Heathrow to Dover - a few questions

[mickey]

Thanks. I will check into that. I just assumed that because she was "mixing" airlines (BA & VA) that they wouldn't do that. At least I've got plenty of time to find out. That would be a good way to do it.

Many airlines have stopped doing it for anything that isn't bought as a through ticket (even if it's the same airline!) but BA often still does, even if it's on a voluntary basis, and particularly if they're feeling nice - as they are at the moment, pose-strike and everything. It's not guaranteed but it's definitely worth a try. They're unlikely to issue both boarding passes at Newcastle but even the luggage would be a good start - the transfer desk at Heathrow can do the rest and she'd still be able to stay airside. Good luck!

 

[Broken Viking]

Thanks. I will check into that. I just assumed that because she was "mixing" airlines (BA & VA) that they wouldn't do that. At least I've got plenty of time to find out. That would be a good way to do it.

Many airlines have stopped doing it for anything that isn't bought as a through ticket (even if it's the same airline!) but BA often still does, even if it's on a voluntary basis, and particularly if they're feeling nice - as they are at the moment, pose-strike and everything. It's not guaranteed but it's definitely worth a try. They're unlikely to issue both boarding passes at Newcastle but even the luggage would be a good start - the transfer desk at Heathrow can do the rest and she'd still be able to stay airside. Good luck!

I'm only breezing through quickly tonight, but - Just in case thy wife happens to be a smoker - I thought I'd better warn ye that there aren't any airside smoking areas at any British airport, as it's now illegal over here for any kind of indoor smoking areas to be provided. If smoking at an airport, passengers have to go landside and leave the terminal building (Which may not be allowed for transferring passengers) to use one of the designated outside areas!

Now of course, I havn't the first idea as to whether or not thy wife smokes (And if she doesn't, she's far more sensible than I am! ) but I thought I'd throw this bit of info in just in case it applied to any of ye.

 

[ACL]

Thanks Death. She did smoke, but quit about 25 years ago.

 

[yorkie]

An additional question then. My wife will be staying for an additional 10 days to visit with our friends up in the Newcastle area.

I'm not sure on your exact itinerary, but if she was going to Newcastle on your way back from Dover, then you would be at King's Cross / St Pancras anyway as your train from Dover arrives at St Pancras, and all you would do is go down the escalator at St Pancras, cross one road, and you are in King's Cross station, put her on a train to Newcastle, then the rest of you would walk down the stairs to the Piccadilly line and proceed to Heathrow.

 

[ACL]

One more question. I was just looking at an interior shot of a 395 Javelin:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Class_395_MSO_Interior.JPG

I don't see any racks or space for luggage. Am I missing something? Thanks.

(I really like the 1/4 and 3/4 spacing of the doors.)

 

[tony_mac]

I think that's a luggage rack just in front of the far door on the right-hand side.
There is certainly one pair of seats less on that side.

Which ties in with this
http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/395/395p05.html

 

[ACL]

Thanks. That's a really nice looking train.

 

[mickey]

I think that's a luggage rack just in front of the far door on the right-hand side.
There is certainly one pair of seats less on that side.

That is indeed a luggage rack. Commuter trains don't seem to be designed for anyone with luggage nowadays, which causes problems when the trains themselves end up somewhere other than their intended lines, as with the 350/1 Desiros. Luckily it's usually not too difficicult to fit everything in, but most trips would be screwed if anyone in a wheelchair ever actually wanted to use the train - the official parking spot is usually used as a luggage van/cycle rack! (With the guard's encouragement, before anyone points out the rules against it...)

 

[ACL]

One more question, if I may.

I was looking at the Step Free Tube Guide for the London Underground and it shows that the Kings Cross and St. Pancras Station has an elevator. Is this an elevator that we can use instead of having to negotiate escalators with our luggage?

Again, thanks to everyone for all of the help. We arrive in London in two weeks. Everyone is excited.