How long is the connection time at Heathrow, connecting from Terminal 3 to Terminal 1?

Question

I will be arriving on a Virgin flight, internationally, of course, connecting to BMI, within the UK. I found this link:

http://www.heathrowairport.com/portal/co...

But, it doesn't show me where I would re-check luggage that has to be taken and re-checked at BMI. Where in this process would I re-check luggage?

Answer 1

If you don't have a whole lot of luggage, rather than dealing with the airside connecting bus, I'd suggest going through customs at T3, then walk through the underground connecting tunnel to T1, and check in and check your baggage there. Assuming your luggage fits on a trolley, you can take the trolley through the tunnel with you.

Answer 2

Airlines have what is called an "interline baggage agreement" which means that you can check your bag in with Virgin and not see it again until you arrive at your final destination with BMI. If you tell Virgin you have a connecting flight with BMI they can check your bags all the way through for you. This means they will transfer your bag for you to BMI in LHR. Most airlines have this interline baggage agreement now, specifically to make international travel more seamless for the passenger. Virgin WILL NOT be able to issue your connection boarding card though, so in LHR (after you pass through passport control but NOT customs with your bag) you'll need to check in with BMI for your connection boarding card. Again you will not have to pick up your bags in LHR. It can take up to two hours to clear passport control and transfer to your connecting airline in London though so you should make sure you have at least that much time between your flights.

Also there is a transit desk in LHR right after you clear through passport control, you may be able to get your connecting boarding card there instead of waiting until you get to terminal 1.

Hope this helps.

Enjoy your journey :)