Immigration, Dublin,London,Chicago.

jaso

Hi, I'm looking for some help.Next week I am flying from Dublin-London gatwick- London heathrow- Chicago o hare. The lay over times are pretty short. Ranging from 1-2 hours. Has anybody any idea as to where immigration may be??? I'm worried I may not catch the flight from London- Chicago! All very confusing I know! We have our ESTAS, will this make immigration any faster? Thank you for your answers in advance.

who the fug

what is time between gatwick & Heathrow, and how are you transferring

jaso

who the fug wrote: »

what is time between gatwick & Heathrow, and how are you transferring

We have 2 hr, 20 minutes, and we have to provide our own transport so I think we will get a taxi, I'd imagine it would be quickest.

BuffyBot

You'll clear US immigration in Chicago. Pretty convoluted routing to take and if you've to collect/drop off bags etc that's not a huge amount of time between the flights to do that, change airports, drop bags off, clear security etc.

who the fug

can you get a earlier flight to Gatwick?

average time to clear customs after doing a quick google is 30 minutes plus, am not up to date with airports these days but have waited 20 minutes for taxi at Gatwick in the past

Trip adviser are saying 45 minutes by taxi

jaso

BuffyBot wrote: »

You'll clear US immigration in Chicago. Pretty convoluted routing to take and if you've to collect/drop off bags etc that's not a huge amount of time between the flights to do that, change airports, drop bags off, clear security etc.

I had no idea when booking that we had to provide our own transport/ re check in bags. I presumed it was all done for
Us. Iv only just rang the company I booked it with as it asks to ring a few days in advance to confirm flights
And I was informed of all of this just minutes ago. I'm now worried sick that all the
Money we have spent will be wasted on a flight we cannot catch. It's a disgrace. They should tell you this at time of booking.

jaso

who the fug wrote: »

can you get a earlier flight to Gatwick?

average time to clear customs after doing a quick google is 30 minutes plus, am not up to date with airports these days but have waited 20 minutes for taxi at Gatwick in the past

Trip adviser are saying 45 minutes by taxi

Thank you for your reply. O god I'm worried now! The package we booked, well I stupidly presumed that all of this is taken care of because if the high prices we paid! So immigration is in Chicago? At Least not London. I was hoping it was done in Dublin so we could fly as domestic passengers when arriving in Chicago.

Savman

2h 20mins from touchdown to navigate terminals, collect bags and change airports, you don't half like a challenge, OP.

http://goo.gl/maps/FQtM

Why on earth did you choose this routing? If the flight is/was booked on 2 separate itineraries then you should have booked to LHR, obviously.

If BA or someone has routed you this way with a ridiculous airport change under the false economy of a cheap fare, well then all I can say is God Speed!

jaso

Savman wrote: »

2h 20mins from touchdown to navigate terminals, collect bags and change airports, you don't half like a challenge, OP.

http://goo.gl/maps/FQtM

Why on earth did you choose this routing? If the flight is/was booked on 2 separate itineraries then you should have booked to LHR, obviously.

If BA or someone has routed you this way with a ridiculous airport change under the false economy of a cheap fare, well then all I can say is God Speed!

I booked it on last minute. Not separately. For 2 passengers it cost 1700€ so not cheap.

Savman

jaso wrote: »

I had no idea when booking that we had to provide our own transport/ re check in bags. I presumed it was all done for
Us. Iv only just rang the company I booked it with as it asks to ring a few days in advance to confirm flights
And I was informed of all of this just minutes ago. I'm now worried sick that all the
Money we have spent will be wasted on a flight we cannot catch. It's a disgrace. They should tell you this at time of booking.

You, my friend, have been duped. A 2hr connection is tough in Heathrow, even when you are connecting in Heathrow itself. Coming from Gatwick is just insane, it really is.

who the fug

get on ryan air , air fungus for cheap flight that gives you more time, even the day before.

Kip down on the floor at heathrow for the night,

jaso

Savman wrote: »

jaso wrote: »

I had no idea when booking that we had to provide our own transport/ re check in bags. I presumed it was all done for
Us. Iv only just rang the company I booked it with as it asks to ring a few days in advance to confirm flights
And I was informed of all of this just minutes ago. I'm now worried sick that all the
Money we have spent will be wasted on a flight we cannot catch. It's a disgrace. They should tell you this at time of booking.

You, my friend, have been duped. A 2hr connection is tough in Heathrow, even when you are connecting in Heathrow itself. Coming from Gatwick is just insane, it really is.

I'm not a frequent flyer so when I choose this package I really did think it would be fine. That they would know the time needed etc. I'm screwed.

jaso

who the fug wrote: »

get on ryan air , air fungus for cheap flight that gives you more time, even the day before.

Kip down on the floor at heathrow for the night,

I have already paid for the flights. We have tickets and all. But although, it's looking I may have to do this

who the fug

jaso wrote: »

I'm not a frequent flyer so when I choose this package I really did think it would be fine. That they would know the time needed etc. I'm screwed.

No you are not , just need to have a look at some options

Savman

jaso wrote: »

I'm not a frequent flyer so when I choose this package I really did think it would be fine. That they would know the time needed etc. I'm screwed.

You really should have just taken 2mins to Google "Gatwick to Heathrow" - a little reading might have made you think twice before pressing Purchase.

I honestly don't see how you can make this connection, but short of booking another flight into LHR (or coming in the night before as mentioned) then you will be giving yourself a heart attack on the day trying to make the second flight. If the gods are with you, who knows, it's crazy enough to work, but it's a stupid stupid connection and I'm amazed Last Minute offered this up for sale at all knowing the grief that could ensue.

I've an upcoming 1h 55m connection in LHR, not collecting bags, and even that concerns me trying to make T1 to T3 and I won't be pausing for tea along the way.

Sorry to scaremonger, but the fact is Gatwick is nearly an hour away and London's traffic is almost legendary.

Savman

http://www.skyscanner.ie/flights/dub/lond/120716/airfares-from-dublin-to-london-in-july-2012.html

DUB to LHR there for €80 next week, I'm not sure what date you are flying obviously but it's certainly within the realms of possibility to make sure you make the Chicago flight.

I doubt they will cancel your itinerary if you don't show up for your original DUB-LGW flight seeing as you had to check in at LHR anyway.

jaso

Savman wrote: »

jaso wrote: »

I'm not a frequent flyer so when I choose this package I really did think it would be fine. That they would know the time needed etc. I'm screwed.

You really should have just taken 2mins to Google "Gatwick to Heathrow" - a little reading might have made you think twice before pressing Purchase.

I honestly don't see how you can make this connection, but short of booking another flight into LHR (or coming in the night before as mentioned) then you will be giving yourself a heart attack on the day trying to make the second flight. If the gods are with you, who knows, it's crazy enough to work, but it's a stupid stupid connection and I'm amazed Last Minute offered this up for sale at all knowing the grief that could ensue.

I've an upcoming 1h 55m connection in LHR, not collecting bags, and even that concerns me trying to make T1 to T3 and I won't be pausing for tea along the way.

Sorry to scaremonger, but the fact is Gatwick is nearly an hour away and London's traffic is almost legendary.

I appreciate your replying. Had I have known the hassle it has caused I certainly would not have purchased, as I said before, with such a big company, I wrongly presumed that it would all be taken Care of. I don't feel I'm to blame. Its taken a lot of money for this trip
And I will
Be unable to afford another flight so I think I may chance my arm. And run. With your trip, do you clear immigration in the US or Dublin. Thank you for your help.

Savman

jaso wrote: »

I appreciate your replying. Had I have known the hassle it has caused I certainly would not have purchased, as I said before, with such a big company, I wrongly presumed that it would all be taken Care of. I don't feel I'm to blame. Its taken a lot of money for this trip
And I will
Be unable to afford another flight so I think I may chance my arm. And run. With your trip, do you clear immigration in the US or Dublin. Thank you for your help.

I'm clearing in US, only the morning flights from Dublin pre-clear (dead handy, but often comes with a price IMHO).

I don't like connecting through London but sometimes n€€ds dicate

Have you tried changing flights thru Last Minute? Might be a change fee but could be possible.

Savman

If you are making a run for it why not have a transfer arranged to be waiting for you in Gatwick?

jaso

Savman wrote: »

jaso wrote: »

I appreciate your replying. Had I have known the hassle it has caused I certainly would not have purchased, as I said before, with such a big company, I wrongly presumed that it would all be taken Care of. I don't feel I'm to blame. Its taken a lot of money for this trip
And I will
Be unable to afford another flight so I think I may chance my arm. And run. With your trip, do you clear immigration in the US or Dublin. Thank you for your help.

I'm clearing in US, only the morning flights from Dublin pre-clear (dead handy, but often comes with a price IMHO).

I don't like connecting through London but sometimes n€€ds dicate

Have you tried changing flights thru Last Minute? Might be a change fee but could be possible.

Our flight is leaving at 6.40 from Dublin so I would presume we will clear in chicago no? I am now on gatwick airport, bus transfers are available. Avg, 1 hr trip. Wow. I can't beleive this. I'm so angry! >:(

Savman

Forget the bus transfer dude, it's taxi or private hire or you haven't a hope. Taxi cost upwards of £50 I'd imagine, not cheap.

You will clear in Chicago...if you get there!!

jaso

Savman wrote: »

Forget the bus transfer dude, it's taxi or private hire or you haven't a hope. Taxi cost upwards of £50 I'd imagine, not cheap.

You will clear in Chicago...if you get there!!

Ok taxi is it! I'll pre book now. It's all money Thanks for all your help.

Savman

jaso wrote: »

Ok taxi is it! I'll pre book now. It's all money Thanks for all your help.

Nay bother, make sure you report back and let us know how ya got on. Good luck!

jaso

Savman wrote: »

jaso wrote: »

Ok taxi is it! I'll pre book now. It's all money Thanks for all your help.

Nay bother, make sure you report back and let us know how ya got on. Good luck!

Will do!

steve-o

The minimum connect time between the two airports is 3 hours IIRC, so tickets should never be sold with less than that. Double check whether the time you are reading for Heathrow is check in time or departure time.

jaso

steve-o wrote: »

The minimum connect time between the two airports is 3 hours IIRC, so tickets should never be sold with less than that. Double check whether the time you are reading for Heathrow is check in time or departure time.

Thank you for your reply. I am 100% that the times are correct. Arriving in
Gatwick at 8.10a.m, departing heathrow at 10.30a.m. Not rocket science really

zagmund

A few points

- get on to Last Minute & raise a stink. This fare (in my view) should never have been sold due to the very tight connection time available between the airports.
- you say you can't afford to book flights direct, but you're going to be shelling out for a taxi or private transfer between the airports. Seriously weigh up whether you wouldn't be better off with a flight direct to Heathrow. At least that way you don't have to worry about actually connecting between airports.
- *hopefully* you are booked with one airline/grouping - such as American, BA, One World, Star Alliance or one of the larger american airlines - if so, there's no harm in getting on to them directly and giving them (a valid) sob story that the agents sold you a pup and see if they can rebook you onto a slightly more sensible schedule.

To me the worst result is to fly to London, make a mad dash across London in an expensive taxi, get to Heathrow and simply be refused boarding. That is the worst of all.

z

mikemac1

I'm getting stressed just thinking about it

OP, a taxi will cost you £50 or so and you will be hitting the famous London traffic at that hour of the morning


As suggested earlier, can you get a cheap flight the evening before and you can kip in Heathrow that night?
You might get a flight for much the same

steve-o

jaso wrote: »

Thank you for your reply. I am 100% that the times are correct. Arriving in
Gatwick at 8.10a.m, departing heathrow at 10.30a.m. Not rocket science really

Sorry to doubt you, but I can't actually see any flight from Heathrow to Chicago at 10.30am.

Regardless, if you asked Lastminute for a ticket from Dublin to Chicago and they sold you this flight with under 3 hours connection time then they've made a mistake. Phone them and get them to fix it.

Le_Dieux

Sorry to be jumping in and adding to Your woes but who in their right mind would send You on an itinerary like this?

Did they investigate flying from Dublin to Chicago direct? Where You would have cleared immigration here in Dublin & walked off the plane in Chicago as a 'local'. I have never flown to Chicago, but often to Boston, and usually am off a plane luggage collected and on the street in 20 minutes.

Best of luck, because You will need it!

jaso

steve-o wrote: »

jaso wrote: »

Thank you for your reply. I am 100% that the times are correct. Arriving in
Gatwick at 8.10a.m, departing heathrow at 10.30a.m. Not rocket science really

Sorry to doubt you, but I can't actually see any flight from Heathrow to Chicago at 10.30am.

Regardless, if you asked Lastminute for a ticket from Dublin to Chicago and they sold you this flight with under 3 hours connection time then they've made a mistake. Phone them and get them to fix it.

Trust me, the flight is at 10.30. I will forward you the itinery if it will make you believe me. I have rang the company and complaint but they said it's not down to them to provide the transport, and 2hr 20 minutes is enough time. We have booked a Hire car and driver whom said max it will take 45 minutes so fingers crossed. Thank you all for your replies and concerns.

steve-o

jaso wrote: »

I have rang the company and complaint but they said it's not down to them to provide the transport, and 2hr 20 minutes is enough time.

It's not enough time and if it was me I would not accept that. I think they've done something extremely dodgy. I'd phone the airline who are operating the London-Chicago flight and check it with them, but ultimately it's up to you if you want to take the gamble.

zagmund

People on here are just trying to help you avoid a costly mistake and tease out anything that might have been overlooked and which might change things.

The main problem that shows up with your description is that you say you have a flight to Chicago leaving London at 1030, but according to searches that multiple people have done there is no flight leaving London at 1030 for Chicago. That's a pretty big problem with the picture right there.

You don't have to post the itinerary, but the flight numbers would be a start. Also, can you confirm whether you have a single PNR (a 6 digit booking reference like TK83E4) for all the flights, or multiple PNRs for each leg.

z

Savman

I agree, post the Heathrow to Chicago flight number. It's true there is no 10.30am flight, so something is definitely amiss here.

Heathrow Website Timetable wrote:

07:45 10:10 AA99
07:45 10:26 UA929
10:15 12:45 AA87
11:00 13:55 VS39
11:45 14:15 BA295
12:20 15:13 UA949
12:50 15:20 AA47
15:20 18:13 UA959
15:35 17:55 BA297
15:45 18:05 BA297
17:15 20:10 AA91

We need your flight number to determine how much of a pickle you are in, if any

jaso

Savman wrote: »

I agree, post the Heathrow to Chicago flight number. It's true there is no 10.30am flight, so something is definitely amiss here.

Heathrow Website Timetable wrote:

07:45 10:10 AA99
07:45 10:26 UA929
10:15 12:45 AA87
11:00 13:55 VS39
11:45 14:15 BA295
12:20 15:13 UA949
12:50 15:20 AA47
15:20 18:13 UA959
15:35 17:55 BA297
15:45 18:05 BA297
17:15 20:10 AA91

We need your flight number to determine how much of a pickle you are in, if any

I am going to ring united airlines now. I will be straight back.

kop99

You're cutting it too tight, definitely rebook earlier flight. Not worth the risk.

jaso

I'm currently on hold, seems my flight number is corresponding with a 15.20 from heathrow. Just great!

Mena

So where did the 10:30 that caused all the stress come from?

Savman

jaso wrote: »

I'm currently on hold, seems my flight number is corresponding with a 15.20 from heathrow. Just great!

Hmmmm.....are you sure you didn't have brain freeze and read the flight confirmation all arseways? I find it had to believe LastMinute would be allowed to book such a tight connection, 3.20pm sounds right if a bit long....one extreme to the other :eek:

mikemac1

Drama over, problem solved

You have several hours to get from Gatwick to Heathrow

jaso

Savman wrote: »

jaso wrote: »

I'm currently on hold, seems my flight number is corresponding with a 15.20 from heathrow. Just great!

Hmmmm.....are you sure you didn't have brain freeze and read the flight confirmation all arseways? I find it had to believe LastMinute would be allowed to book such a tight connection, 3.20pm sounds right if a bit long....one extreme to the other :eek:

Only the itenery has my card details I would post a picture. It say departure time heathrow, 10.30a.m from terminal 5! So united airlines have told me that yes my flight IS infact at 15.20. Now to last minute again. In so close to not even going in this holiday!

Savman

jaso wrote: »

Only the itenery has my card details I would post a picture. It say departure time heathrow, 10.30a.m from terminal 5! So united airlines have told me that yes my flight IS infact at 15.20. Now to last minute again. In so close to not even going in this holiday!

You can remove card details & personal info from Booking Confirmation easily enough, I think most of us will have a hard time believing without seeing some documented info from the travel agency. Mistakes do happen, but usually on the, er, passenger's end.

I have my doubts!

jaso

Savman wrote: »

jaso wrote: »

Only the itenery has my card details I would post a picture. It say departure time heathrow, 10.30a.m from terminal 5! So united airlines have told me that yes my flight IS infact at 15.20. Now to last minute again. In so close to not even going in this holiday!

You can remove card details & personal info from Booking Confirmation easily enough, I think most of us will have a hard time believing without seeing some documented info from the travel agency. Mistakes do happen, but usually on the, er, passenger's end.

I have my doubts!

Surely if I have had "brain Freeze" last minute would have corrected me when I phone them
Yesterday!

steve-o

jaso wrote: »

It say departure time heathrow, 10.30a.m from terminal 5! So united airlines have told me that yes my flight IS infact at 15.20.

Glad the panic is over. But don't be going near Terminal 5 - that's the British Airways terminal. United go from Terminal 1.

grimm2005

Christ, as someone said earlier, I was getting stressed just reading this thread! Even with the panic over, I think you get pretty ripped off imo OP. you say it was €1700 for 2 people? That's €850 each with an incredibly awkward change over (you should not have to change airports with that price). Last year, I got direct flights to chicago with air lingus for about €790 per person and that was the start of august. Even doing a check there for flights at the same time period its €760 woth 1 stop in a US aiport at this late stage. Would it be that much more expensive in the 3rd/4th week of July?

Having said all that OP, you're going to love Chicago, brilliant city and I must say I'm jelous! I've been 3 times before and if you need any advice as to things to do over there, send me a PM and I can give you a wealth of info!

Good luck!

mikemac1

Go to a Cubs game!

Wrigley Field is world famous