The 2010 Baltic Thread--Cruise Tips and Planning

[sbell111]

Just got my luggage tags in the mail for 24 JUNE cruise!!! How is everyone getting to the cruise terminal from London...the Disney transfer seems expensive.

We're renting a station wagon at LHR and driving ourselves (£92). We're going to stop at Leeds castle, a grocery store and possibly a couple other places enroute.

 

[CarolAnnC]

We have selected to transfer with a private company from the airport (Heathrow) to our hotel in London, from hotel to Dover cruise terminal, from Dover cruise terminal back to the London hotel. The price is less than the Disney transfer for 3 people, plus it's a private car rather than a bus. The name of the company is Eddie Manning. I got their name from another post on this board. We are arriving 3 days before the cruise, and staying 2 days after in London.

You might have gotten this from me! We are using Eddie Manning (recommended by NancyIL here on the DIS) for Heathrow to London hotel; hotel to Dover and Dover back to Heathrow for a good price too.

Actually DH is flying off to London tomorrow and decided to use them for several trips during his stay this week. He will let us know how it works out, but they sounded very accomodating!

 

[Crissup]

Actually DH is flying off to London tomorrow and decided to use them for several trips during his stay this week. He will let us know how it works out, but they sounded very accomodating!

I'll be using Eddie Manning tomorrow for transport from LHR to Oxford, Tuesday evening from Abingdon to Ealing and then Friday morning from Ealing back to LHR. So, I'll see how the service is. Truthfully, I don't expect any issues. Any established limousine company should generally have this all down pat with no surprises. The fact that Eddie Manning's drivers can't accept a credit card is a minor inconvenience, but it just means we have to be sure to get the credit card info to them in advance.

 

[denise]

I'll be using Eddie Manning tomorrow for transport from LHR to Oxford, Tuesday evening from Abingdon to Ealing and then Friday morning from Ealing back to LHR. So, I'll see how the service is. Truthfully, I don't expect any issues. Any established limousine company should generally have this all down pat with no surprises. The fact that Eddie Manning's drivers can't accept a credit card is a minor inconvenience, but it just means we have to be sure to get the credit card info to them in advance.

Just a FYI
I contact Eddie Manning last night...they have no more available services for my dates of July 18th and July 20th.....

 

[Deb T.]

I'll be using Eddie Manning tomorrow for transport from LHR to Oxford, Tuesday evening from Abingdon to Ealing and then Friday morning from Ealing back to LHR. So, I'll see how the service is. Truthfully, I don't expect any issues. Any established limousine company should generally have this all down pat with no surprises. The fact that Eddie Manning's drivers can't accept a credit card is a minor inconvenience, but it just means we have to be sure to get the credit card info to them in advance.

A question for Crissup and anyone else who has recently flown from Heathrow to the U.S.: What is the current carry-on baggage limit? Specifically, are passengers able to take a roll-aboard suitcase and a tote bag onboard? Thanks, in advance!

 

[Crissup]

A question for Crissup and anyone else who has recently flown from Heathrow to the U.S.: What is the current carry-on baggage limit? Specifically, are passengers able to take a roll-aboard suitcase and a tote bag onboard? Thanks, in advance!

I can answer that next week. I can say that I flew back from India, through Frankfurt, in March using a roll-abaord with no problem. That said, i did make sure it was a 20" case, just in case.

 

[Deb T.]

I can answer that next week. I can say that I flew back from India, through Frankfurt, in March using a roll-abaord with no problem. That said, i did make sure it was a 20" case, just in case.

Thanks! I'm eager to learn what you find out in Heathrow. I've received conflicting information from our airline. One rep told me that travelers to the U.S. were only allowed one small (briefcase or smaller) carry-on per person. Another rep said I could take two carry-ons onboard. Our preference is to take two carry-ons each, so naturally I'm hoping this is truly the case. I might add that we are flying business class in case that makes any difference.

Have a safe trip next week!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Hand Luggage-From Heathrow Airport.

Passengers are requested to be patient while additional security measures are in place, allow extra time for their journey and be prepared for possible delays.

How Many?
Passengers are now permitted to carry more than one item of hand luggage through security. You will, however, need to check with your airline before arrival at the airport. Some airlines will only allow you to carry one item of hand baggage, and the weight and size allowances differ between airlines.

How Much?
Cabin baggage must be no bigger, including wheels, handles and any side pockets, than:

•56 centimetres tall (22 inches)
•45 centimetres wide (17.7 inches)
•25 centimetres deep (10 inches)
Check with your airline as some have further restrictions on the size of bags.

What's Allowed?•All items of luggage which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size must be checked in to be placed in the aircraft hold.
•Musical instruments which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage; they will need to be screened and passengers should check with their airlines if special arrangements (e.g. purchasing an extra seat) for these large instruments will be required.
•Laptops will need to be removed from your bag at Heathrow Airport and screened separately in the trays provided. A laptop bag will be regarded as your one item that is allowed in the cabin.
•Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened.
Liquids
Some liquids (e.g. gels, lotions, pastes, liquid cosmetics, foams and other liquid-based items) are now allowed through airport security check points. The following restrictions apply to the quantity of liquids:

•Liquids may only be carried in containers no greater than 100ml.
•These containers must be brought to the airport contained in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity (approximately 20cm x 20cm). The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag must be sealed.
•Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids. The bag must be presented for examination.
Liquids that can not be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.

Please note 'Liquids' include:

•All drinks, including water, soup, syrups
•Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, lip gloss or lip balms, mascara etc.
•Sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants
•Pastes, including toothpastes
•Gels, including hair and shower gel
•Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
MedicinesEssential medicines are permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit but will be subject to authentication. Exceptions to the 100ml rule may also be made for those carrying baby food and milk, but you may be asked to taste the liquid when you go through security.

Duty Free and Departure Lounge Purchases
You may take on board liquid items of any size that are purchased after the security check in the departure lounge. Most duty free or similar purchases will be given to you in a special sealed bag - do not open this bag until you have reached your final destination. You should also retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey as you may be required to show it at a transfer point.

**Please note restrictions apply to duty free purchases made on return journeys where passengers change flights at an EU airport. These are explained in detail on the Department for Transport's website.

These are the requirements set down by the Department for Transport. Airlines and Airports may have additional measures in place. Passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.

Christmas PresentsWrapped Christmas presents are not exempt from the current aviation security measures, and are subject to searching and screening measures by airport security staff when flying from the UK. It is possible that passengers may be asked to unwrap any presents by security staff at the airport before their journey. Therefore, passengers should travel with any presents unwrapped.

Presents in liquid form (e.g. perfume, toiletries or alcohol) can be carried in cabin baggage but this is subject to the current measures. It would therefore be advisable to place such presents - unwrapped - in hold baggage. Liquids of any amount can still be stored in hold baggage.

Restricted ItemsYou should always check the exact hand luggage restrictions with your airline prior to packing. Widely restricted items include:

Prohibited Items
Scissors Razor blades
Knives with blades of any length Household cutlery
Tweezers Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons)
Tools Catapults/slingshots
Knitting needles Sporting bats
Billiard, snooker or pool cues Darts
Toy or replica guns (metal or plastic)
If items are confiscated at security control, you will not be compensated and, with the exception of unusual circumstances, the confiscated items will not be returned.

Syringes that are needed for diabetics and other medical reasons will only be allowed in hand luggage if you can prove the medical necessity. You may wish to phone the airline in advance to find out what they require as proof of your medical condition.

Banned ItemsIn addition to the restrictions on what is allowed in hand luggage, there are a number of items that must not be taken on board an aircraft, either as hand luggage or in the hold. Do not pack the following anywhere in your carry on or check in luggage:

Prohibited Items
Flammable liquids and solids Oxidisers
Organic peroxides Gas cylinders
Infectious substances Wet car cell batteries
Instruments containing magnets Instruments containing mercury
Magnetrons Fireworks
Non-safety matches, fire lighters, lighter fuel Paints, thinners
Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper Radioactive materials

 

[TDC Nala]

so I should check with the United site about whether I would be allowed to return from Heathrow with a backpack and a duffel bag...planning to pack the duffel inside the checked suitcase on the way out and board only with the backpack.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

so I should check with the United site about whether I would be allowed to return from Heathrow with a backpack and a duffel bag...planning to pack the duffel inside the checked suitcase on the way out and board only with the backpack.

Yes, whilst Heathrow has the above policy each airline can and does have slightly separate rules so the primary information must be sought from your carrier.

I travel many times through Heathrow, and it can be slightly different,- I have taken onboard a bag and a laptop.-But restrictions can also be different to the type of seat booked, ie Upper Class/Business class may have more options.

 

[Deb T.]

so I should check with the United site about whether I would be allowed to return from Heathrow with a backpack and a duffel bag...planning to pack the duffel inside the checked suitcase on the way out and board only with the backpack.

Yes, and please post the answer you get here. We're also flying United and have received conflicting information.

 

[birkner]

Yes, and please post the answer you get here. We're also flying United and have received conflicting information.

Carry-on baggage policies for all United travel from the united.com website:

For worldwide travel on any United flight, you may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. Your carry-on bag...
must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin;
must not be more than 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches* (114 linear cm); and
may be required to travel as checked baggage if the bag cannot be safely stowed on your flight.


The following personal items are not counted toward your one bag and one personal item limit:

Assistive devices (canes, crutches, etc.)
Child safety seats for ticketed children
Infant restraint devices (infant seat with or without stroller, front pouch or back carrier)
Outer garments (coats, hats, etc.)
Reading material (a reasonable amount)
Umbrellas (one per passenger)
Food and beverages to be consumed onboard
Please note that all items must be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. They may not be stowed in the seat back pocket.

 

[TDC Nala]

That's cool because Heathrow's website says

As a very general rule, you can take one size-limited carry-on bag with you when you fly, not including a small laptop bag, backpack, or handbag.

That's as clear as mud...does "not including" mean "in addition to" or not? Of course they say it's "very general" and doesn't mention individual airlines.

 

[Deb T.]

Carry-on baggage policies for all United travel from the united.com website:

For worldwide travel on any United flight, you may carry on one bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. Your carry-on bag...
must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin;
must not be more than 9 x 14 x 22 inches (23 x 35 x 56 cm) or 45 linear inches* (114 linear cm); and
may be required to travel as checked baggage if the bag cannot be safely stowed on your flight.


The following personal items are not counted toward your one bag and one personal item limit:

Assistive devices (canes, crutches, etc.)
Child safety seats for ticketed children
Infant restraint devices (infant seat with or without stroller, front pouch or back carrier)
Outer garments (coats, hats, etc.)
Reading material (a reasonable amount)
Umbrellas (one per passenger)
Food and beverages to be consumed onboard
Please note that all items must be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. They may not be stowed in the seat back pocket.

That's cool because Heathrow's website says:

As a very general rule, you can take one size-limited carry-on bag with you when you fly, not including a small laptop bag, backpack, or handbag.

That's as clear as mud...does "not including" mean "in addition to" or not? Of course they say it's "very general" and doesn't mention individual airlines.

And therein lies my dilemma. What to do, what to do? That's why I am hoping to hear from recent travelers flying out of Heathrow into the U.S.

 

[birkner]

And therein lies my dilemma. What to do, what to do? That's why I am hoping to hear from recent travelers flying out of Heathrow into the U.S.

If you are flying only United, then you just follow the United rules. I guess I don't understand the confusion????

My DH flies United all over the world and we follow those rules aformentioned and never have a problem.

 

[Deb T.]

If you are flying only United, then you just follow the United rules. I guess I don't understand the confusion????

My DH flies United all over the world and we follow those rules aformentioned and never have a problem.

The confusion is that if it is Heathrow's policy to only allow one carry-on (as I've been told by one United reservations representative), then when I get to the security screening I will be allowed only one item through, not two.

All I'm asking is for clarification from a recent traveler out of Heathrow into the U.S. on the number of carry-ons that were allowed. Thank you.

 

[aurorafan65]

The confusion is that if it is Heathrow's policy to only allow one carry-on (as I've been told by one United reservations representative), then when I get to the security screening I will be allowed only one item through, not two.

All I'm asking is for clarification from a recent traveler out of Heathrow into the U.S. on the number of carry-ons that were allowed. Thank you.

if you read Heathrow's it says
1 carry-on not including a purse/laptop bag, which means as a woman I would have my carry-on & purse & I would be OK.

The United one is saying the same thing 1 bag & 1 personal item such as a purse or laptop bag.

I think as long as you stay with 1 suitcase/carry on & 1 purse/backpack/laptop bag you'd be OK. I think you run into trouble if you had a suitcase & purse & laptop bag or shopping bag etc

I'm thinking the United reps are thinking of carry ons as a suitcase & aren't considering a purse a carry on. Unless you specifically asked about a purse & carry on - then of course I'd be wrong

 

[Deb T.]

if you read Heathrow's it says
1 carry-on not including a purse/laptop bag, which means as a woman I would have my carry-on & purse & I would be OK.

The United one is saying the same thing 1 bag & 1 personal item such as a purse or laptop bag.

I think as long as you stay with 1 suitcase/carry on & 1 purse/backpack/laptop bag you'd be OK. I think you run into trouble if you had a suitcase & purse & laptop bag or shopping bag etc

I'm thinking the United reps are thinking of carry ons as a suitcase & aren't considering a purse a carry on. Unless you specifically asked about a purse & carry on - then of course I'd be wrong

Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

That is likely how Heathrow means it (purse or laptop bag plus one carryon) but when they say "one carry-on not including a purse or laptop bag" people are confused as to whether it means the carry-on cannot be a purse or laptop bag, or whether the carry-on can be in addition to the purse or laptop bag. Looks like that is confusing the airlines representatives as well. At least on the return I plan to carry the duffel bag unless they tell me to check it. Because Britain is the country that put rules into effect for awhile (after they found the people planning to smuggle liquid explosives aboard planes) that said NO carryon luggage would be permitted (since rescinded), it makes readers think they've cut it down to one bag per passenger.

 

[Deb T.]

That is likely how Heathrow means it (purse or laptop bag plus one carryon) but when they say "one carry-on not including a purse or laptop bag" people are confused as to whether it means the carry-on cannot be a purse or laptop bag, or whether the carry-on can be in addition to the purse or laptop bag. Looks like that is confusing the airlines representatives as well. At least on the return I plan to carry the duffel bag unless they tell me to check it. Because Britain is the country that put rules into effect for awhile (after they found the people planning to smuggle liquid explosives aboard planes) that said NO carryon luggage would be permitted (since rescinded), it makes readers think they've cut it down to one bag per passenger.

I agree. In the days right after the "shoe bomber" incident, U.S. bound passengers from London weren't even allowed to carry on a book! Rules and regulations are certainly subject to change without notice (just like every Disney disclaimer! ), so I can only hope to be allowed both carry-ons when it comes to my Heathrow departure date.