VS to Air France at LHR, T3>T4, can bags be checked through?

Hi, got a complicated itinerary, coming into LHR on VS from NYC, then transferring to Air France for a flight to West Africa (via Paris).

Is there any way to organise our bags being checked right through to final destination? Otherwise we have to go through UK immigration, collect bags at LHR T3, schlep them all across to T4, (Heathrow Express train?) then... check in all over again with Air France! It a family trip of a month, so plenty of suitcases to go around!

Yes they are separate bookings, sadly. I know the AF alliance is not remotely finalised, but does any smart person know of a way to make this happen, or at least ease the pain?!

Thanks

Ps: I think I know the answer to this one, but am clutching at straws! (we have a 4.5hr gap between flights, so that should be enough)

alternatively, is there maybe a concierge service I can pay for that will ease transit for us & suitcases between terminal 3 & 4?

You could ask when you check-in at NYC but there is no guarantee they would be able to do it even if they wanted too.

Otherwise yes it would be the HEX from T3 - 4 (every 15 minutes). Which would be free though you do need a ticket to get through the barriers at either end.

You can also do it via tube (again free if you use contactless) but you take a tube from T2/4 to Hatton Cross then cross the platform to take a T4 one.

You could also try a taxi

I hope you left plenty of time between the two bookings.

Which would be free though you do need a ticket to get through the barriers at either end.

Sorry for going OT, but did they install ticket barriers to get rid of the onboard ticket inspectors? I’ve not used the HEX in over a year as we moved further out of London and had not heard of this change.

yes HEX is now fully ticket gated (since from last May). From what I can gather there is a button on the ticket machine that issues the free transfer.

Will soon be able to use contactless and oyster to Paddington as well (website just says 'winter')

Sorry for going OT, but did they install ticket barriers to get rid of the onboard ticket inspectors? I’ve not used the HEX in over a year as we moved further out of London and had not heard of this change.

Gates were installed for TfL Rail when they took over the Heathrow Connect.
Heathrow Express trains still have on-board staff

From what I can gather there is a button on the ticket machine that issues the free transfer.

There are dedicated transfer ticket machines, or the staff by the gates hand them out. You can still use oyster/contactless for the free transfer too.

You could ask when you check-in at NYC but there is no guarantee they would be able to do it even if they wanted too.

I hope you left plenty of time between the two bookings.

I'll ask, thanks for the tip. Maybe a miracle will happen and the JV Alliance will cemented in the next 2 months!

Did get nervous I hadn't left enough transfer time (3hrs), so shifted us to an earlier flight now we have 4.5hrs. Should be enough. Thanks VS rep on phone last night for bending the rules a wee bit, and helping with that.

Random thought: I am UK citizen and can get through immigration relatively quickly, my partner/wife is US, so much slower. Maybe we could split up and she does the transfer route T3>T4, with no bags, and I go get all the suitcases, and take the long way around...? Or maybe splitting up is a bad idea at a busy airport?!

I'm going to stick my neck out and say it will be more than 2 months for the JV to be approved. I read elsewhere that the EU approval is due relatively soon but the issue is the US DoT which is now at least a month (and growing daily) behind schedule.

Re bags yes that's am option but how many do you have to check-in with AF as you would have to check them in under your own name and pay AF excess bag charges if you went over your limit.

Though she she could come with you in the UK queue to see a Border Force Agent (not the machines) as families are allowed to go through together.

And if you are in Upper she could ask for the fast track immigration voucher (I think they give them to golds of they ask as well) which would be relativly quick.

And if you are in Upper she could ask for the fast track immigration voucher (I think they give them to golds of they ask as well) which would be relativly quick.

Indeed they do give them to Au's (Moi) and partners, which is a real help. I'll be sure to snag one.
The ridiculous bit is we'll only be in the UK, landside, for... an hour?!

Yes lots of bags. My wife is African. She does not travel light...

Yes, they can!

A smart and super helpful check in agent at JFK Upper Desk sorted this out brilliantly. Bags checked all the way through, NYC to LHR on Virgin, then Air France to Paris and on to West Africa. Completely separate tickets/booking, but he linked it all up and our bags went right through. A simple connection T3 to T4 at Heathrow, and we were on our way.

Congratulations to VS for having smart staff who can align the stars.

Excellent news! Thanks for getting back to us