LHR - IAD

Have UC flight to IAD in a couple if weeks - looking for some input on 'moon buggies' I'm guessing these are transport links to immigration? Any info or tips would be appreciated. Thanks ?|

[mitchja]

Once you get on them, stay as close to the door as possible as it's last on, first off.

They'll try and make you move down the moonmobile, just stay put.

To add a little more information - you deplane and then you are guided onto the buggies which will take you over to the Arrivals area. When you debuggy there is usually a big rush to get down the stairs (If I recall the layout correctly!) and into the immigration line.

The last two times I've been into IAD, the 21 has always arrived just after another couple of flights so be prepared for a wait.

Usually customs is generally a little more straightforward, by the time you get through, the bags are normally off the belt and stacked into a corner. And then its past the customs people - never been held up here.

Bargain on about an hour or so after landing to get through.

^^...following on from Mandy's comments.... yep the place to sit is directly behind the driver on the seats in the middle - if you are standing at the side next to the windows a little fellow comes on and literally pushes people back - each gate can only hold two moon buggies at a time so they are definitely frugal with space.

If you guys beat the AirFrance flight to landing (due in at roughly the same time) then the border can be pretty empty. I was through in under 5 mins last time around, but if you are unfortunate and the french beat you to it, pack a good book. n(

Got back from IAD on Sunday and I'd read about the buggy thing, so we'd be first off. Great tip - even better is that I remembered it!

Immigration was slow, but nowhere near as slow as some reports I've read here - thank goodness!

Aha yes it's a weird one! I flew UC on this route last month and to be honest the UC perks go out of the window as soon as the doors open! You leave the aircraft and then get scuttled into a life which decends into a corridor that changes into a type of bus/train to take you to the immigration area! So chances are if you are first into the train (AS Per UC PAX) you will be last getting off! It's the strangest thing ever - seems to take forever too! hope your pateint...

Thanks all - we have connection flight two hours after arrival and with only carry on bags looks like it will be a 'breeze'