Marseille - New York with a one-hour layover in London

Hi there, We're leaving next month from Marseille to New York with a layover at London Heathrow. We have a one-hour layover—I was wondering if that’s enough time for the connection. We arrive at Terminal 3 and depart from Terminal 3. Thanks for your replies!

If it’s not the same airline, this seems way too short. And the second airline won’t wait for you. You also risk losing everything. If it’s the same airline, it’s doable, but if your first flight is even slightly delayed, you’ll have to take the next flight to New York. If you haven’t bought the tickets yet, go for a longer layover...

Hi,

Making a connection in the UK now that you have to pay some kind of passport-linked tax—expensive, too—doesn’t seem like the best idea. Plus, I’m not even sure if you don’t have to go through passport control twice... Even in the same terminal, I really hope that’s not the case. On top of that, one hour might be doable—barely—with a single ticket, but with two, forget it. For me, it’s a really bad idea.

Michel

Hi there, Starting April 2nd, an ETA or EVW will be mandatory for Great Britain at a cost of 12 € and valid for 2 years. No need for it if you're just transiting—your luggage must be checked through in Marseille to your final destination, and you won’t leave the transit zone. So, if it’s the same airline and a single ticket, you’re good—even with just one hour, they’ll put you on the next flight if there’s space. If it’s two separate tickets but with partner airlines, no worries either. However, if it’s two separate tickets with non-partner airlines, it’s a no-go. You’d have to collect your luggage in London, exit, and go back up to the departures level to check in again. That’s when you’d need the ETA, but with only one hour, it’s already a lost cause.

I think you even need it for a transit in an airport.

Michel

Hi there,

According to the UK government website, no, you don’t need one if you’re transiting and don’t go through border control. Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK

Heathrow travelers celebrate UK scrapping ETA rule for transit passengers after pushback - View from the Wing

Ok. So this rule was dropped after protests, if I understand correctly.

Michel

Yes, for now the AVE is suspended on a trial basis for transits without leaving the international zone, so we’ll have to keep an eye on this in the coming months.