UK Travel Question from US
UK Travel Question from US
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jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

260 months

Monday 14th March 2005
quotequote all
I regularly travel from the US to Central Asia. When my agency puts me through Britain, I must land at Heathrow and continue on from Gatwick. The bus between airports(forgot the line name)is very efficient and affordable. The problem, however, was that my last three trips were hindered by traffic delays due to construction. I tend to believe that perhaps I would have been better off taking another route. Is the construction finished? Are there better means between the two airports? Thanks!

jc8542

234 posts

300 months

Monday 14th March 2005
quotequote all
I am not exactly sure why on earth they would take you to Gatwick, as the majority of US flights go from Heathrow, quick check shows that United, KLM and Northwest all go to New Orleans (presume that is your destination) direct.

As far as the motorway, it is the busiest bit of road in the country and never gets fixed properly, so they just keep on doing it!!!

jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

260 months

Monday 14th March 2005
quotequote all
I should have been more specific. The Central Asian country is Uzbekistan. Most of the airlines (not all) that we are contracted with only fly eastward from Gatwick. I am told by a British Air employee that the UK Govt. has a hand in this to "spread" air traffic around the country in an even way. Either way, thanks for your response!

reardrive

2,237 posts

297 months

Monday 14th March 2005
quotequote all
Currently there are major roadworks due to construction of Heathrow's Terminal 5, and there is a 40mph speed limit.
This work has very recently moved a bit further up the road (to the north) - so it should now be less disruptive to your journey.
There really isn't a viable alternative to the coach.
As has been said, this is a very busy section of road and it only takes one minor incident to bring it to a standstill.

BliarOut

72,863 posts

268 months

Monday 14th March 2005
quotequote all
Seems obvious, but why not fly into Gatwick instead? I know Continental operate out of there.

jc8542

234 posts

300 months

Monday 14th March 2005
quotequote all
Sorry got the airports the wrong way round,

Agree with Blairout,

Northwest,British Airways, Delta, American, United and US airways all fly to New Orleans from Gatwick. I would guess that even if it was clear the bus would be about an hour. There are no other real links between the two, train would require travelling across london on the underground.



>> Edited by jc8542 on Monday 14th March 19:28

jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

260 months

Monday 14th March 2005
quotequote all
BliarOut said:
Seems obvious, but why not fly into Gatwick instead? I know Continental operate out of there.


Thank you all for your interest. Yes, I have been working on alternatives to the contract routes with some success.

On that note, I do enjoy layovers in London(a full English breakfast washed down with a newcastle). On a further note, as British Air is top class, it's cousin British Med. is a bad dream that evolves into a nightmare as it stops in Yerevan each way!