British Airways is extending minimum connection times at Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, impacting your travel plans. To streamline your journey, here’s a quick briefing:
- Longer layovers: Brace yourself for minimum connection times of 75 minutes for long-haul flights and domestic UK flights transferring to international flights, up from 60 minutes. This might disrupt tight schedules.
- Fewer missed connections: The policy aims to minimise disruptions caused by immigration, security, or schedule slips, enhancing travel reliability.
- Alternatives offered: If your trip is affected, British Airways will automatically rebook you on non-compliant connections at no extra cost, minimising inconvenience.
What this means for you:
- Replanning may be necessary: If you have a tight connection under the new policy, consider revising your itinerary to avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Buffer in delays: Factor in the extended layover time when planning your onward connections, especially for crucial meetings or tight schedules.
- Explore alternative airlines: If swift connections are critical, compare options offered by other airlines serving your route.
Remember, prioritising reliability can sometimes come at the cost of speed. Weigh the new connection times against the airline’s commitment to fewer missed flights to determine if British Airways remains your preferred choice.
Additional tips for business travellers:
- Download the British Airways app: Stay updated on gate information and potential delays to make informed decisions.
- Check gate information regularly: Don’t rely solely on flight schedules, as gate changes can occur.
- Pack light: Minimise check-in and baggage claim wait times to improve your agility during connections.
By planning and staying informed, you can navigate the new connection times at Heathrow Airport and ensure your business trips run smoothly.
