Experience of V early disembarkation?

[cunardalltheway]

We are hoping to book a morning flight home from Southampton after our cruise, the flight is at 08.50 however!

 

I understand that we can ask pursers for an early disembarkation, but wanted to hear from anyone who has been in this same position.

 

Has anyone managed to successfully disembark very early, get to the airport and make the very early flight? We are worried that although we would make it to the airport in time, either the bag drop or check-in would be closed and as such we'd need to wait on the next flight.......3pm (rather not thanks).

[capnpugwash]

We are hoping to book a morning flight home from Southampton after our cruise, the flight is at 08.50 however!

 

I understand that we can ask pursers for an early disembarkation, but wanted to hear from anyone who has been in this same position.

 

Has anyone managed to successfully disembark very early, get to the airport and make the very early flight? We are worried that although we would make it to the airport in time, either the bag drop or check-in would be closed and as such we'd need to wait on the next flight.......3pm (rather not thanks).

 

I think that your flight is about an hour too early, the earliest that you can get off the ship is between 7 and 7.15am and the airport is 25 minutes away so your timing is tight.

[BigMac1953]

The good cap'n is right as usual. Your timings are just a wee bit too tight.

 

Whilst we've been ashore before 0700 hrs on occasion, we were late once and disembarkation did not start until 0730 hrs.

 

You's definitely be better with a later flight.

[eratog2]

Last weeks disembarkation was very delayed - don't know the reason why, but it was about 8am when it started.

[Whitemarsh]

Last weeks disembarkation was very delayed - don't know the reason why, but it was about 8am when it started.

 

Hi Jean, I hope you had a great time. Are you going to write a review?

[eratog2]

I had a wonderful time thanks - I'll start something and let you know :)

[Mr&MrsHendricks]

MrsH once caught the 0850hrs flight from Southampton to Newcastle. She was off the ship pronto mind, but it is doable. I was left with the luggage.....

 

Where are you heading to? Is getting the train an option?

 

Regards.

 

Mr H.

[pepperrn]

There is great advice above.

I also think your timing is too tight, half hour delay anywhere and you've missed the flight, late arrival of the ship, traffic in Southampton, check-in and security at the airport being what they are. The stress of making it on time could dominate (you are already concerned...) and ruin the last night, or more, of what should be a relaxing holiday.

 

Would you be happy to pay whatever the airline charges for a "turn up and fly" ticket for the 1500 flight if you miss the 0850? (In addition, of course, to what you've already paid for the missed 0850...). How many of you are flying home?

 

Whatever you decide I hope you have a great time on QV.

 

Bon Voyage and good luck!

[cunardalltheway]

Thanks all, perhaps it was a little ambitious.

 

We've decided instead to see a bit of the countryside and get the train home. We'll still be home late afternoon but rather than sitting on our bums at the airport, we'll be travelling. :)

[pepperrn]

Thanks all, perhaps it was a little ambitious. We've decided instead to see a bit of the countryside and get the train home. We'll still be home late afternoon but rather than sitting on our bums at the airport, we'll be travelling. :)

 

I think, on balance, all things considered, you've made the right choice. Be sure to book the train tickets well in advance to get the best deal. You can have a good breakfast (even if early) on the ship and then a five minute or so taxi ride to the station. Anything, even a longer journey home by train, beats waiting for hour after hour in an airport terminal!

 

Have a great time, enjoy QV (there are pictures of her interiors via the link below), very best wishes, Bon Voyage!

[Mr&MrsHendricks]

Where are you heading back to?

 

Regards,

 

Mr H.

[cunardalltheway]

Sunny Scotland Mr&MrsH. Hellish long train journey, but hey ho.

[BigMac1953]

Sunny Scotland Mr&MrsH. Hellish long train journey, but hey ho.

 

Suggestion:

 

Virgin to GLC is only 4.5 hours. There is a train around lunchtime that is always reasonably priced, so you can get a 1st class usually at the right price.

 

This means you will get you meal and afternoon tea provided, plus a free drinks trolley once an hour. It certainly passes the time.

 

Very civilised.

 

Stewart

[bh99mh]

We had this problem as well as we were flying back to Glasgow mid-week and there is no lunch time flight then from Southampton. What we have done on our last few cruises is to self-disembark and book a car from 'Smith's Cars' to take us to Heathrow and we then got the mid-day shuttle to Glasgow, getting us home to our house before the afternoon flight left Southampton.

 

We have always had a beautiful car and a very courteous driver and arrived at Heathrow in plenty of time. As you say it is better than sitting around doing nothing. The cost of the car was £65.

 

Our best one was on the Queen Elizabeth last year when we disembarked at Greenock and were home within the hour!!

[cunardalltheway]

BigMac1953, where does this train leave from?

[BigMac1953]

BigMac1953, where does this train leave from?

 

The fast trains leave from Euston and are 1030, 1130 & 1230 hrs.

 

Expect to pay £90 ea for 1st Class.

 

Try to avoid the ones that involve changes.

 

We've done it many times and even beat Flymaybe afternoon flight.

 

Stewart

[cunardalltheway]

it's a bummer we've already booked the train. we'd wanted to avoid london so hadn't even considered looking.

no harm done though, we've a decent train time with only one change in york.

we'll just remember this option for next time.

 

thanks all