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Original poster

What time should I arrive at Heathrow if I'm flying at...

13 replies

NewYorkFirstTimer · 09/08/2023 20:49

8.20am next February? To NYC... but I'm staying at an airport hotel the night before with a shuttle bus every 30 minutes. Shuttle takes 15 minutes.

Do I really have to be there at 5.30am? 😩

OP posts:

twilightcafe · 09/08/2023 20:49

Yes, you do.

GrandHighPoohbah · 09/08/2023 20:52

Are you checking baggage? If not then 6.30am is fine. If you're checking baggage then I would say 6am, as baggage drop usually opens two hours before the flight and no earlier, especially so early in the morning.

GrandHighPoohbah · 09/08/2023 20:54

Forgot to add - some airlines do baggage drop the night before for hotel guests so you could ask about that to avoid the queue in the morning.

WaitingForSunnyDays · 09/08/2023 20:56

Definitely worth checking with your airline and airport to see if you can bag drop the night before. Eg, I think Gatwick and BA allow it. Then I'd aim for about 2 hours before the flight.

NewIdeasToday · 09/08/2023 20:58

Bag drop for flights to the USA will open three hours before the flight. I’d get to the airport then as it always takes longer than you expect to get through security etc. and then you have time for breakfast.

lljkk · 09/08/2023 20:59

screw that, I'd stay at one of the hotels within 1 mile & aim for arrival at 6:20am.

Cinai · 09/08/2023 21:00

If I’m staying at the airport hotel near by, I’d aim for 6.15am

BarelyLiterate · 09/08/2023 21:06

No chance. Early February is low season at LHR, and I would be looking to arrive at the terminal by 0630 for an 0820 departure, and still have plenty of time for a coffee & an almond croissant from Pret. I wouldn’t be expecting much queuing time at security, particularly if I was flying from T5.

functionoverform · 09/08/2023 21:12

If you are flying BA, you can drop your bag the night before, and get up slightly later and go straight to security.

Original poster

NewYorkFirstTimer · 09/08/2023 21:16

It's American Airlines

OP posts:

parietal · 09/08/2023 21:44

if I were travelling alone with minimal luggage, 6:20 is ok
if I were travelling with kids / checked bags, then 5:30

lljkk · 09/08/2023 21:57

Airports are boring places.

EmpressSoleil · 09/08/2023 22:03

You have to factor in that for long haul, boarding can start up to an hour before take off. Generally speaking, 2 hours is enough. So 6.20 should be fine. But as others have said, if you’re going to be checking in bags that morning then yes, I would say 5:30. Not worth missing your flight for an extra hour in bed.

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