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Hello,
I’m sure I’ve seen some posts discussing this already but I can’t find it and when I use the search function and search for either “connection time” or “connecting time” it only shows 1 result which is of no help.
I’ve just booked a flight with BA from Berlin to Manchester with a connection at Heathrow T5. The Berlin flight lands at T5 and the Manchester flight departs at T5. The connection times is 1hr and 10mins. It’s the last flight back to Manchester of the day too.
If all goes well then I should hopefully make the connecting flight back to Manchester. The question I have, is what happens if I miss the flight back to Manchester? Will I need to pay for a new flight? Will I need to pay for a hotel?
Both flights are on the same booking.
Thank you
PS: I know I can fly direct to Manchester from Berlin, but the timing of those flights don’t work for me unfortunately as I’d probably miss those flights.
If it’s all on one booking BA will move you to another flight. 1 hour 10 mins is tight though, you will have to clear immigration and go through security again on arrival at LHR.
I thought BA had made MCT 90 mins recently?
Not sure about the hotel – they should reimburse you though I always wonder how you prove you didn’t miss the connection because you were just messing about or whatever! (Unless the incoming flight was sufficiently delayed to make it impossible).
It does actually make much more sense to fly direct. We went with easyJet last year and the flight times were very convenient.
BA guidance
https://www.britishairways.com/content/information/airport-information/flight-connections#:~:text=Minimum%20connecting%20times,and%20international%20flights)%3A%2075%20minutes
We recommend that you allow the following times when connecting between terminals:
Within Terminal 3: 75 minutes
Between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5: 90 minutes
Within Terminal 5 (UK domestic and international flights): 75 minutes
You must be at the gate for your onward journey at least 20 minutes before your connecting flight departs to be able to travel.
Please ensure you allow plenty of time to collect your bags, or if you require additional support getting through the airport.European connections are still programmed as 60 mins MCT so it’s “legal”
If you miss it they’ll rebook you to the next available flight. They may offer you a hotel voucher otherwise you can book something and claim it back from them
The LHR connection tool is very useful
Only some BA MCTs were changed not all.
If BA are selling you this with a 70 minute connection time then it is compliant with the rule.
If your BER flight is late and you miss the MAN flight then BA will rebook you onto a flight the next day for free and reimburse you for a hotel.
You will complete UK immigration as part of the connections process which in the evening will be quiet.
Thanks all. Hmmm NorthernLass I did look on Google Flights but the easyJet flight wasn’t showing for me. I’ve checked again and now it is. I might ring BA up in the morning and cancel the London booking and book with easyJet. Saves me worrying about missing my connection. Plus it then gives me the chance of getting a sneaky five guys at Trafford retail park on the way home 😀
You should be able to cancel online for free if within 24 hours (though atm it’s only charging £1 anyway!)
Getting past the queue for the Trafford is part and parcel of going to MAN 😂
Having never connected at LHR, why is it so slow? Transfer at HKG is my benchmark and that takes a few minutes.
Having never connected at LHR, why is it so slow? Transfer at HKG is my benchmark and that takes a few minutes.
Transit security, of which no fast track line. Bus transfers between terminals, of which no fast track line.
@massacio, it’s not so much slow, it’s the processes. So possible transfer to T5 (either from another terminal or remote stand. Queue for passport control (machines might not be working). Separate BP check. Go upstairs and clear security (depends how long queue is, no fast track as noted). Get to departure gate for MAN – this could be any A gate and once for us it was B gates before boarding closes. Even at normal speed this can take over an hour.
Compare this with an outbound trip where you simply disembark in T5 and make straight to the lounge/shops/next gate.
Returning via LHR is just painful and I try and avoid it wherever possible. These days if I want to use avios on a short-haul itinerary I try to book MAN-LHR-XXX on the outbound as there’s no 2nd security check at T5, or to enjoy the T3 lounges, then get an LCC direct back to MAN to avoid all the extra hassle.
LHR-MAN, with its dubious punctuality and chaotic boarding, is likely to be no fun late at night while tired.
If you want to make it, be quick to get your BP scanned – it often runs/boards late and in practice you likely have longer than the schedule suggests because it is seldom on-time – but I think you will still be offboarded at 30min before scheduled departure if your BP hasn’t been scanned at LHR.
It is likely to operate unless weather prevents it, because the aircraft/crew need to be positioned up to MAN for the next morning.
https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ba1404 (or 1402/1400 – check your flight number) to see the history.
Unless redeeming or trying to farm a uk261 claim, I would look to use a LCC and go direct.
No fast-track, but if it’s tight speak to a member of staff and often a “fast-track” will magically appear for you. Especially if it’s a delay beyond your control. I wouldn’t leave so little time personally. Delays tend to build throughout the day, not get less. And LHR is at 99% capacity (at least!)
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