Last July when we are in Reading, I purchased a flight on British Airways via Expedia. I just sent screenshot of my selected date and time before booking to my husband EJ and we both agreed to book the flight. This trip was work related and were grateful EJ was given approve five days leave so we could travel first time in Italy.
Singapore (SIN) to London Heathrow (LHR) +1 day
London Gatwick (LGW) to Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
October 3, 2017
My sister Gadz and her boyfriend Christopher accompanied me going to Changi Airport. We had snacks at Coffee Bean, and conversation about life. Finally, two hours before boarding I decided to check-in to leave my luggage. The passenger check-in officer instructs me to pick up my luggage and go to London Gatwick. She handed me two boarding passes and assure that six hours was enough time for me to transfer.
It was a surprised task for me. I have prepared our itineraries, I am ready in Italy. I have my notes how to go to Mestre from Venice airport but not the transfers from London Heathrow to London Gatwick Airport.
I have no idea.
I search immediately, write down anything I could used as reference.
London Heathrow and London Gatwick was a separate airport. Gatwick is out to the South. Heathrow goes into Central London. When we arrived in Heathrow last July EJ company book for a cab service.
Traveling solo challenge
Yes, this situation was challenging for me. I’m traveling alone. I thought I booked the same terminal (like EJ) and I just needed to wait for six hours layover. I have a lot of time to kill but no I need to transfer, I need to move. I need to figure it out myself.
Flight duration – 13 hours 35 minutes
I flew from Singapore to London on the economy. This was my first time flying with British Airways. I was able to secure an aisle seat during online check-in (24 hours prior to departure). The onboard experience was good.
Food options, fish or chicken, they don’t have a menu. I choose fish but I didn’t finish it because I’m still full. It is true that when you’re flying, the food is like an event, and the ritual of unwrapping and discovering what’s for dinner is one of the highlights of every holiday. But I’m thinking of my connecting flight and I’m very full, I needed peace of mind.
BA have a few collection of movies to watch. I hope for a better screen. I manage to sleep on my flight. Overall, I had a good experience. It was fine, the greatest blessing was passengers were all safe. I would consider flying again but if there are choices I prefer Emirates and Singapore Airline than British Airways.
Arrived in London Heathrow Airport
I filled up the landing card, passed through UK immigration and collected my luggage. When I saw my Heathrow passport stamp the officer notes “In Transit“.
I was outside Terminal 5 Arrivals area and I saw shops and restaurants. Cafe Nero, WHS Smith, Boots, Three, etc. I remember the UK days, all these familiar signs excite me. But hey, yes, I know, I need to transfer and it’s not London that’s my destination.
I asked for advice which way is a better option for me, the staff from the Heathrow Express train told me better to take the tube. Heathrow express single fare is £25 and then I need to top up my Oyster Card to ride the tube, etc. When I checked the tube the officer told me to take the National Express Coach, the cost is £25 and I don’t need to worry about transfers etc.
I chose the latter.
On the roads, I saw a familiar view. Remembering my first time in the UK, that’s the view. The road. It’s nice to watch planes take off and land. It was early in the morning, it was cold the weather was 12°C and I feel excited.
Gatwick’s South Terminal
I saw a large sign of British Airways here, thank God, I was directed with enough time. The ride was smooth, the bus was big and it was comfortable. I bought snacks from WHS Smith and I ate on the bus.
Since I have my boarding pass ready, I just go directly to Self-Service Bag drop and go. I have my internet connection and I managed to video call my mother at home and she was excited for me as well.
I used my Three sim card and top-up for £15 so I can have internet connection in the UK and anywhere in Europe.
October 4, 2017 – Arrived in Venice
Summary, I arrived in Venice at 3:20 PM, wandering around the terminal on how to go to Mestre station. I bought ticket for 8€ in the machine and waited for the shuttle bus.
It was tiring, I haven’t eaten a decent meal, I was snacking all day but I was still thankful I managed to reach my destination and check-in at Hotel Garibaldi Mestre before 6 PM.
With all the decision making I chose I feel blessed. It was a mission accomplished for me, so next time before booking a flight if there’s connection triple check if it was on the same terminal or not.
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