spaniel
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
:huh:

Hi everybody

It's many years since I've come through Heathrow, I can't remember how long it's likely to take from plane landing from Hong Kong early morning until I'm in the arrivals hall.

I know it's not an exact science. That is a busy time for arrivals.

Don't want the people coming to collect me get there too early. When I came back from Washington in 2001 the flight had technical problems and was delayed over 4 hours. Technology was not as advanced then, they had checked Teletext the night before, seen it was delayed and then were checking the Internet before they left to collect me, but they lived nearer Heathrow then.

Thanks

Spaniel.

gulliver
(Member)
There are three main factors 1) The stand on which the plane will be parked. Some of them are a twenty minute hike to Immigration 2) The queue at Immigration. If there are a lot of planes arriving at the same time it can take up to another 20 minutes to get through. If you have a passport with a 'chip' in it you can use the DIY machines but ,again, if there is a long queue its still a wait and 3) How long it takes the baggage to get from the plane to the carousel. When I've arrived at Terminal 3 in the morning the quickest time I got through was 25 minutes. There is a very good web site which gives the progress of the flight on www.flightaware.com If you have friends coming to meet you it is excellent for giving the eta of the flight.
spaniel
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Thanks, as I thought how long is a piece of string!

That website is great, it's like watching the information on a plane.

When I get back I will post the time it took me from plane landing. I know I tend to walk at speed to immigration as it good to stretch the legs.

Spaniel

astronomer55
(Member)
Be aware that using the e passport aisle to get through immigration is not always the quickest way to get through. The system is still new and is very slow.
spaniel
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'astronomer55' wrote:

Be aware that using the e passport aisle to get through immigration is not always the quickest way to get through. The system is still new and is very slow.

Thanks, good tip - with me bound to go wrong.:shy:

gulliver
(Member)
Came into Terminal 5 last Friday. All the desks were 'manned' and it was a straight forward zig zag to a desk with no waiting. Lots of people waiting for the e passport mainly due to only three machines and passengers who didn't have a clue how to use them
sjm533
  • (Member)
(Member)
'gulliver' wrote:

Came into Terminal 5 last Friday. All the desks were 'manned' and it was a straight forward zig zag to a desk with no waiting. Lots of people waiting for the e passport mainly due to only three machines and passengers who didn't have a clue how to use them

Hi

That is true of Gatwick North as well. Regular passport check was much faster.

Sylvia

janib
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hello All,

I remember going through JFK and a huge queue for passport control. We had Sarah Harding of Girls Aloud on our flight, we met in the middle of every row. My eldest daughter asked for her autograph just to shut her boyfriend up, Sarah laughed because she could see all the lads drooling.

I will be going through Terminal 3 next month on my way out to Chicago. Shall let you know :)

Jan

spaniel
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Early on Saturday Morning, with all the long haul plans arriving. Less than 25 minutes to get to baggage reclaim.

As other people have commented, it was quicker going through normal passport control.

Spaniel

RosieMo
(Member)
I came through Terminal 3 yesterday morning (7am). From plane landing to getting outside terminal with bag was about half an hour. I used the e passport desk, around 7 gates, all working fine.

RM.

Mick W
(Member)
Arrived back at terminal 3 at 10-30am on friday, through security, short wait for luggage, walk to central bus station, service bus to the Park Inn and was driving out of the car park at 11-20am. So 50 minutes from plane to car park.