I have to fly home to the UK early and the best and cheapest way is to fly to Heathrow. I need to book a coach but I'm unsure how long it will take to get out of the terminal/customs etc. I understand it's a guessing game with luggage. Thanks

You are correct! A big factor is what other flights have arrived around the same time as, or just before, yours.

Sometimes, an electronic passport will help speed the time it takes. 

I've got 1hr 15m to get to the coach . If I don't make it I have to pay again and wait another 2.5 hours. Prob should look for a alternative flight 

3 minutes ago, harrygrout said:

I've got 1hr 15m to get to the coach . If I don't make it I have to pay again and wait another 2.5 hours. Prob should look for a alternative flight 

1 hr 15 mins is not gonna be enough. coach station is near terminals 1,2 and 3. probably easier/cheaper to look for another coach rather than a different flight

15 minutes ago, striderman said:

1 hr 15 mins is not gonna be enough. coach station is near terminals 1,2 and 3. probably easier/cheaper to look for another coach rather than a different flight

I agree i would suggest booking the 2.5 hour later one. Even that one you wont have a long wait for, certainly not a wait a couple of beers cant kill.

With long haul flights I would guess that a late arrival would be more of a concern that passport control queues. IMO the best option would be to use National Express where you can pay an extra £5 and have a flexible ticket.

http://www.nationalexpress.com/wherewego/airports/index_v1.aspx

 

I’ve met sister & family many times at LHR and generally expect to see them about an hour after the plane lands. Quickest has been 45 Minutes, the longest 110 minutes. 

I wouldn’t book the coach that’s 1 hr 15 minutes after flight time. If you land at T2 it’s only a 10 minute walk but still unlikely to make it. T3 takes a little longer, T4 or T5 you’d need to use a shuttle bus so add another half hour.

You could add on the flexibility to the coach ticket that allows you on the next available coach, but best bet is to book the later coach.

flex is ok only if seat is available, so better  to book the later one mate

I know this isn't particularly helpful,  but I hate that fucking airport.  Its a real lottery, so at least 2 hours I would say, nearer 3 to be safe. Then try in future to go to any other airport but that shit hole.

Thanks for all the replies guys. I thought I would be cutting it fine . Is it only £5 to make the ticket flexible ?

9 minutes ago, harrygrout said:

Thanks for all the replies guys. I thought I would be cutting it fine . Is it only £5 to make the ticket flexible ?

Yes. It’s an Add-on option when you book your ticket online. If the next coach is fully booked though you’re stuffed. It’s only if there’s an empty seat. 

The next coach would be the 10.30pm I'd be pretty sure it wasn't full . Will have a look at this option as it might suit me