Airport to Southampton time?

[bearette]

If I did a flight that landed at Heathrow at 11am or 12pm would we have time to make it to Southampton port for a 4:30pm departure?

[Twickenham]

Barely. That is presuming that it's on time and everything goes smoothly, and there's no traffic on the M3.

Personally, for me, I think it better for my blood pressure to avoid that level of stress.

[SteveH2508]

Sharp intake of breath

 

- private car service would possibly do it given no traffic problems (small Brit chuckle here)

 

- public transport - no way.

 

- private helicopter - doable :rolleyes:

 

Allow an hour to get out of Heathrow (assuming you land on time) and you need to check in on the ship at least an hour before sailing time - No chance.

[Globaliser]

If I did a flight that landed at Heathrow at 11am or 12pm would we have time to make it to Southampton port for a 4:30pm departure?

Short answer: No.

 

Not even the private helicopter option works particularly well, unless you have enough clout to organise for the helicopter to start at Heathrow itself, which is difficult. If you have to transfer from Heathrow to the nearest proper helicopter operation, you've lost a lot of time already.

[John Bull]

You mention 11am or noon.

Makes a big difference.

 

You also need to find the latest time you can register/board. This might be as early as 2.30 or as late as 3.30.

 

11am landing & 3.30 cruise check-in should be ok. Noon landing & 2.30 check-in is way too risky.

 

As Steve says, you are likely to clear the arrivals hall 60 mins after landing. But there have been delays at immigration, so up to 90 mins wouldn't surprise.

 

A private transfer (the only viable option) can be done in 75 mins, but allow 90. Unless its a summer saturday, or possibly the friday of a bank holiday, general traffic will not be a problem. If there's a major accident, its in the lap of the gods.

 

So work out the maths based on your flight arrival & the cruise line's latest boarding time.

Also check out the latest flIght arrival for booking ship's transfer coach, it'll give an indication of your chances.

 

If you're not yet committed and there's an earlier flight, or you can fly in a day ahead, take it - you'll sleep more easily between now and your cruise.

The difference in cost between a pair of Nat Express coach tickets & a private transfer will pretty-well cover a hotel room.

 

JB :)

[bearette]

I had two flight options, but have to work before the flight. (a teacher so the last day of school). Usually we get out early but not always. Sounds like I need to plan a different trip since i can't guarantee that we will make it.

[Di Princess]

Call in sick. They can find a substitute.

 

You need an earlier flight, according to all the Smart Brits, above.

 

Please, I pray that this works out for you. Have a great cruise.

[John Bull]

Call in sick. They can find a substitute.

 

 

Hmmm. Kinda what I was thinkin' ;)

Shame on us both :D

 

JB :)

[Di Princess]

JOHN:

I love your humour. Thanks for being so very helpful on all the Brit threads.