming back to me now

[Doors4]

Officially the minimum connection time between T5 and T1 and vice versa is 90 minutes . I've done it a few times recently and it's always been very straightforward and much quicker.

I hope you have a great trip, I've been flying with BA a fair bit recently and I have to say despite sometimes having fairly negative press on this forum I've been very impressed particularly with the staff.