Changing airports between flights

First establish whether you need a road transfer

If both flights use the same airport, ask your airline about its flight-connection process before booking a car. A through-ticket terminal change may use airport transfer arrangements. A journey between two different airports requires a separate plan for leaving one airport and reaching the other.

For separate tickets at Heathrow, the airport advises passengers to pass through immigration, collect checked bags and check in again. Confirm the process with your airline for your itinerary.

Work backwards from the onward flight

Start with your onward airline’s required arrival time and bag-drop deadline. Add time for the road journey, possible congestion, leaving the first terminal and collecting luggage. Landing time does not tell you when you will be ready to meet a driver.

There is no single safe connection time for all airport pairs. Tell the team both flight numbers, dates and terminals before booking a tight connection. A chauffeur booking does not guarantee that an onward flight can be reached.

Give both airports and both terminals

Use the full airport names when requesting a quote. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend are different destinations. Check the terminal on your airline booking and again before travel.

Include your passenger count, checked bags, cabin bags and unusual items. If your group arrives on different flights, give every flight and explain whether you want to travel together.

Agree the pickup and changes in advance

Ask for the collection procedure, included waiting allowance, extra waiting charges and contact details in your confirmation. Let the team know if your flight is diverted, cancelled or moved to a different terminal.

If an inbound delay puts your next flight at risk, contact the onward airline as well as P5. Changing the car pickup cannot change airline check-in or boarding deadlines.

Keep the practical details together

Keep your flight confirmations, car booking and working contact number accessible. Arrange any airport assistance through the airline and discuss vehicle access separately with P5.

Use the airport’s official connection information for the terminal process. Confirm travel-document requirements with your airline and the relevant government guidance before committing to a landside transfer.