With 8hrs between planes at Gatwick, how much time would be needed
for the logistics of a sidetrip; 4? (luggage storage, immigration,
security, train delay, else, else...).

On the other hand, what are the chances BA would let you standby
for an earlier flight out (carryon luggage only)? thanks.

[email protected] (jt) wrote:

    >With 8hrs between planes at Gatwick, how much time would be needed
    >for the logistics of a sidetrip; 4? (luggage storage, immigration,
    >security, train delay, else, else...).

The trai needs 40 minutes, the timetable you can find at
http://www.thameslink.co.uk/

    >On the other hand, what are the chances BA would let you standby
    >for an earlier flight out (carryon luggage only)? thanks.

Whats your destination?

Regards, Rocco

jt wrote:
    > With 8hrs between planes at Gatwick, how much time would be needed
    > for the logistics of a sidetrip; 4? (luggage storage, immigration,
    > security, train delay, else, else...).

In that position I would definitely do it. Only trick is that the train will
set you back a fair chunk of change. You can stow your luggage, hop the
train (35 minutes to town), wander around, have lunch, and head back to the
airport after 4 hours.

    > On the other hand, what are the chances BA would let you standby
    > for an earlier flight out (carryon luggage only)?

Middling, though I certainly wouldn't plan on it.

miguel
--
Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu
Latest photos: Dubai and Vietnam

On 18/04/03 21:24, in article
[email protected], "jt"
wrote:

    > On the other hand, what are the chances BA would let you standby
    > for an earlier flight out (carryon luggage only)?

If the earlier flight is empty and the later flight is full, then the
chances are good.

I have succeeded in doing this every time I've tried with UAL from West
Coast USA to East Coast (I hesitate to book the first flight of the morning
for fear I'll oversleep due to jet lag having arrived the day before from
London, but I usually get there in time anyway).

You should have enough time to take a train from the airport station
to either London or Brighton (30 mins) for a couple of hours,
especially if you and your hold luggage are checked right through and
you already have boarding passes for you onward flight. But all the
likely sources of delay are things that can change unpredictably so
you would have to wing it when you arrive. Likewise the possibility of
getting on to an earlier onward flight.

For info on airport facilities www.baa.co.uk

PJW



On 18 Apr 2003 13:24:05 -0700, [email protected] (jt) wrote:

    >With 8hrs between planes at Gatwick, how much time would be needed
    >for the logistics of a sidetrip; 4? (luggage storage, immigration,
    >security, train delay, else, else...).
    >On the other hand, what are the chances BA would let you standby
    >for an earlier flight out (carryon luggage only)? thanks.

    > With 8hrs between planes at Gatwick, how much time would be needed
    > for the logistics of a sidetrip; 4? (luggage storage, immigration,
    > security, train delay, else, else...).

Piece 'o cake. I'm non-EU and the queue for immigration was about 10
minutes arriving at Gatwick this past week--made it through before the
luggage came off the carousel. The questions at immigration are very
specific and reasonable about how long you'll be staying. There's a very
friendly and helpful help desk that sells rail tickets right in arrivals, so
you can pick up the round-trip ticket there either for the faster Gatwick
Express or the slower and a little cheaper train with stops into Victoria.
We checked luggage at Victoria, and there was about a seven minute line
there at 10am, but no line at 2pm--though it was 5 pounds per bag! I don't
know about left luggage at Gatwick but it might be a better option.

The Gatwick Express return from Victoria runs every 15 minutes. There was
virtually no line or delay yesterday at security (though it was Easter
Sunday).

Heading into London from Gatwick is a walk in the park.