TRAVEL TIPS
We have compiled a list of useful travel tips that help to reduce travel anxiety and stress when travelling abroad from London.
AIRPORTS THAT SERVE LONDON
The following airports serve London: London City Airport, London Heathrow Airport, RAF Northolt, London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, London Luton Airport, Biggin Hill Airport, Farnborough Airport, and London Southend Airport.
TIP: WITH AN APPROXIMATE DISTANCE OF NINE MILES FROM THE CENTRE OF LONDON, LONDON CITY AIRPORT (LCY) IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO CENTRAL LONDON.
JOURNEY DURATION
Journey times between Central London and the airports that serve London can vary considerably, dependent upon the time of day you are travelling, route taken, road closures, rush hour traffic etc. When travelling in rush hour always allow sufficient time to get to the airport. It’s better to be relaxing in the airport lounge rather then stressing in traffic and worrying about potentially missing your flight.
TIP: THIS TABLE CAN BE USED AS A GUIDE FOR APPROXIMATE JOURNEY TIMES (IN MINUTES) FROM CENTRAL LONDON THE AIRPORTS THAT SERVE LONDON AND VICE VERSA.
| AIRPORT | DURATION (MINUTES) |
|---|---|
| LONDON CITY | 45 – 75 |
| HEATHROW | 45 – 90 |
| RAF NORTHOLT | 45 – 90 |
| GATWICK | 90 – 120 |
| STANSTED | 90 – 120 |
| LUTON | 90 – 120 |
| BIGGIN HILL | 90 – 120 |
| FARNBOROUGH | 90 – 140 |
| SOUTHEND | 90 – 140 |
RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC
The time taken for journeys in rush hour can sometimes double, even triple (if there are road closures), therefore it is advisable to allow plenty of time, especially for time sensitive transfers. Rush hour traffic is normally from Monday – Friday, between the hours of 0630 – 0930 heading into Central London and 16:30 – 19:30 heading out of Central London.
TIP: WHEN TRAVELLING IN RUSH HOUR ALWAYS ALLOW AT LEAST 30 TO 45 MINUTES EXTRA FOR YOUR JOURNEY TO AVOID STRESS AND ANXIETY.
AIRPORT CHECK IN TIMES
Airport check in times can vary dependent the destination and the airline operating the flight. Always check with the individual airline what the recommended check in time is prior to travelling. Most Airlines have a fast track service for First Class and Business Class ticket holders and you may be able to check in later and quicker than economy class clients.
TIP: THIS TABLE CAN BE USED AS AN APPROXIMATE GUIDE FOR MOST AIRLINE CHECK IN TIMES.
| FLIGHT TYPE | FLIGHT DURATION | ARRIVE AT LEAST |
|---|---|---|
| DOMESTIC | LESS THAN 1 HOUR | 90 MNUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE |
| SHORT HAUL | UP TO 4 HOURS | 120 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE |
| LONG HAUL | MORE THAN 4 HOURS | 180 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE |
CLEARING SECURITY
If you are carrying only hand luggage have and are in Business Class or First Class, it usually takes approximately thirty minutes to clear airport formalities. For economy class clients it could take up to sixty minutes. If the airport is extremely busy or short staffed than it can take up to two hours to clear airport formalities.
TIP: CARRYING MINIMUM LUGGAGE, NOT WEARING JEWERLY OR METALIC ACCESORRIES WILL HELP TO CLEAR SECURITY MUCH QUICKER.
LUGGAGE DIMENSIONS
Each airline will have clear guidelines for:
1. How much luggage you can carry
2. The maximum weight allowed for each baggage type
3. How much luggage you can check in
4. The maximum dimensions of hand luggage.
Luggage allowance is normally printed clearly on your ticket so remember to stay within the guidelines as excess luggage may not be allowed or be very costly if allowed.
TIP: EACH AIRLINE HAS DIFFERENT WEIGHT LIMITATIONS, DEPENDENT UPON YOUR TICKET CLASS. ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK WITH THE INDIVIDUAL AIRLINE BEFORE TRAVELLING.
SMALL BAGS: Hand Luggage
Max Weight: 10Kg | 1.5 Stones | 22 lb
Max Dimensions: [CM: 50x37x43]
[MM: 500x370x430] [INCHES: 19x14x10]
LARGE BAGS: Checked Luggage
Max Weight: 23Kg | 3.6 Stones | 50 lb
Max Dimensions: [CM: 90x75x43]
[MM: 900x750x430] [INCHES: 35x29x16]
MEETING YOUR CHAUFFEUR
Once you have cleared passport control your chauffeur will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals area with a nameboard ready for the next part of your journey. Upon meeting your chauffeur always ensure he/she confirms your name and your exact destination. Once they have confirmed your details, your chauffeur will then assist you with your luggage, escort you to the vehicle, load your luggage into the boot of the vehicle and whisk you off to your destination in comfort and style.
TIP: IF THE AIRPORT ARRIVALS AREA IS CONGESTED, YOUR CHAUFFEUR WILL ALWAYS INFORM YOU OF THE EXACT LOCATION WHERE THEY ARE STANDING EITHER VIA A PHONE CALL OR SMS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE MOBILE PHONE SWITCHED ON AT ALL TIMES.
PORTABLE POWER BANKS
When travelling abroad portable power banks can be extremely useful. If you are a heavy mobile phone user ensure you have a fully charged power bank with you at all times. Power banks are often equipped with one or more USB ports and can connect to nearly any variety of cable used to charge modern smartphones. Most power banks can typically charge your phone within 90 minutes twice, before they need to be recharged. They cost from as little as £19.99 and will always ensure that your mobile phone never runs out of charge even for long haul journeys.
TIP: IF YOU ARE A HEAVY PHONE USER ALWAYS FULL CHARGE YOUR PORTABLE POWER BANK AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE YOU ARE DUE TO TRAVEL ABROAD.
INFORMATION DESK
If you have arrived in the terminal with a dead mobile phone battery and are unable to make contact with your Chauffeur, make your way to the information desk. You will then be able to ask the person at the counter to make an announcement with your name and destination over the tannoy and request for your Chauffeur to meet you at the airport information desk. Professional Chauffeurs are always aware of their surroundings and upon hearing this announcement will walk towards the information desk and escort you to their vehicle.
TIP: AS SOON AS YOU ARE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CHARGE YOUR MOBILE PHONE AS ALL CHAUFFEURED VEHICLES HAVE MULTIPLE MOBILE PHONE CHARING PORTS.
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