Flights From Cardiff To Heathrow

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-39157615

Much as I would like to see some more jobs here in Wales, just what would be the point of flying to London from Cardiff ?

It only takes about 2 hours city centre to city centre by train and not much more than that by car. Considering the position of both Airports, ie well out of town, and the turning-up-at-the-Airport time required, just why would anyone fly ?

If a connection is needed for onward flights to elsewhere in the world, then good daily connections already exist to Amsterdam.

[mushroom25]

//It only takes about 2 hours city centre to city centre by train and not much more than that by car.//

London to Cardiff is 151 miles. to do that in "not much more" than 2 hours would require an average speed of just over 70mph. which, bearing in mind the first and last 10 miles is not on a motorway, must involve a degree of speeding.

[mikey4444]

Mush...OK, so a little longer by car, but the journey would take much, much longer by plane., and that is my point......it doesn't appear to make any sense to fly.

It takes about 30 mins to get to Rhoose (Cardiff) Airport from the Cardiff city centre. It would be safe to assume that you needed to arrive at least an hour before take off, for all the security checks to be done. Repeat all that for the return journey.

Door to door by train takes 2 hours.

[youngmafbog]

Heathrow to Cardiff is 137.5 miles. The AA reckon 2 hours 15 mins which I think fits within Mickeys claim of about 2 hours.

I agree Mickey, it does not seem like the most wanted route.

[mikey4444]

YMB.........Add all the time that is spent faffing around at Airports, and then getting into the centre of Town from Heathrow, it would seem the train would be the best option available.

Now, an airlink to Cardiff to North Wales makes much more sense !

[youngmafbog]

Yep, IMHO flying should be a last resort. Not exactly the most efficient use of fuel (and as you point out on short journeys; time).

[mikey4444]

Or cost YMB ...... I would hate to think what a return air ticket would cost !

[mushroom25]

//I would hate to think what a return air ticket would cost ! //

today you can fly from Cardiff to London (City) and the cost is around £40 1-way.

[mikey4444]

Thanks Mush....about 2-3 times the cost of the train.

[New Judge]

If you want to go to London tomorrow at 9am Mikey it will cost you £57.10 one way. The cheapest fare tomorrow is £43.10. If you want to do it in four week’s time it will cost you £63.80 return. Knock off a third for using your Railcard and it’s still forty quid.

You can do London City to Cardiff day return for just over £80 by air. But I agree it makes no sense. Even with London City’s 20 minute check in (and you would be foolish to rely on getting to the airport just 20 minutes before your flight) the actual flight still takes an hour and a quarter. There’s simply nothing in it overall timewise between air and rail. In my view London (any airport) to Cardiff is simply not worth the hassle.

[mikey4444]

Glad you agree NJ. This has all the hallmarks of being a political vanity project, with no real need, and don't forget, the plans are for a link with Heathrow, not London City.

Also Cardiff Airport is notoriously lacking in good public transport links, unlike Heathrow.

[Garaman]

I can't see the point either. There is so much wasted time when flying, whereas time on the train can be better used. On top of that a train journey is a lot more relaxing.

[ToraToraTora]

I agree mikey, pointless, It's about an Hour and a quarter on my Kwacker!

[mikey4444]

TTT.....Kwacker ?

Come on now....at least give us a clue !

[Mamyalynne]

Motorbike, Kawasaki

[ToraToraTora]

in motorcycling a Kawasaki is known as a Kwacker.

[mikey4444]

Thanks .... But I still wish you would speak Bettys English !

( how did you know that Mamy ? )

[Mamyalynne]

A lifetime in the motor trade.

[Togo]

Bet you that "assembly members"(good word that) are behind it. They love their perks and exclusive means.

[douglas9401]

It's quite well known in civilised parts, Mikey, you'll get to hear about it when Jones the BSA and Evans the Velocette move into the modern world. :)

[EDDIE51]

I assume the point is that you could check your bags in at Cardiff and not have to worry about them until you got to New York , Sydney or wherever.
No need to travel from a London station to Heathrow just check in at Cardiff and change terminals at Heathrow.