We are heading to Greece on 7th July at 05.50 am - not a problem as we have done this for the last few years - stay at Gatwick hotel the previous night.

Here's the problem . . . we get back into LGW at 14.10 (in theory ) it's a Saturday. There is no LGW to Cork on a Saturday and the Sunday flight doesnt leave until 19.10!

We are looking at coming home via LHR - there are 2 flights available - one at 18.15 and one at 22.15 .

Do you think it's possible to get the 18.15 - can you get from Gatwick to Heathrow and collect bags and check in . . .
How do you get from LGW to LHR?
Perhaps I'd better just look at the 22.15 to allow for any (cough) delays
I'm just thinking aloud here . . . any thoughts welcome . . .

I'd love to help but you lost me about half way through.

There is a coach service that runs between the two airports Boss

We arrive into Gatwick at 14.15

Is it too risky to book the 18.15 flight from Heathrow? (allowing for potential delays) . . .

Actually - don't bother DD .. . I'm answering my own question here . . .

Thanks anyway!


DB to the rescue

http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/heathrow_gatwick_transfer.htm

From what I remember Boss, there is no direct train from Gatwick to Heathrow. You'll have to get the Express into Victoria and then switch to the tube to get to Heathrow. I would imagine it would be possible to catch the earlier flight ( 18:15 one) but you wouldn't want to be delayed. The safer bet would be the later flight.
P.S. why are you travelling via London to Greece? Did you book holidays directly and no direct flights available from ireland to Greece??

according to the ad above National Express run the only direct coach run. I have seen the coaches pass me on the way home from Gatwick on the M25

a prebooked taxi maybe another option

I like to go to places less well known - have been to Corfu and Crete and prefer places with a more authentic Greek atmosphere . . you know, where you go to the beach or a restaurant and you hear lots of Greeks rather than Dubs . . .
I also like more traditional style villages rather than big resorts.
It prob started with an island hopping trip between 1st and 2nd yr at Uni . . . loved the traditional style places . . .
It's a bit like the difference between the Aran Islands and Bundoran

We came across Stoupa in the Pelopennese by accident 5 yrs ago. . . it was the last year we would all be going together as Daughter1 was doing ther leaving the following year and we knew she'd want to do her own thing after that. We wanted a villa with a pool, A/C and seaviews for 3 wks, but we left it a bit late and this was one of the few places that came up.

We had an amazing holiday and everyone loved it . . . have been back 3 times, interspersed with a hol in Crete (which was full of ex pats) and Parga last year which was nice too .. . but I don't want to go to Malia or Heronissos . . . .

Was very tempted to go back to Stoupa this year, but decided to be brave
Met a couple on our way back from Parga last year, who highly recommended Molyvos on the island of Lesvos. . . so we thought we'd give it a go . . .But if this doesn't work . . . Stoupa next year

Have you got plans yet? I see you have other smallies to consider too . . .

I also don't like the idea of Falcon or Budget Travel picking up a load of my fellow compatriots and dumping them all in a 'resort' for 2 wks . . . . I like to 'get away from it all' not be in an apartment complex with half of Cork . . .

Going back to tenerife in July. Direct flights from Shannon. They are a god-send. We stay in Peurto Santiago ( Los Gigantes) well away from the concrete jungle of Playa de Las Americas. We are creatures of habit and the kids have all their favourite places on the island so once they are happy etc etc

delboy wrote:

according to the ad above National Express run the only direct coach run. I have seen the coaches pass me on the way home from Gatwick on the M25

a prebooked taxi maybe another option

Thanks DB . . . think I'll just book the Cork to Gatwick now and will look at your options over the weekend . . .

Must try to book the Marriott too . . . left it too late last year

yes I was too later last year for the Marriott. This year our flight is 8am and therefore need to be there booking in at 6am, so hotel is not worth it

Yes . . . when my crew were younger, we were happy when they were happy . . .
I'm surprised how we have got away with the sort of holidays that we have . . .

The boys 14 and 7 were looking to go back to Stoupa this year too .. . there is nothing there . . . but they were happy . .

Might be different this year as Goalie Guy is begining to develop an eye for the ladies . . .

DB - we have had a taxi ordered for 3.15am for the past few years . . . but with smallie guy . . . couldn't manage without it!

We try to settle in, have food and have an early night . .. . . oh and the showers!!!

couple of pics of Stoupa 4th

DB I believe that 'The Butchers' (restaurant) has reopened - they had a fire there about 3 yrs ago . . . it has moved to up the hill behind Pefko apparantly.
Best Spit roast pork and Beetroot salad ever

yes read that too Boss, never eaten there but others get quite excited about him

Athough enjoy Stoupa and Paleochoria looking forward to trying somewhere new this year. I can get my camera out and get another collection of photos

Are they going in the attic too . . .

Going up and down those stairs sure beats the F plan diet . . . according to Shirley Valentine . . .

No its all electronic now Boss, straight on the computer and straight on here

I'm sitting here with a box of old photos by me now

We arrive into Gatwick at 14.15 - allow 30 mins to collect baggage = 14.45

Is it too risky to book the 18.15 flight from Heathrow? + 2 hours check in = 16.15

Therefore, time to get from Gatwick to Heathrow = 90 minutes.
Possible but tight.
I once missed a flight to Italy for Christmas stuck in the tunnel at Heathrow.

That is a big problem too with the M25 any road accident / or rush hour (7am to 10am) and its a no no for getting a plane. Thats why we stay over night if plane takesoff after 9am (allowing 2 hours to book in)

Definitely book the later flight Boss, as you just never know what the NCP Car Park , sorry M25 can get like. Either the Gatwick to Heathrow Coach, or a pre booked taxi as has been mentioned, would be your best bet.

moved this to questions section to get it started

Thank you all for your points of view . . .

And DD for his sums

I think it's a one hour check in for the Cork flight, (it is Cork to LHR but I never leave things tight) but still, I think I'll go for the later one . . . have to think about delays too

If we get some food at Gatwick - (the boys have hollow legs) they like Frankie and Johnny' pizzas and watching the aircraft take off and land - then head for LHR, we'll find something to pass the time . . . once we have more food available, golf magazines, portable DVD, more food, Nintendo 3DS, shops, internet, more food (and a glass of wine for mum!) we'll be ok . . .

theboss wrote:

Thank you all for your points of view . . .

And DD for his sums

I think it's a one hour check in for the Cork flight, (it is Cork to LHR but I never leave things tight) but still, I think I'll go for the later one . . . have to think about delays too

If we get some food at Gatwick - (the boys have hollow legs) they like Frankie and Johnny' pizzas and watching the aircraft take off and land - then head for LHR, we'll find something to pass the time . . . once we have more food available, golf magazines, portable DVD, more food, Nintendo 3DS, shops, internet, more food (and a glass of wine for mum!) we'll be ok . . .

Always putting yourself last Boss, have the wine first.